Written by: Charlotte Selmer

The International Collegiate Conference, hosted by the American Marketing Association, took place in Chicago and brought together hundreds of students from across the country for a few days centered around one idea: Level Up.

Whether that meant improving professional skills, expanding networks, or gaining real-world marketing experience, the conference created an environment where students could push themselves beyond the classroom and better understand what a future in marketing could look like.

One of the most exciting parts of the conference was the recognition of student achievements.

While some competitions took place during the event, others, like the MLB case competition sponsored by Deloitte, were completed prior to the conference, with final placements announced in Chicago. This added an extra level of anticipation and excitement, as students gathered to see how their work measured up on a national stage.

In addition to these pre-submitted competitions, students also had the opportunity to compete in live events held during the conference itself.

Events like Perfect Pitch and the Marketplace Simulation took place at the conference, requiring students to think on their feet, collaborate under pressure, and present ideas in real time. These experiences challenged participants to apply their marketing knowledge in a fast-paced, competitive environment, making them a highlight of the ICC experience.

Beyond competitions, students were able to attend a variety of marketing education sessions led by industry professionals.

These sessions covered topics like digital marketing, branding, career development, and emerging trends in the industry. Hearing directly from professionals gave students a clearer understanding of different career paths and what it takes to succeed in them, while also helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

Another major highlight of the conference was the career fair.

This gave students direct access to companies actively looking to recruit young talent. Being able to speak face-to-face with recruiters allowed students to practice networking, learn about internship and job opportunities, and gain insight into what companies are looking for in candidates. For many, it was their first experience in a professional recruiting environment, making it both exciting and incredibly valuable.

In addition to the professional opportunities, the conference also gave students the chance to explore a new city and travel together as a group.

Being in Chicago added to the experience, from trying new restaurants to experiencing the city’s energy and culture. Traveling with peers helped strengthen connections within each chapter, turning the trip into not just a professional experience, but also a memorable one. These shared experiences outside of the conference made the overall trip even more meaningful.

Outside of the structured events, one of the biggest takeaways was the opportunity to connect with other students who share similar interests.

Meeting peers from different schools, backgrounds, and experiences created a strong sense of community within the marketing field. It was inspiring to see the creativity, ambition, and passion that other students brought, encouraging many attendees to think bigger about their own goals.

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Overall, the International Collegiate Conference truly lived up to its “Level Up” theme. It wasn’t just about attending sessions or competing, but about growth. Students left with new skills, fresh perspectives, and a clearer understanding of the opportunities within marketing. Experiences like this go beyond what can be taught in a classroom, offering hands-on learning, real connections, and a glimpse into the future of their careers.