Innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the driving force behind success in today’s competitive business landscape. On March 1st, 2025, students, professionals, and industry leaders gathered at Talley Student Union for the 7th Annual AMA Regional Conference, an event designed to push the boundaries of creativity, strategy, and innovation.
With a lineup of engaging speakers, exciting competitions, and networking opportunities, this year’s conference truly embodied the theme "Driving Innovation." From hands-on competitions to thought-provoking discussions on marketing and business trends, attendees from across the country walked away with insights that will shape their professional journeys for years to come.
Competitions: Where Strategy Meets Innovation
One of the conference’s biggest highlights was its four dynamic competitions, each testing different aspects of marketing, business strategy, and communication.
Business Case Competition – Sponsored by Brooklyn Pickle
Teams of students faced off in a high-stakes business case challenge, where they tackled real-world problems and presented strategic solutions to industry professionals. This competition pushed participants to think critically, leverage data-driven insights, and articulate their ideas with confidence. The winning teams demonstrated not only strong analytical skills but also the ability to innovate in high-pressure situations.
Marketing Strategy Competition – Sponsored by Sales Factory
Judged by Andrew Kocha, Ryan Shuman, and Michael Johnson this competition tested students’ ability to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that aligned with current industry trends and consumer behaviors. Teams were challenged to develop a strategic marketing plan for SnapEats, a fictional meal solution for college students. Without visual aids, teams had six minutes to present their strategy, focusing on the 4Ps (Product, Price, Place, Promotion) and identifying the optimal target market. Judges evaluated their strategic insights, presentation skills, and ability to defend their decisions in a Q&A session. This competition mirrored real-world marketing challenges, preparing students for high-stakes business scenarios.
Perfect Pitch Competition – Sponsored by Sherwin-Williams
Effective communication is at the heart of any successful marketing campaign. In the Perfect Pitch Competition, students were challenged to deliver compelling, concise, and persuasive pitches under time constraints. Judges looked for confidence, clarity, and storytelling ability—essential skills for any aspiring marketer or business professional.
Sales Competition – Sponsored by Federated Insurance
Sales is more than just persuasion; it’s about understanding customer needs and providing tailored solutions. This competition simulated a real-life sales meeting, where participants engaged in one-on-one role-plays to demonstrate skills in prospecting, objection handling, and closing deals. Industry professionals provided valuable feedback, helping students refine their sales techniques.
Insights from Industry Leaders
The conference’s speaker lineup featured some of the brightest minds in business and marketing, providing attendees with exclusive insights into how innovation is reshaping industries.
Brooks Deaton – NASCAR (VP of Data & Insights)
Brooks Deaton took attendees behind the scenes of NASCAR’s data-driven marketing approach. He highlighted how analytics, customer insights, and digital transformation play a crucial role in shaping fan engagement and driving revenue. NASCAR’s ability to blend tradition with innovation serves as a powerful lesson for businesses looking to adapt to changing consumer behaviors.
Mihali Stavlas – Mellonaid (Founder & CEO)
Mihali Stavlas explored the intersection of branding, storytelling, and digital marketing, providing actionable insights on how businesses can stay ahead by focusing on customer experience and engagement. His presentation encouraged attendees to think beyond traditional marketing tactics and embrace a data-driven, experience-focused approach.
John Bradford & Andrew Hartman – PetScreening (CEO & Chief Growth Officer)
John Bradford and Andrew Hartman shared how PetScreening has disrupted the pet services industry by leveraging customer-centric innovation and technology-driven solutions. Their session emphasized how bold thinking and strategic adaptation can create new market opportunities—even in highly competitive spaces.
Building Career Connections at the Career Fair
Beyond competitions and speaker sessions, the career fair provided students with the chance to connect with potential employers and industry experts. Companies and organizations such as REVGEN, Triangle AMA, and MBA programs were on-site, offering networking opportunities, internship prospects, and career advice. This interactive space allowed students to gain firsthand insights into different career paths and how to stand out in the job market.
Engaging Activities: Trivia & More
In collaboration with Triangle AMA, the conference also featured an interactive trivia session, adding a fun and competitive element to the day. Attendees tested their knowledge of marketing trends, historical campaigns, and industry insights—proving that learning and innovation can be both engaging and entertaining.
Key Takeaways: What We Learned
The 7th Annual AMA Regional Conference was more than just an event—it was a launchpad for the next generation of marketers, business professionals, and entrepreneurs. Here are some of the key takeaways from this year’s experience:
Innovation is Non-Negotiable – Staying ahead in today’s market means continuously embracing change and pushing boundaries.
Data-Driven Decision Making is Key – Whether in sales, marketing, or strategy, leveraging data effectively is a game-changer.
Communication Matters – From pitching to selling to branding, clear and compelling communication is at the heart of success.
Networking is Power – Building strong industry connections can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for AMA?
As we reflect on this year’s incredible event, we’re already looking forward to next year’s conference, where we’ll continue to explore new ways to inspire, educate, and connect future business leaders. Whether you competed, networked, or simply soaked in the insights, we hope this experience has fueled your passion for innovation and professional growth.
Stay connected with us for more updates, and don’t forget to follow AMA for insights, events, and opportunities that can shape your future career. See you next year!
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