KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 10, 2025

Kennesaw State University recently hosted its third annual Marketing Innovation & Technology Strategy (MITS) event, bringing together over 100 students and professionals for a day of collaboration, problem-solving, and networking.

“Our goal this year was to create a cross-disciplinary platform for students to engage with cutting-edge marketing and technology concepts,” said Laurie Michaelson, faculty advisor for the Kennesaw Marketing Association and faculty lead for the GroundWork Agency, a full-service marketing agency led by KSU faculty and run by students. “Partnering with the Atlanta Braves gave students a chance to work on a relevant, forward-thinking project and showcase their creativity and strategic thinking.”

A key event highlight was a student competition sponsored by the Atlanta Braves, which challenged students to develop Web 3.0 strategies to improve fan engagement at Digital Truist Park. Students presented their ideas to a panel of industry professionals, including Greg Mize, Vice President of Marketing & Innovation at the Braves; Josh Rush, Co-Founder and CEO at SURREAL Events; and Ethan Cortazzo, Founder and CEO at Networked AI.

“The partnership with the Braves was born out of a mutual desire to foster innovation and support the next generation of talent,” Michaelson explained. “This collaboration provided students with an invaluable opportunity to solve real-world problems while learning directly from industry experts.”

First place went to Joey Van Sickle, Natalie Sanderson, Kailah Brown, and Salama Repole. Second place was awarded to Solonge Aniekwu, and third place was secured by Eric Gopar-Garcia, Lorenzo Mora, Morgan Ugoagwu, and Alondra Sanchez.

Joey Van Sickle, an honors marketing student, reflected on his experience. “This competition was an incredible opportunity, especially for me, since I want to work with the Braves,” said Van Sickle. “Our team’s hard work and dedication paid off, and winning first place was unforgettable.”

Eric Gopar-Garcia, a marketing and marketing management student, shared how his team prepared for the event. “We met every day for three days, researching what would benefit Digital Truist Park,” said Gopar-Garcia. “We combined our skills in branding, design, and Web 3.0 technologies to build a strong strategy.”

Gopar-Garcia also emphasized the value of the competition. “These events give students a chance to present in a professional setting and gain real networking experience. I even connected with a recruiter who encouraged me to apply for a position, which made the experience even more rewarding.”

Since its inception, MITS has grown into a signature event at KSU, featuring not just competitions but also panel discussions, networking opportunities, and sponsorships from prominent organizations like Turner Sports and Illumidesk. “It’s incredible to see how far this event has come,” Michaelson said. “It’s become a cornerstone for experiential learning, and its impact grows every year.”

The third annual MITS event highlighted KSU’s commitment to innovation and student engagement. With its growing success and strong partnerships, the future of MITS looks brighter than ever.

-Daijah Sims