A team of students from the University of Southern Indiana’s Romain College of Business’ American Marketing Association (AMA) chapter competed at the 2026 International Collegiate Conference, held March 12-14, in Chicago, Illinois. This was the fifth international conference the chapter has participated in since becoming a full member in 2021.
USI’s 10 students–John Bryan, Ricky Doan, Tyler Gater, Tomas Gonzalez, Matt McCormick, Teekay Nalwimba, Daylon Pollard, Jacob Pugh, Christian Smith and Dylan Wolfe–were joined by faculty advisors Dr. Nicolas Jankuhn, Assistant Professor of Marketing, and Aleisha Jones, Instructor in Marketing. The students competed against over 1,800 peers from institutions across the U.S. and Canada.
"I am very proud of our students for putting in many hours to prepare for their competitions. They traveled during spring break, met students from across the country, and represented our College and University very well. Our students stepped up in a big way and gained valuable leadership experience throughout the trip. Immersive learning experiences like these reflect the kind of hands-on opportunities our college works to provide its students,” said Jankuhn. “The entire chapter is also deeply appreciative of the generous financial support from the Romain College of Business, the USI Foundation, the USI Student Government Association, and the USI Provost's Office, which allowed students to have this experience with minimal out-of-pocket cost.”
At this year’s event, one USI student was the recipient of an AMA Foundation Scholarship. Kayla Dahmer, a senior marketing major, received a Diversity Leadership Scholarship, which recognizes underrepresented students who demonstrate leadership in their chapter activities or in other areas of their lives.
"Winning the AMA Diversity Leadership Scholarship meant so much to me because it represents how far I’ve come. It hasn’t been an easy road; balancing school, work, and leadership roles pushed me in ways I didn’t always expect. Receiving this scholarship reminded me that the effort, the growth and the resilience were worth it,” Dahmer said. “It motivates me to keep leading with purpose and to continue creating spaces where people feel welcomed, represented, and valued."
Students competed in a variety of competitions including Perfect Pitch, Sales, Marketing Strategy, Marketplace Simulation, Design Lab and T-shirt Design.
They were grateful for the experience and opportunity to showcase their skills against competitors from across the globe. These events gave them the opportunity to use the knowledge they have learned in their marketing classes in real-world scenarios.
“I met so many people and made real connections that will help me grow. It was so unique to meet people from all over the world in one place who were as passionate about marketing as I am,” said Dylan Wolfe.
Matt McCormick added, “This week allowed me to be around likeminded people who want success just as I do, and I would encourage all business students to become involved to experience events such as these. It was truly a week I will never forget!”
While at the conference, students also got to participate in fun activities such as a social scramble and T-Shirt exchanged while McCormick represented USI AMA on stage at the AMA Parade of Chapters. Students also attended a career fair and the award speaker presentations by Sean Greenwood, Grand Poobah of Public Relations at Ben & Jerry’s, and Jade Walters, founder of The Ninth Semester, who spoke about creating your own career path out of college.
Students also had the opportunity to experience tourist activities while in Chicago including visiting The Bean at Millenium Park and watching the Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day. They also experienced the local cuisine including deep-dish pizza, a Chicago staple. They continued the tradition of meeting with the fellow AMA chapter from Emporia State University for dinner, this year eating at Haidilao HotPot.
Overall, the students were incredibly grateful to experience everything this year’s conference trip brought to the table. From networking to gaining new friendships, it was safe to say this was a successful journey for USI’s AMA students.
"AMA ICC allowed me to practice hands-on business challenges, learn about modern marketing practices, and make connections that will last a lifetime,” said Jacob Pugh. “I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to attend and absolutely look forward to next year’s conference.”
View a gallery of photos from the competition here.