Marketing Week 2026: September 27 - October 3
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Marketing Week 2026: September 27 - October 3 |
Marketing Week 2026
Business Without Limits: Staying Ahead of the Curve
Marketing Week fosters a sense of support and community among our members by hosting events and speakers that represent all five of our divisions. By curating each event that aligns with key areas of study, we ensure every member leaves with fresh insights and perspectives. Following speaker presentations, we initiate interactive activities designed to encourage members to collaborate with peers to better understand demonstrated material. During marketing week, members connect with students they might not usually engage with. To further encourage participation, we host in-person viewing events with giveaway incentives that brought even more students together. The positive feedback we receive each year, especially comments about members feeling seen, valued, and excited to meet new people, affirms that our approach successfully strengthens our community and creates a more inclusive environment.
Events
This event was a huge contributor to our goal to raise money for THON, the 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance mara-THON that Penn State students take huge pride in. This event served as an opportunity for members to further bond outside of our professional events, all while playing for something bigger than ourselves!
Kickoff Event: THON Pickleball Tournament
Sunday, September 27
Monday, September 28
AI Marketing Challenge: Human vs. AI
In this event, members heard from Canva professional Caitlyn Rourke, who advised us how to take charge in a fast-moving industry frequently dictated by ever-evolving AI.
Following Caitlyn Rourke’s presentation, members put new concepts immediately into practice through a fast-paced, interactive challenge completed with their peers. Groups practice utilizing an AI model (of their choosing) to its fullest potential, being sure to focus on specifics and outcomes. Students were instructed to use no more than three prompts to come up with a singular advertisement targeted to Penn State students. Rather than functioning as a traditional case competition, this activity is designed to teach students practical AI skills that they can immediately apply in internships, classes, and future careers.
Brand Mash Up Activity
The Brand Mashup Event started off strong with speaker Elise Monsanto, a contractor currently working for Duolingo. Following her enlightening presentation, working in small groups, members were given two unique brands and tasked with developing an innovative campaign that combines aspects of each brand. Teams had a limited amount of time to brainstorm ideas, define their target audience, develop a creative concept, and prepare a short presentation.
Tuesday, September 29
Division Meeting #4
We continued our weekly division meetings during Marketing Week. Members met in their respective divisions—Retail, Sales, Consulting & Analytics, Digital Marketing & Advertising, or Sports—and continued working on their real-world projects. Members specifically applied what they learned on Monday and Tuesday to the progress they made!
Wednesday, September 30
Mentor & Mentee Resume Review
In an event designed as a “career lab”, members received advice for their resumes from Smeal professional Tina Rose via a presentation, followed by personal review by upperclassmen. This event doubled as a “speed dating” event, where members participating in our Mentor/Mentee Program grew their connections further by exchanging questions, advice, and leveling up as professionals together!
Thursday, October 1
Cookies Before the Conference
Cookies Before Conference is a casual social gathering an executive board member held the evening before the conference. It gave members a chance to relax, meet new people, and get excited for the weekend ahead in a comfortable, low-pressure environment. The purpose of this event was to emphasize the importance of social and emotional health in addition to academic and professional prowess.
Friday, October 2
PSAMA’s Annual Regional Conference
For the first time ever, our Annual Regional Conference closed out Marketing Week. We heard from an amazing opening speaker, three fantastic keynote speakers, and from each other as we worked on case competitions in breakout rooms.
Saturday, October 3