Beyond the Pitch: AMA Montana State Kicks Off Annual CED Marketing Week With Plethora of Activities
Workshop, panel, team trivia, sales competition, and a behind-the-scenes tour come together for a week of learning, networking, and hands-on experiences
Bozeman, Mont. – Oct. 6, 2025 – The American Marketing Association (AMA) at Montana State, the 2024-2025 International Chapter of the Year, is hosting its annual CED Marketing Week Oct. 6-10. The five-day event will host professional development opportunities, networking, an Outdoor Industry Marketing Panel, a Perfect Pitch workshop, and an Outbound Sales competition all culminating with a tour of Gallatin Ice.
“CED Marketing Week is all about giving students real experiences—whether that’s pitching, networking, or just learning from people in the industry. It’s a chance to grow and have some fun along the way.” said Calvin Schmidt, VP of Programs for AMA. “We’re grateful to CED for making this week possible. Their support lets us bring in top industry voices and create opportunities that help MSU students get ready to stand out in their careers.”
Events for CED Marketing Week include:
Day 1:
The conference kicks off on Monday, Oct. 6, with the Perfect Pitch Workshop guided by Tara Petre, VP of Customer Success at Simon AI. The Perfect Pitch Workshop will teach participants how to craft and deliver a compelling 90-second pitch, helping them confidently present themselves for any job opportunity.
Day 2:
Join us for Trivia Night on Tuesday, Oct. 7, where teams will put their useless knowledge skills to the test and challenge their peers. This event is a great opportunity to engage with fellow students, think creatively, and enjoy an evening of friendly competition and fun. Winning teams receive prizes.
Day 3:
On Wednesday, Oct. 8 there will be an Outdoor Industry Marketing Panel featuring leaders from top outdoor and adventure brands. The conference hosts a lineup of industry leaders, including Jill Shinn, Senior Brand Marketing Manager for OnXmaps; Marinna Thompson, Manager of The Roundhouse; Jackson Keogh, Managing Director for Big Sky Mountain Products; and Katie Sproles, Communication Manager at the Gallatin Valley Land Trust. This session will give attendees a unique opportunity to ask questions and learn directly from professionals shaping brand campaigns, product strategies, and digital marketing initiatives.
Day 4:
On Thursday, Oct. 9, The annual CED Outbound Sales Competition takes place, where students have 90 seconds to secure an appointment with a sales prospect. Students finishing in first and second place have the option to represent MSU at the Regional AMA Conference hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater taking place Oct. 16-18.
Day 5:
On Friday, Oct. 10, Marketing Week concludes with an exclusive Tour of Gallatin Ice, led by Jeff Moore. Attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship, design, and marketing that go into one of the world’s most iconic guitar brands.
“CED’s continued support of our chapter not only makes Marketing Week possible but also allows business students unique opportunities to participate in professional networking events and competitions. ”
Jack Hays, President of AMA at Montana State
The American Marketing Association at Montana State prepares students for their professional careers through empowering experiences that develop strong networks, personal growth, and ethical leadership with a community-oriented focus. Membership in the AMA at MSU is open to all students of any major. For more information about AMA at Montana State, please visit www.amamontanastate.org
Montana State AMA Contacts:
Ella Kunze
Vice President of Communications, AMA
communications.msu.ama@gmail.com
Dr. Eric Van Steenburg
Faculty Advisor, AMA