Beth Fossen, Indiana University
Meng-Hsien (Jenny) Lin, California State University, Monterey Bay

The Advertising, Promotion and IMC Track welcomes research on any aspect related to the promotions element of the marketing mix. This may include, but is not limited to, the design and effects of communication strategies, innovative communications, inclusive and accessible communication strategies, and/or socially responsible communications. Any innovative and rigorous methodological approach is welcome.

Manpreet Gill, University of South Carolina
Madhu Viswanathan, Indian School of Business

The B2B and Relationship Marketing Track seeks original submissions on work that recasts traditional areas like B2B dyads, sales, customer experience, interfirm relationships and governance to the changing dynamics facing B2B firms today. Keeping the conference theme in mind, we invite manuscripts and special sessions on diverse topics and methodological approaches. Some suggestive topics for this track are provided below:
• Digital, ML and/or AI in B2B markets (managing and/or engaging customers and value chains)
• Sustainability and Marketing agility in B2B markets
• Customer analytics, engagement and value in B2B
• Governance, interfirm relationships and competition in a digital world
• B2B and relationship marketing in the post pandemic period

Vamsi Kanuri, University of Notre Dame
Koray Cosguner, Indiana University

The Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning Insights track is designed for academics and practitioners interested in the latest developments, trends, and insights in the fields of big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. This track covers a wide range of topics related to data analysis, predictive modeling, natural language processing, computer vision, computing and other AI/ML applications.

Topics of interest for this track include, but are not limited to:

• Ethics and social impact of AI/ML
• Data mining and knowledge discovery
• Big data analytics and visualization
• Solutions to manage, store, and analyze big data
• Solutions to parallel process big data
• Natural language processing and text mining
• Image, audio, and video analysis
• AI-powered analytics and recommender systems to improve marketing outcomes
• Deep learning and neural networks
• Reinforcement, unsupervised, transfer, and Bayesian learning
• Cloud computing and distributed computing
• Data privacy and security

Participants in this track will have the opportunity to present their research findings, share their practical experiences, and network with other academics with shared interests. We welcome submissions of original research papers and posters related to the topics of this track.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and seeing you at the conference!

Gina E. Slejko, Colorado State University
Meng Zhu, John Hopkins University
Alixandra Barasch, University of Colorado, Boulder

This track showcases the latest and greatest consumer research from a variety of perspectives and approaches.

Akon Ekpo, Loyola University Chicago
Cristina Galalae, University of Leicester

Consumer Culture Theory (CCT) research has always had inherent links to the understanding of consumer well-being (CWB). With its focus on the dynamic relationships between consumer actions, marketplace systems, and cultural meanings, CCT has provided insight into consumption and consumers — particularly, the implications of such relationships on consumer quality of life. The link between CCT and CWB has illuminated the contextual, symbolic, and experiential aspects of what it means to be a consumer; unlocking novel theories through interpretive, critical, emancipatory, and transformative frameworks.

We seek to further honor this dialog by seeking research that expands the horizons of theory and context to understand consumption culture in all its manifestations, and unlocking new supports for the well-being of consumers, societies, and communities around the globe.
We welcome original submissions of papers and posters that utilize qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies, as well as conceptual and review papers that build upon previous research and unlock innovative perspectives on the fields of Consumer Culture Theory and Consumer Well-Being.

Mantian (Mandy) Hu, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Colin Campbell, University of San Diego

The Digital and Social Media Marketing Track invites paper that builds novel understanding of online and social marketing, regardless of methodology. We are especially interested in papers that explore emerging phenomena such as AI and machine-learning based marketing, blockchain based social media platforms, social commerce such as live shopping, influencer marketing, and creative effectiveness.

Ahmet Kirca, Michigan State University
Annie Cui, West Virginia University

Echoing the conference theme of “unlocking our potentials,” this track invites papers that address all issues and activities relevant to international marketing that broadens our horizon and makes a global impact. Topics addressing international marketing strategy or its individual elements, cross-cultural/national aspects of marketing or buyer behavior, global branding, and international marketing in the post-pandemic world are particularly welcome. Other topics of interest include AI-technology and its application in international marketing, global retailing, counterfeiting and its influence on global brands, global supply chain challenges, brand activism in the global marketplace, and innovation in emerging markets. Both conceptual and empirical works, as well as qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research approaches are welcome.

• Brand origin/ Country-of-origin
• Culture
• Emerging markets
• Exporting, global distribution
• Global branding
• Global consumer culture
• International advertising
• International pricing
• International digital marketing
• International services
• International relationship marketing
• Technology and international marketing

Hui (Sophia) Feng, Iowa State University
Amalesh Sharma, Texas A&M University

The Marketing Strategy track invites papers that generate strategic insights into how marketing (in terms of strategies, practices, tactics, investments, assets, human capital, etc.) enables organizations to consider a 360-degree overview of organizational actions that create value, allow interaction across multiple stakeholders, ensure excellent customer services, and enhance societal contributions. Consistent with the conference theme, we encourage submissions that examine marketing strategy that can unlock a firm’s potential to create values across various stakeholders, considering changes in the global economy and uncertainty around implementing conventional strategies. In addition, we welcome conceptual and empirical submissions with diverse approaches that offer new perspectives and insights into the marketing strategy. Special consideration will be given to research that touches on issues related to societal impact of marketing, sustainability and responsible strategies, innovations in services catering to low income and resource poor organizations, impact of technology and innovation on the buyer’s journey, or customer engagement.

SP Raj, Syracuse University
Gerard Athaide, Loyola University Maryland

This track welcomes papers centered on all aspects of product and brand management. Given the emphasis of the conference on “unlocking our potential,” special consideration will be given to papers that develop new conceptual frameworks or utilize novel methodological approaches to extend current understanding on any aspect of product and brand management (e.g., product development, brand building, brand communication). Of particular import in today’s “digital economy” is the role of newer digital technologies in creating differentiation opportunities related to product and brand management. These technologies can facilitate product innovation (e.g., crowdsourcing ideas online) and foster brand engagement (e.g., digital media). Further, technology enabled product and brand strategies have played a key role in helping firms unlock value in emerging economies and are also very relevant.

Aditya Gupta, Texas State University
Ashley Goreczny, Iowa State University
Carlos Bauer, University of Alabama

The Sales Management and Organizational Frontline Research track focuses on boundary spanners at the point-of-contact between an organization and its customers that promote, facilitate, or enable value creation and exchange. Interactions at the boundary interface are often mediated by salespeople or other frontline employees, and technology (or a combination of those). The track welcomes research on any aspects of sales, sales management, services, and frontline search, including strategy, incentive and compensation, sales leadership, sales operations, personal selling, sales force motivation and effectiveness, buyer-seller relationships, technology, etc. covering B2C, B2B, and B2G relationships. All sales and frontline research topics and methodologies are welcomed. Additionally, research that follows the conference theme of “unlocking our potential” is particularly encouraged.

Some potential topic areas follow.

Unlocking the potential of…

• The use of technology and AI (social media, CRM, sales enablement, etc.).
• Sales enablement and the role of sales technologies.
• Relationship marketing/relational selling.
• Sales manager leadership (behaviors, styles, mentoring, etc.).
• Salesforce organization/structure.
• Salesperson motivation (including compensation, supervisors’ behaviors, etc.).
• Intra-organizational relationships and functional interfaces at the intra-organizational level (e.g., sales-service interface, sales-marketing interface, frontline interactions)
• Methodological advances in sales force, and frontline research.
• Psychological issues in selling, sales management, and frontline interactions.
• Issues at the intersection of frontline interactions.
• Impact of technological advances on frontline interactions.
• Ethical issues in sales.
• Incentive and compensation design.
• Salespersons’ health and wealth being.

Chen Zhou, University of South Carolina
Huanhuan Shi, Texas A&M University

The Services, Retailing, and Sports track welcomes academics and practitioners interested in the developments, trends, and latest insights in the fields of services, retailing, sports and/or their intersections. This track covers a wide range of topics related to these areas. Topics of interest for this track include, but are not limited to:

• Emerging challenges and opportunities in services management, retailing, and sports management.
• Challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in services, retailing, and sports.
• Innovations in services, retailing, or sports to better understand customers’ needs, preferences, and behaviors, and to better satisfy customers.
• The use of artificial intelligence, chatbots, and other digital technologies to enhance customer experience and customer engagement
• Services design, co-creation, and innovation
• Evolution of service ecosystem
• Personalized and/or interactive shopping experience
• Integration of multiple channels and omnichannel selling
• Applications of new technologies including mobile payments, livestreaming, augmented reality, and other technologies in services, retailing, or sports.
• Sports fan engagement and the emergence of electronic sports

Participants in this track will have the opportunity to present their research findings, share their practical experiences, and network with other academics and practitioners with shared interests. We welcome submissions of original research papers, proposals, and posters related to the theme of this track.

Gergana Nenkov, Boston College
Lez Trujillo-Torres, University of Illinois, Chicago
Justin Huang, University of Michigan

With environmental and social issues becoming an increasing priority among consumers, managers, regulators, and investors, implementing business practices that promote sustainability and social justice is not only a moral imperative, but also a strategic necessity for firms.
This track invites research on how firms’ environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives impact and are impacted by firm stakeholders including consumers, employees, investors, and society at large. Potential topics include, but are not limited to: regulation, sustainable development; circular economy, green consumption, promotion of positive business practices in developing economies, impacts of ESG policy changes such as carbon taxes or reporting requirements, degrowth, algorithmic bias in firm decision making, impact of social, racial, and environmental justice on society, education, health, and economic development.
We welcome research using a wide range of methods and techniques from a variety of fields.

Submission Template – Competitive Papers

Manuscripts addressing substantive or theoretical topics are sought for competitive paper sessions.

It is mandatory that at least one author of all accepted papers register for, and present the paper at, the conference. Submission of the same (or substantially overlapping) manuscript(s) to multiple themes is not permitted. As a reminder, papers are reviewed following a double-anonymized process; reviewers will not know who authored the papers, nor will authors know the names of their reviewers.

Format and Style for Competitive Papers:

Prepare and submit electronic documents in PDF format.  Please include 1) Title, 2) Extended Abstract (175 word limit), 3) Key Contributions to academe and practitioners (300 words) 4) Main text (up to 3,600 words), 5) Table or Figure (optional) and 6) Selected references. Authors have the option of including one table summarizing results and/or one figure (these do not count against the word limit). References also do not count against the word limit.

[Please note that submissions with text longer than 4,100 words will not be reviewed].

To assure an anonymous review, authors must avoid revealing their identities in the body or reference section of the paper. Authors should do the following:

• Do not save the file with author-identifying information in the file name.
• Do not include a front page with author-identifying information.
• Remove the author identifying information from the document’s file properties.

Confirmation that your paper was submitted successfully will be sent via email to the submitter.

Authors of accepted competitive papers have the option of publishing either an extended abstract or a full paper in the conference proceedings. Choosing to publish an Extended Abstract gives authors the option to submit the paper elsewhere for publication after the conference.

Submission Template – Poster Presentation

Poster sessions provide an opportunity to share research in the working stage, i.e., with at least part of the data having been collected and analyzed, but not necessarily ready for submission to a journal. They are presented as part of poster sessions. Poster sessions can be particularly useful for getting input at intermediate stages of a research project. All poster abstract submissions must be directed to only one track.

By submitting a poster abstract, the author affirms that he/she will register for and appear at the conference to participate in the poster session.

Format and Submission Process for Posters:

Prepare and submit electronic documents in PDF format. Please include 1) Title, 2) Key Contributions to academe and practitioners (300 words), 3) Extended Abstract (1,000 word limit), 4) Table or Figure (optional) and 5) Selected references. Authors have the option of including one table summarizing results and/or one figure (these do not count against the word limit). References also do not count against the word limit.

Please note that submissions with text longer than 1,300 words will not be reviewed].

To assure an anonymous review, authors must avoid revealing their identities in the body or reference section of the paper. Authors should do the following:

• Do not save the file with author-identifying information in the file name.
• Do not include a front page with author-identifying information.
• Remove the author identifying information from the document’s file properties

Confirmation that your abstract was submitted successfully will be sent via email to the submitter.

Accepted poster authors must agree to prepare a poster for display during the session and be available to discuss your research and answer questions at the invited poster session.

Submission Template – Special Session

Anyone may organize and propose a special session, although those who are unfamiliar with AMA conference special sessions are encouraged to discuss their ideas with the conference co-chairs or track chairs for developmental feedback before submitting a proposal. Special sessions provide a good vehicle to acquaint marketing academics with new perspectives, theories, and provocative ideas, to bring diverse participants together around a common theme, or to integrate academically-minded practitioners into the conference. Sessions involving participants from multiple countries, focusing on theory development or cutting-edge research directions, and offering insights regarding academic-business partnerships for teaching or research are particularly encouraged.

Special sessions should feature three or four presentations on a related theme. Another possibility is an interactive panel discussion among 4-6 panelists and a moderator. Other creative special session formats are encouraged, particularly those that generate attendee interaction.

All special session proposal submissions must be directed to only one track. Proposals for special sessions should describe the topic and its importance to marketing, summarize the issues to be covered, and identify all individuals (with their qualifications) who will formally participate. Special session proposals should provide specificity regarding the purpose, format, participants, and roles in the session. AMA Academic Special Interest Groups (SIGs) may propose special sessions to the SIG Programming track.

Selection criteria include the general quality of the proposal, the level of interest the session is likely to generate at the conference, and the session’s relevance to the conference theme.

By submitting a special session proposal, the organizer and listed participants affirm that, if accepted, all will register for and appear at the Conference as described in the proposal. 

Format and Submission Process for Special Sessions:

Prepare and submit an extended abstract in Microsoft Word format.  Special session proposals must include the title of the session and an extended abstract of 3,600 words maximum. The proposal should describe the objective of the session, its structure and general orientation, likely audience, key issues, and topics to be covered, as well as a description of why the session is likely to make an important contribution to the discipline. Also, include a brief description of each paper in the session.

The text of the special session proposal must not exceed 3,600 words and should be submitted in the double-spaced format, prepared in 12-point font.

Due to the unique nature of special sessions, presenter names and information should be included in the proposal and will be noted as a part of the review process.

Confirmation that your proposal was submitted successfully will be sent via email to the submitter. Special session participants are all expected to register for the conference.