By Laura Holmansky

Every year, our chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) participates in AMA Marketing Week, engaging our members, UNH students, and the broader community through a series of events aimed at raising awareness about our organization. While these might seem like typical club activities, they also serve as powerful examples of event marketing. Let’s dive into what event marketing is and explore how our events help boost awareness for AMA. 

What is Event Marketing?

Event marketing is the practice of promoting a product, service, brand, or organization through in-person or virtual events. It involves creating experiences that engage participants, build brand awareness, and foster relationships with target audiences. These events can range from trade shows and conferences to community activities, fundraisers, and promotional pop-ups. 

The primary goal of event marketing is to create memorable, engaging interactions that leave a lasting impression. By doing so, it helps build customer loyalty, drive sales, and enhance brand recognition. Essentially, event marketing connects brands with consumers in a personal, interactive way, making it an essential part of a broader marketing strategy. 

Event Marketing in Action: AMA Marketing Week

Marketing Trivia – Boosting Club Awareness: We kicked off AMA Marketing Week with Marketing Trivia, an event designed to test participants’ knowledge while raising awareness about our AMA chapter. Students formed teams to answer questions about marketing trends, iconic campaigns, and strategies, competing for prizes. It was a fun, engaging way to introduce students to the world of marketing and highlight what AMA offers aspiring marketers. 

Digitas Boston Trip – Learning from Professionals: For those eager to gain industry insight, we hosted an exclusive trip to Digitas Boston, a leading global marketing and technology agency. Attendees toured the agency, met professionals in the field, and learned about cutting-edge marketing strategies directly from experts. This opportunity gave students a first-hand look into what a career in marketing might look like. 

Chick-Fil-A Event – Club Awareness and Fun: Midweek, we combined good food with marketing insights at the Chick-Fil-A Event. One of our alumni, now working at a local Chick-Fil-A, shared the brand’s marketing strategies, offering a unique perspective on how marketing is applied in the fast-food industry. Paired with delicious sandwiches, this event demonstrated how being involved with AMA can connect students with career opportunities. 

Coffee Craving Fundraiser – Energizing our Organizations Future: For coffee lovers, our Coffee Craving Fundraiser was a hit. In collaboration with a local coffee shop, we raised funds for our AMA chapter. Every purchase made with a mention of our fundraiser helped generate proceeds for future events. This event not only supported a local business but also secured funding for our organization to continue hosting exciting and impactful activities. 

Campus Clean up – Giving Back to the Community: Our Campus Clean-Up event demonstrated our commitment to giving back. AMA members gathered to walk around the UNH campus, picking up trash and beautifying the grounds. This hands-on event was our way of contributing to sustainability efforts while fostering pride in our campus community, a place we call home for four years. 

Durham Trick-or-Treat – Engaging the Local Community: We wrapped up AMA Marketing Week by participating in Durham Trick-or-Treat, a fun and festive event that brought local families and community members together. This safe, community-centered Halloween event also promoted local businesses and organizations, allowing us to show our support for the Durham community in a lighthearted way. 

A Week of Impact

AMA Marketing Week is more than a series of events—it’s an opportunity for students to learn, grow, and make a difference. From marketing trivia to community clean-ups, each event exemplifies how AMA fosters professional development while contributing to the broader community. By participating in these events, you can see firsthand how marketing is not just about business—it’s about making a positive impact.