The FDRS Food Marketing Challenge
STUDENTS! ARE YOU READY FOR A REAL CHALLENGE?
A live case format and rich industry involvement highlight the Food Distribution Research Society’s 12th annual student case study competition. The Food Marketing Challenge is truly a unique opportunity for students to apply their academic training in a realistic business environment while rubbing elbows with food industry experts and executives.
Student teams are challenged to apply their knowledge of food distribution, economics, management, marketing, and/or merchandising to a real-world situation. Teams will be expected to play the role of consultants competing for the account of our mystery company over this two day event and will make their bid presentation to the company’s actual executive team. All schools are encouraged to send one or more teams to this exciting competition that is sure to enhance the students’ educational experience. The top three teams will split the $1000 PRIZE MONEY.
Representatives of the sponsoring company and related industry experts will be on hand to present the challenge in a live case on Saturday morning. These industry executives and experts will interact with the teams throughout the rest of the competition in question and answer sessions and one-on-one discussions. Saturday afternoon the student teams will craft their bid and presentation. Teams will begin competing in the preliminary round of The Food Marketing Challenge on Saturday night. The top teams from preliminary heats will advance to the finals on Sunday morning.
Interaction with industry professionals and professional development opportunities are central to The Food Marketing Challenge. Students will have repeated opportunities to ask questions of the mystery company’s representative. In addition, they will discuss with an industry expert how they would approach the challenge and hear critiques of the collective presentations. Team members will have a chance to broaden their knowledge on Sunday afternoon as they crawl through an eclectic mix of local vendors in search of distribution models, merchandising and marketing tactics.
Teams consist of three to five students and may be composed of both undergraduate and masters students. The majority of the members on each team must be undergraduate students. Teams of three or four members can have one student who is pursuing a Masters degree, and teams of five could have two students who are pursuing a Masters degree.
Details of the company and challenge will be withheld until the beginning of the competition. However, registered teams will receive detailed instructions on what they may bring and some guidance on topics to research on October 1, 2011.
The winners of The Food Marketing Challenge will be recognized at Sunday's general reception, which all students are encouraged to attend. Students are also encouraged to register for the remainder of the conference and stay (class schedule permitting) Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. A special student rate is available for those that would like to stay for the conference.
Click here to view Previous Winners
REGISTRATION
Team registration fees are $250 per team (up to 5 team members). Team registration fee goes to pay for food, refreshments and the Sunday reception. To register a team or if you have questions about the competition, please contact: Lindsey Higgins, Vice President of Student Programs (979-845-3805 or LHiggins@tamu.edu). Hurry, space is limited, and demand is expected to be high for this special event.
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
Saturday, October 15, 2011
9:00 - 11:30 am Live Case Presentation
Teams will be introduced to the mystery company, its industry, and the context of the challenge.
11:30 am - 3:00 pm Team Work Session
Students develop potential solutions to the problem, and outline appropriate steps for analysis.
3:00 - 5:00 pm Company Representative Q&A
Company personnel provide clarification and additional detail for students.
7:00 - 9:00 pm Case Competition Preliminary Round
Student team presentations
Sunday, October 16, 2011
9:00 am - 12:00 pm Case Competition Final Round
1:00 - 5:00 pm Tour
6:00 – 8:00 pm FDRS Conference Opening Social
Competition results will be announced during the opening social. Students will be recognized and have opportunity for networking.
For more information on Food Marketing challenge, please contact:
Dr. Lindsey Higgins
Department of Agricultural Economics
Texas A&M University
2124 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-2124
Phone: 979-845-3805
Fax: 979-862-1563
Who:
Teams of 3-5 undergraduate and graduate students (majority undergraduate)
When:
October 15-16, 2011 as an FDRS pre-conference event
Where:
The Hilton Portland and Executive Tower, Portland, OR
Why:
A first of its kind event, the Food Marketing Challenge will provide students with opportunities for professional development, industry interaction, and exciting fun.
