This piece was contributed by Elaine Andrews, Lecturer, Marketing Department within Cameron School of Business
 
The Wilmington community is invited to attend and help judge our competition!
 
The Marketing Department at UNCW’s Cameron School of Business is holding its bi-annual competition on Friday, November 15th from 12:30 - 3:30pm in Congdon Hall at UNCW.  
 
In today’s world, marketing permeates every aspect of our lives – whether at home, at school, where you work, where you play, you see marketing in almost everything you do. For centuries, businesses have leveraged trade shows as a platform to market their products and services. The UNCW Marketing Trade Show Competition, exemplifies this tradition, offering Principles of Marketing students a unique opportunity to present and market their innovative products while competing for your “investment”.
 
This bi-annual event challenges new business students to conceptualize a new or improved product and develop a comprehensive Marketing Plan. Attendees will have the chance to explore these plans and prototypes firsthand, as each group crafts an engaging and informative exhibit designed to captivate potential investors. This is not just a showcase; it’s an invitation to connect with the future leaders from the Cameron School of Business.
 
At the heart of these marketing plans are the foundational principles known as the 4 P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. Students will integrate these elements to present their concepts, detailing their market introduction strategies, promotional plans, distribution channels, and budgeting considerations. The trade show environment serves as a practical arena for students to hone their professional selling skills, with this year’s participants unveiling a range of innovative products—from health and wellness solutions to marine safety devices, beauty supplies, and educational apps tailored for college students.
 
Community members are invited to attend this event free of charge. Upon arrival, guests will sign in and receive a folder containing a brochure that outlines each product’s name and value proposition. Additionally, attendees will be given $3,000 in faux money to ‘invest’ in their favorite products. This interactive element allows investors to place their capital into designated boxes at each exhibit, fostering a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. 
 
At the conclusion of the event, the team that garners the highest investment will be awarded a special prize from the Dean’s office, along with bonus points towards their final grade. This competition not only showcases student ingenuity but also emphasizes the importance of community engagement in nurturing the next generation of marketing professionals.
 
Previous winners include:
 
Game Gum: A gumball with ingredients to help a person get through their day.  One variety had Ginseng, provides help with focus.  Another had creatine and vitamins to help build muscles during a workout and the third choice had electrolytes and ibuprofen to help with hangovers.  A fan favorite!
 
BagBuddy: A box which rolls plastic bags into one small ‘caddy’.  The students made a 3-D model which was a great hit with the investors!
 
Join us in supporting these aspiring entrepreneurs as they take their first steps into the world of marketing!
 
The event will be held Friday, November 15th from 12:30-3:30pm in Congdon Hall at UNCW to participate in this event.  
 
Congdon Hall is located at 4893 Price Drive.  The GPS address for Visitor Lot is 4941 Riegel Road, Wilmington, NC.