"From Billboards to Blogs" features firms' new marketing strategies

Think of the difference between a huge 30 ft. billboard and a small, one-inch ad that pops up next to a blog; the changes in the marketing industry are just as big.

And those changes are what the Second Annual Undergraduate Marketing Conference, hosted by terpAMA and the Smith School Department of Marketing,  will be covering on February 25, with the theme of "From Billboards to Blogs: The Evolution of Marketing Thinking."

"You can really say that it's about the evolution of marketing, specific to how marketing has changed from an impersonal physical practice, to a more personal digital practice," terpAMA Vice President of Marketing Manas Kulkarni said.

 The day-long event will feature speakers, a catered luncheon, judging of a "case competition," as well as a networking reception, all to take place in Van Munching Hall. The day is divided into four breakout sessions where students will be able to attend a speech from one of seven speakers.

This year's speaker include; Steve Hills, president of The Washington Post; Hartley Adkins, president and marketing manager of Clear Channel D.C. and Baltimore; Terrilyn Tourangeau, senior director of customer relationship marketing from Marriott International; Greg Will, category management team leader from Unilever; Daniel Davidson of marketing intelligence from RTC Relationship Marketing; Mark Ferguson officer for corporate partnerships from the American Red Cross; Caroline Blake, manager of college relations for Macy's.

Kulkarni said that he expects each speaker to discuss how the changes in marketing have affected their field.

Students can register for the event until Feb. 21. Registration is open to students of all majors, even those outside the Smith School of Business, the only requirement is that they are undergraduate students at the university.

"Marketing is a tool that isn't exclusive to any particular major, or career field. Down the road, students are going to have to learn how to market themselves, so there's definitely something to be gained for students of any major," Kulkarni said.

For terpAMA members who have joined before February 15, registration is $5, for non-terpAMA members registration is $10. Registration includes a catered lunch, as well as a Robert H. Smith School stamped business card holder, with individualized business cards.