STUDENTS! ARE YOU READY FOR A REAL CHALLENGE?

’08 STUDENT FOOD MARKETING CHALLENGE

A “live case” format and rich industry involvement highlight the Food Distribution Research Society’s 9th 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.

Who:     Teams of 3-5 undergraduate and graduate students (majority undergraduate)
When:   October 11-12, 2008 (prior to the FDRS annual meetings)
Where:  Embassy Suites Hotel in Dublin, Ohio (just north of Columbus)
Why:     Professional development, industry interaction, exciting fun

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 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 partake in a tour of food and agribusiness firms in Columbus.

Teams will consist of three to five students and may be composed of both undergraduate and masters students. The majority of the members of 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 September 22, 2008.

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.

Team registration fees will be $250 per team (up to 5 team members). Team registration fee goes to pay for meals, refreshments and the Sunday reception.

To register a team or if you have questions about the competition, please contact: Michael Gunderson, Vice President of Student Programs (352-392-1826 ext. 301 or mag79@ufl.edu). Hurry, space is limited, and demand is expected to be high for this special event.

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

The Society

The Food Distribution Research Society is the only body of scholars and practitioners in the
United States dedicated to the study, monitoring and sharing of knowledge about the dramatic
changes that are taking place in the global food system. Our objective is to make FDRS as an
institution, and the expertise of individual members, better known and more accessible to various
clientele groups around the world. FDRS serves as a forum for university, government and
business professionals to study and discuss issues relating to the food industry worldwide.

The Society encourages and facilitates:

1. Sharing research findings through conferences and publications
2. Implementation of research findings through interface with others who use research
    results in their businesses or classrooms
3. Student research through Applebaum Scholastic Awards

For more information on Food Marketing challenge, please contact:

Michael Gunderson
Assistant Professor
Food and Resource Economics
1181 McCarty Hall A
Tel: 352-392-1826 ext. 301
mag79@ufl.edu

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