Across three days of competition with peers from around the country, UHD students earned recognition from the judges in the Fundraising, Communications, and Chapter Plan categories.
Additionally, Marketing professor Michael Pettiette, Ed.D., earned best paper at ICC for the second year in a row, reinforcing UHD’s presence in research at the intersection of business and generative AI. His paper focuses on generative engine optimization (GEO), a practice that improves how content is discovered within AI tools. “I teach and research with the same goal in mind: helping students translate learning into meaningful professional opportunities,” Pettiette said.
AMA President Angie Celeste Monterroso emphasized the value of competing, attending workshops, and connecting with more than 1,900 students nationwide. She noted that the experience gave students practice in drafting and pitching campaigns—skills they can point to in interviews or career opportunities.
Many Gators were able to attend at no cost, Monterroso said.
Students also attended sessions led by industry professionals, gaining insight into artificial intelligence and emerging trends.
For UHD students, the experience provided a competitive environment where they could apply their classroom learning, gain exposure to new and best practices, and test their skills against industry expectations.