A team of students from The Ohio State University advanced to the semifinals of a national marketing competition hosted by the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) April 9-10 in Jacksonville, Florida.
“Every team participating in the marketing competition does an excellent job of developing a thorough marketing plan, a process that takes most teams the majority of the academic year to complete,” said Kristen Marshall, NAMA Careers Committee Chair. “Those teams that advanced to the semifinals truly did exceptional work on their projects. Each year I am amazed by the talent of these teams. They’re truly an awesome group that we hope will continue in ag marketing as they begin their professional careers.”
The Ohio State University’s team had 8 students involved with this year’s project to market “Superiasta,” a gluten-free, soy-based pasta. The team spent the last several months conducting market research, writing the marketing plan and developing a presentation.
Students decide on a project and develop a plan to successfully bring the product or service to the marketplace. In developing their marketing plan, students follow the same practices and principles used by today’s marketing professionals. Teams submit a written plan summary prior to the competition and then make a formal presentation of their marketing plan to a panel of judges at the competition. The judges’ panel consists of marketing and agribusiness professionals.
Overall, 36 student NAMA chapters participated in the marketing competition. The competition is part of the National Agri-Marketing Association’s annual conference and trade show. More than 350 student members attended the conference.
“The marketing competition is a great learning tool for these students and provides them with some really good practical experience,” said Marshall. “Our congratulations to The Ohio State University for their exceptional work and success at the competition this year.”
