Diversity Leadership Institute Recap
The AMA Diversity Leadership Institute (DLI) is a transformative program designed to empower undergraduate marketing students from a diverse cross section of underrepresented identities who are passionate about advancing inclusive marketing practices.
Over an immersive five-day retreat, participants collaborate with their peers, faculty members, and industry leaders to address real-world marketing challenges, reflect on the intersection of identity and leadership, and develop skills that will shape their future contributions to marketing.
This past June, 19 collegiate students from across the U.S. gathered at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for this experience. Here’s what a few participants had to say:
“This experience challenged me to think beyond traditional marketing and showed me how inclusive marketing can make an impact across industries.”
—Ella A.
“I was able to leave this program with not only new friendships, fresh perspectives, and industry knowledge, but also an even greater passion for creating a meaningful impact through marketing. I’m looking forward to taking these lessons with me as I continue to grow as a marketer and future leader!”
—Cynthia L.
Faculty Takeaway:
Students return from DLI with enhanced leadership skills and fresh perspectives they can bring back to your classroom and chapter.
Encouraging students to participate in programs like DLI helps prepare future marketing leaders who understand the importance of inclusive and ethical marketing.
Learn More:
The AMA is already looking forward to welcoming the next cohort in Summer 2027. Visit the Diversity Leadership Institute web page to learn more about this unique leadership experience and how your students can get involved.
Strategic Priorities Shaping AMA Collegiate Chapters
The AMA Collegiate Chapters Council (CCC) is advancing a bold, student-centered agenda this academic year, anchored in four strategic priorities: growth, engagement, collaboration, and chapter efficiency.
These priorities are coming to life in real, tangible ways across the collegiate network. Chapters are gaining momentum with targeted support, while newer and smaller chapters are discovering that they, too, have a powerful seat at the table. Students and faculty advisors are forging deeper connections—not just within their own chapters, but across regions, through shared events, exchanged ideas, and meaningful relationships with AMA professional chapters. And threading through all of it is an unwavering commitment to excellence: a culture that invites innovation, celebrates creativity, and places inclusion, exposure, and access at the foundation.
For faculty advisors, these priorities are your roadmap for a purposeful, high-impact academic year.
Faculty Takeaway:
Whether you’re building chapter infrastructure or ready to elevate your chapter’s impact, the CCC’s strategic priorities offer a clear, actionable framework. Align your chapter’s goals with these pillars, and watch your community grow!
Learn More:
Visit ama.org/collegiate-hub to access chapter resources.
Collegiate Competition Highlights
In March 2026, more than 1,500 collegiate marketers gathered in Chicago for the AMA International Collegiate Conference (ICC), the largest gathering of collegiate marketers in North America. Throughout the three-day event, students networked with peers and professionals, attended career-focused sessions, and showcased their talents in an exciting lineup of national competitions.
This year’s conference featured 15 competitions, with approximately 850 student competitors putting their marketing, sales, communication, and strategic thinking skills to the test. From Perfect Pitch and Sales competitions to Marketing Strategy, Design Lab, and Digital Marketing Team competitions, students had the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom while receiving valuable feedback from marketing professionals serving as judges.
For many students, competing at ICC is more than a chance to earn national recognition—it’s an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen résumés, expand professional networks, and demonstrate the real-world impact of their academic preparation.
AMA’s International Collegiate Conference 2026 by the Numbers
- 1,800+ attendees
- 850 competition participants
- 15 national competitions
- 200+ industry judges
- 3 days of learning, networking, and competition
Faculty Takeaway:
National competitions provide students with experiential learning opportunities that reinforce classroom concepts while building confidence and career readiness.
Supporting students as they prepare for competition can strengthen classroom engagement and elevate your program’s visibility.
Learn More:
Inspired to help your students compete on a national stage? Explore the AMA Collegiate Competitions Directory to discover opportunities available throughout the academic year.
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