Marketing Students Shine at AMA St. Louis 'Power of Pivot' Conference

Webster marketing students and faculty celebrate their awards at the AMA St. Louis “Power of Pivot” Conference.

Classroom concepts turned into career-building wins for six Webster University marketing students who participated in the “Power of Pivot” Conference hosted by the American Marketing Association (AMA) St. Louis. 

Held in St. Louis and attended by professionals and students from across the region, the conference featured a live case study challenge sponsored by Dance St. Louis. Participants were tasked with developing strategies to increase ticket sales and boost community engagement. It was a fast-paced, high-pressure challenge and the George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology team delivered. 

Webster students Octave Brun, Anjali Swamy, Juan Martín López, Mounika Akshaya, Smarika Niraula and Jackson Gerken earned second- and third-place awards for their presentations. Their creativity, research and quick thinking impressed a panel of industry judges and brought recognition to Webster’s emphasis on applied learning. 

Faculty members Dr. Eric Rhiney and Dr. Nisha Raychaudhuri supported students throughout the competition, continuing the Walker School’s tradition of connecting academic work with real-world experience. With their guidance, students gained practical skills that will serve them beyond graduation. 

This recognition reflects more than a competition win. It highlights the value of hands-on opportunities Webster students experience every day and how those moments prepare them to lead in their careers.