Hailey Grey, middle, recently attended a province-wide marketing and sales competition held in Calgary. Grey credits instructors Amber Farrer, left, and Dayna Felesky, right, for support leading up to the event.--HANDOUT PHOTO
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Business minded post-secondary students from across the province gathered to give their best sales pitches to a panel of judges during an inaugural competition in Calgary held in March.
The competition was the first of its kind in Western Canada to showcase the skills of marketing students, who were asked to tackle real-world challenges.
Among those competing was MHC sport and event marketing and management student, Haily Gray, who recently shared her experience from the Alberta Intercollegiate Sales and Marketing Competition held at SAIT.
“The competition taught me not to be afraid to try different things, even if they seem intimidating at the start,” says Gray. “Every experience teaches you something new and I’m grateful for that.”
To participate in the competition students had to submit a short video pitching a product that would be reviewed by a panel of business and industry experts.
The top 24 students were picked to compete at SAIT March 22-23 to pitch ideas in person and connect with industry professionals judging the competition.
Gray, who has a passion for sports, is currently competing for her final work placement with the Canada Special Olympics and says she drew from that love to present judges a solution to a marketing case related to finances around the benefits of youth sports.
“I chose to talk about the benefits of youth in sports, as I am passionate about it, which makes it easier to sell.”
Although Gray did not win the competition, she credits the college, as well as her instructors, for providing learning experience that taught presentation skills and built confidence while speaking to an audience.
She says instructors Amber Farrer and Dayna Felesky supported her throughout the entire process.
“It was amazing to have Dayna and Amber’s support throughout this process as they both have different industry expertise and experiences,” said Gray. “I was always able to ask for help or support when needed.”
Gray will complete her student placement when Medicine Hat hosts the 2026 Special Olympic Canada Summer Games in August and plans to continue with the organization following graduation.
