marketing in focus
March 15, 2026
11:00AM – 4:30PM
SFU Harbour Centre
This year’s Marketing in Focus is a refreshed iteration of our signature marketing conference, turning into a hands-on, innovation-based event that focuses on creativity and problem-solving. While our previous structure was networking and panel-driven, students will be able to explore marketing more directly by pitching ideas to solve a problem this year.
Through a blend of a keynote speaker, an interactive workshop, and two panels on personal branding and pitching, this is an all-day ideathon that challenges students to tackle real-world marketing problems and present their solutions in rapid-fire sessions with professional feedback. Students are encouraged in a learning environment and have an opportunity for constructive feedback and to network with professionals in the industry.
Rather than a competition, MIF provides a supportive space to experiment, practice, and grow and equips students with fresh insights, practical skills, and the confidence to think like innovators as they prepare for future careers in marketing.
11:00AM Welcome Message
11:10AM Keynote Speech
11:35AM Panel 1
12:30AM Panel 2
1:10PM Lunch
2:00PM Open Workshop
2:40PM Rapidfire Presentations
3:30PM Raffle
3:40PM Closing Remarks
4:00 PM Open Networking
4:30 PM Event Closes
TOPICS
You’ll have the opportunity to experience one unique panel per session.
SESSION 1
PERSONAL BRANDING
Your brand is more than a logo; it’s your story, your voice, and your impact. Join entrepreneurs and small business CEOs as they share how they built powerful personal brands that set them apart. From defining their niche to growing a loyal audience, learn the strategies, challenges, and game-changing moments that shaped their success!
Everyone has a personal brand. From the small enterprise CEO, to the tenured corporate marketer, to the student just about to start their first co-op, defining yourself and leveraging your strengths in the market is key in today’s world. Learn from a diverse variety of professionals in marketing to see how building their personal brand shaped the future of their careers!
SESSION 2
DIGITAL MARKETING & TECHNOLOGY
In the age of social media and technology, it takes strong digital and analytic skills to thrive in the marketing world. Explore how digital marketing harnesses analytics, technologies, and creativity into transformative brand experiences. Whether you’re a marketer or a tech enthusiast, discover how storytelling, strategy, and data fuel the future of marketing!