WSOU 89.5 FM Student Producers Attend #Happens Conference

This past spring semester five WSOU 89.5 FM student producers attended the three-day #Happens Conference experience in Las Vegas, Nevada from February 25-27. The annual conference brings together professionals to network and celebrate music and community.

With a central focus on alternative and rock radio, the conference was established in 2017 and has grown into a major annual event in the music industry. It provides attendees with the opportunity to connect with influential leaders in radio programming, label and streaming services, as well as executives and artists all while exploring their passion for the genre.

The student attendees — Cassidy Cauwels, Griffin Rodriguez, Jack Reed, Paige Hunsicker, and Veronica Thompson — are active members of WSOU 89.5 FM team. During the conference, they networked with industry professionals and gained insight from experienced voices who have made a significant impact on radio. The students also attended performances by emerging artists and expanded their understanding of the music development process.

Cassidy Cauwels (‘27), a senior accounting and finance double major and current Music Director, was WSOU’s programming director at the time of the conference. Cauwels reflected on the experience, and a panel featuring two morning show hosts was particularly impactful.

“One of the speakers, host of 105.7 The Point in Saint Louis, said, ‘The average commute time in St. Louis is about 15 minutes meaning that we have only 15 minutes to capture and maintain the audience's attention.’ “As a show host myself, I took this as a sign that it’s necessary to prepare talking points in advance.”

As programming director, Cauwels’ oversees on-air production, trains and schedules DJs and helps curate the station’s music catalog. She noted that the conference provided valuable insight into creating engaging content and strengthening her approach to production.

Paige Hunsicker (‘27), WSOU social media manager and a Visual and Sound Media major within the College of Human Development, Culture and Media, also attended the conference.

“We were the only college station represented at the conference, which felt like an exceptional head start in networking and receiving advice from experienced professionals in the music industry,” Hunsicker said. She added that meeting Jakob Nowell, lead singer of Sublime, was the highlight of the trip.

Jennifer Kajzer, WSOU assistant general manager accompanied the students and underscored the importance of attending industry-focused events.

“It’s an opportunity for students to meet industry professionals and learn how broadcasters operate their stations,” Kajzer said. “Students are exposed to current media trends and meaningful career pathways, allowing them to envision their futures with greater confidence and purpose.”

Kajzer also noted that the conference exemplifies action-based learning by integrating creativity, innovation and professional development in radio.

The conference served as a valuable learning opportunity for the participating students, helping them build both technical and interpersonal skills that will support their academic and professional growth. The students expressed their hope that future WSOU members will have similar opportunities to attend.

An award-winning leader in student-run radio, WSOU 89.5 FM is operated by the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media. The station is nationally recognized for providing early airtime to artists such as Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, and Rage Against the Machine. Student producers have played a central role in its success since its founding in 1948.

Participation in the #Happens Conference continues to support WSOU’s mission of innovation and excellence in student broadcasting. There is much excitement for continued growth of the station, and future opportunities for student managers in the upcoming year.