Jax State AMA students earn international recognition at Chicago conference
04/02/2026
Students in the Jacksonville State University American Marketing Association (AMA) chapter are gaining real-world experience, building professional connections, and proving they can compete on an international stage.
Eleven Jax State students traveled to Chicago March 11–15 to compete in the American Marketing Association International Collegiate Conference (ICC), where they earned an honorable mention in the Major League Baseball (MLB)-sponsored Case Competition—finishing 24th out of 110 teams from around the world.
The group—Chloe Peace, Haleigh Chavez, Kenley Lanier, Jayla Grey, Delaney Whiddon, Isaac Brown, Raven James, Alex Raughton, Anastasia Pinkston, Haley Garcia, and Elisabeth Rea—represented Jax State in competitions, workshops, and professional development sessions alongside faculty advisor Dr. Mark Sciuchetti.
Beyond competition, students immersed themselves in hands-on learning and networking opportunities with marketing professionals and peers from across the country, gaining insights they can immediately apply in the classroom and beyond.
Students tested their skills in competitive environments designed to mirror real-world marketing challenges. For many, the experience expanded their perspective and confidence.
“Participating in Design Lab and Marketing Strategy competitions pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me the confidence to apply what I’ve learned in class to real-world challenges,” said Alex Raughton.
The experience reinforced key professional skills that extend beyond the classroom.
“Being confident and genuine is a great marketing skill,” added Isaac Brown.
For others, the conference provided a broader view of the profession and the opportunities ahead.
“ICC helped me get out of the small-town focus I previously had. I got to talk to people from all over the United States and learn how their chapters became successful. The conference also helped me to prosper in my professionalism and develop the skills for quick thinking and communication,” said Anastasia Pinkston.
“ICC has helped me make new connections and learn about the different opportunities there are in marketing. I had a great time attending different workshops and sessions. We were able to learn a lot from different schools and speakers,” said Haley Garcia.
“As a non-marketing major, I really loved attending and participating in the ICC! I truly felt enriched by this conference, and I learned quite a lot about marketing. I can’t wait to apply the information I gained at the conference to our own AMA chapter at Jax State!” said Elisabeth Rea.
Students also emphasized the value of teamwork and collaboration throughout the experience.
“Attending the ICC was beneficial to me in numerous ways. Participating in a competition helped me not only learn more about marketing, but also learn more about how to work collectively and efficiently as a team. The sessions allowed us to expand our knowledge of marketing and what our futures can look like. I am thankful for the opportunity to attend this conference!” said Kenley Lanier.
This marked the Jax State AMA chapter’s first appearance at the international conference—a milestone that sets the stage for continued growth and success. The chapter plans to return next year when the conference moves to New Orleans, with the goal of building on this year’s momentum and bringing home even stronger results.
“It was an incredible week for our students to network, compete, and engage with both peers and industry professionals,” said Dr. Sciuchetti. "What stood out most was how confidently they applied what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world marketing challenges. Experiences like this not only strengthen their professional skills but also expand their perspective on what is possible in the field. I’m proud of how they represented Jax State and excited to build on this momentum when we return next year.”