Explore the 2026 ICC Agenda here!
Level Up Your Marketing Future
Get ready to Level Up at the 2026 AMA International Collegiate Conference (ICC)—your ultimate quest to gain experience, unlock new skills and power up your marketing career in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world of marketing and beyond.
Immerse yourself in three days of transformative experiences designed to empower and equip you with the skills and insights necessary to navigate and excel. Get ready to be part of thrilling competitions, engaging chapter activities, insightful career prep programming and invaluable networking opportunities.
No matter what level you’re starting from, ICC is an opportunity where every challenge is a chance to grow, and every connection helps you advance.
Registration
Attending as a Group? Save 15%!
You can save 15% on group registrations of 3+ student attendees, bringing the conference price to $299 per person! Group discounts are automatically applied at checkout based on the number of tickets selected.
Important!
- Do not use your Admin Portal login to purchase registration tickets. This will prevent you from assigning tickets to your group’s attendees and receiving a receipt.
- After checkout, please assign your purchased tickets to attendees using the email associated with their AMA membership account.
- Need an invoice or payment link? Select “Pay Later“ during checkout to generate one.
Why Attend?
Dynamic Competitions
Showcase your marketing savvy and creative expertise by competing against peers in dynamic competitions to solve real-world business problems as your strategies and skills are put to the test.
Innovative Insights
Attend sessions led by industry experts, exploring the latest trends that are transforming the marketing landscape.
Chapter Leadership Sessions
Foster development through enlightening sessions designed to build leadership skills and enhance chapter performance.
Networking
Cultivate meaningful connections with peers, speakers and recruiters to share insights, and uncover strategies to kickstart your marketing career.
Career Guidance
Unlock your professional potential with engaging speaker sessions and practical workshops designed to give you the tools to thrive after graduation.
Recognition
Celebrate your hard work, dedication and impressive achievements at the highly anticipated annual awards banquet—a favorite among attendees.
AMA Event Policies
Jade Walters
Keynote | The Ninth SemesterJade Walters is a multi-hyphenate marketer, consultant, and creatorpreneur working at the intersection of early career recruiting and brand storytelling. After graduating from Howard University (‘21), she moved from NYC to Chicago to join TikTok’s advertising sales team, later pivoting to HR tech at Yello/WayUp as their Employer Branding Lead. Today, she works independently as an employer branding and recruitment marketing consultant for early career recruiting teams. Inspired by struggles during her post-grad job search, Jade launched The Ninth Semester, an award-winning early career platform supporting 250,000+ students and grads as they design their dream careers. Jade is a 2025 TEDx speaker, where she shared the story of her non-traditional, non-linear career journey and inspired the next generation to take fearless ownership of their careers. Featured as a Gen Z in the Workplace expert in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and CNBC, she has partnered with 25+ organizations, including Handshake, Howard University, and Procter & Gamble. Jade is a proud, first-generation STEM graduate.
Sean Greenwood
Keynote | Ben & Jerry'sBeginning in 1988, Sean has first-hand experience of the triumphs and tribulations over his three decades plus with Ben & Jerry’s. His title – Grand Poobah of PR – has been earned one scoop at a time. Through his story telling roles, Sean shares B&J’s story and mission, and how businesses can thrive when they lead with their values and consider more than simply making a profit.
In his PR position, Sean has created programs, flavors, and managed relationships working with the likes of Sir Elton John, Colin Kaepernick, the band FUN, Ziggy Marley, Stephen Colbert and more. Sean provided communication strategy for the company’s global climate “Save Our Swirled” initiative and the Democracy is In Your Hands campaign highlighting systemic racism, implicit bias and voter suppression featuring a flavor called “EmpowerMint.” The same campaign led to the company’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Sean quarterbacked the launch of The Tonight Dough starring Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight Show. In early 2020 he co-hosted – alongside comedienne Michelle Buteau – the launch event for Ben & Jerry’s new partnership and flavor with Netflix, called “Netflix & Chilll’d.” He led media communications for the company’s “We Must Dismantle White Supremacy” statement in response to George Floyd’s murder. Most recently he worked with Chance the Rapper to recognize teachers in Chicago with the Mint Chocolate Chance flavor, and in September 2022 he led the launch of Change Is Brewing working with Black Voters Matter to address regressive voting laws in the state of Georgia. In 2025 he helped kick off Ben & Jerry’s new Scoop-apalooza and Sundaes products.
In his Poobah work Sean serves as Director of Public Relations and Communications at Ben & Jerry’s headquarters in Vermont consistently resulting in billions of earned impressions annually. The Gonzaga Master’s graduate often can be found loafing near the Research & Development lab volunteering as a taste tester, all the while, enjoying the company benefit of three free pints of ice cream per day. His favorite flavor is Cherry Garcia.
Event Location
Sheraton Chicago Grand Riverwalk
301 E North Water St.
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 464-1000
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Room Rate
We’ve secured an AMA room block at a special rate of $249.00 single/double/triple/quad occupancy per night (excluding taxes and applicable fees which are currently 17.40%)
Reserve your room here.
Or you can call the Hotel at 312-464-1000 and reference American Marketing Association International Collegiate Conference for March 2026.
Please reserve your overnight accommodations early as there are a limited number of AMA special rates available.
A valid credit card is required to confirm and hold a reservation. Cancellations will be accepted without penalty if notice is received at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to arrival and a cancellation number is obtained.
An early departure fee of one night’s room and tax will apply if a guest checks out prior to the confirmed departure date.
The reservation cut-off date is February 17, 2026.
Please know that any hotel room booked outside the AMA negotiated block may not be eligible for the discounted rate. Those reservations may also have a different cancellation policy and will not be eligible for reimbursement in the case of event cancellation.
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Internet Service
Complimentary basic internet access will be provided in guest rooms for Marriott Bonvoy Members.
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Airport
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
10000 W O’Hare Ave, Chicago, IL 60666
17.6 miles from Hotel (~30 minutes without traffic)
Midway International Airport (MDW)
5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638
12.1 Miles from Hotel (~30 minutes without traffic)
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Parking
Daily Parking: $70 + tax (fees are subject to change)
Note: The Sheraton Grand Chicago has limited parking. Please consider carpooling if you’re local, a rideshare service from the airport or a bus! Download the Parking Guide for more info.
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Area Information
Located in the heart of the River North district, Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is an urban sanctuary amid iconic attractions in downtown Chicago. Embrace refined comfort in family-friendly hotel rooms and suites enhanced by essentials such as ultra-comfortable Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience beds and striking views of the lake, river, and Chicago cityscape. Delight your palate at our hotel restaurants, from Shula’s Steak House to Chicago Burger Company, open seasonally along the Chicago Riverwalk. Enjoy our coveted location by the river near Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Magnificent Mile. Take advantage of 125,000 square feet of dynamic event space with one of the largest ballrooms in Illinois. Wind down after a busy day of meetings or sightseeing at our sun deck, fitness center with Peloton bikes, and sparkling indoor pool. An urban gem in a storied destination, our hotel in Chicago by the river is the perfect home base for your next visit.
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ADA
The AMA is committed to providing equal access to our meetings for all attendees. If you are an attendee with a disability and require program accommodations, please contact the AMA Support Center at (800) AMA-1150. A member of our staff will ensure that appropriate access arrangements are made. If you have specific disability-related needs for your hotel sleeping room, please be sure to communicate those directly to the hotel when you make your reservation. In an effort to provide the highest quality of service to all attendees, we require that details of all access requests be communicated to our office at least 14 days in advance of the beginning of the meeting.
Case Competition Co-Sponsors
Sales Competition Sponsors
Perfect Pitch Competition Sponsor
Marketing Strategy Competition Sponsor
Marketing Business Simulation Competition Sponsor
Event Partner
Sales Showcase Sponsors
Skill Up Stations, Recruiters, and Exhibitors
Jackson Family Wines · Kambia · WVU John Chambers School of Business & Economics · Chicago Fire FC
Securing Institutional Resources for ICC and Beyond
What to Expect Virtual Webinar
February 25, 2026
2:00pm ET / 1:00pm CT
Add to Calendar
Join us for a virtual “What to Expect” session where the Conference Co-Chairs will provide a roadmap to make the most of your conference experience! Discover insider tips on navigating workshops, networking events, and the overall experience while in Chicago. Whether you are new to ICC, or haven’t been in a while, you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to ask questions, and enhance your conference journey.
Watch the AMA Collegiate Chapters Council (CCC) hosted webinar below from last year—designed for AMA’s Collegiate Faculty Advisors to discuss what to expect at ICC, key steps for funding, institution-specific requirements such as IRAs and how to obtain external sponsorships.
Boost Your Fundraising Efforts
Looking for some fresh and fun ways to raise funds? We’ve got you covered! Check out these creative and effective fundraising ideas that will help you reach your goals.
Creative Fundraisers
- Faculty Pie in the Face: Organize an event where students can donate to see faculty members get a pie in the face.
- Chapter Movie Night: Charge $50 for businesses to run ad spots before the movie starts, charge students for movie tickets, facilitate snack sales, and offer sponsorship opportunities.
- Bingo Fundraiser: Collect prizes from local businesses, charge for entry and bingo cards, and sell snacks during the event.
- Karaoke Night: Rent a karaoke machine and work with your campus to find a location for the event. Charge an entry fee and invite students to showcase their vocal talents and support a great cause.
- Gaming Tournament: Charge entry fees, and solicit donations for prizes for winners. It’s a great way to get the gaming community involved and have fun while raising funds.
Service-Based Fundraisers
- Client Projects: Position chapter work as agency projects and secure funding by taking on 4 to 6 client projects.
- Headshot Session: Host an event where professional headshots are taken. Charge a fee for student members and non-members. To reduce costs, use a team member who’s in marketing/reporting/communications or enjoys photography to take the photos.
- Tutoring Services: Offer tutoring for donations to help students on and off campus.
Partnership Fundraisers
- Restaurant Nights: Partner with a local restaurant and receive a percentage of the sales for the chapter funding.
- Golf or Bowling Outings: Organize fun community-building golf/mini-golf or bowling outings to secure funds.
Event-Based Fundraisers
- Career Fairs: Host small career fairs on campus and charge businesses a fee to participate. Invite them to recruit marketing and business students.
- Silent Auction: Solicit donations from area businesses, display items for bidding, and encourage participants to place bids to raise funds.
Sponsorship Opportunities
- Sponsorship Packages: Offer sponsorship packages to include speaker spots at workshops at your local event, sponsor placements on chapter t-shirts and career fair engagements.
- Paid Ads: Sell advertising space to be showcased at fundraising and other events through slideshows or videos.
Institution Support
- State Funding Proposal: Submit proposals to the school for state funding to help secure chapter funding.