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VWU students to host Marlin Business Conference November 18-21
DroneUp CEO Tom Walker will deliver keynote speech during opening session
University News | November 14, 2024
The 欧美成人 Wesleyan student-led fall business conference will take place November 18-21. The theme for this semester's event is “Creating Leaders for Tomorrow.” The conference, a Marlin tradition, is a student-run undertaking that takes place every semester. As a class (MBE 301), students are tasked with planning, organizing, leading, and implementing all aspects of the four-day conference in a project environment. To prepare, students have been fundraising for the event by selling concessions and hosting car washes on campus. Final tasks include completing the agenda and confirming speakers and sessions.
The opening ceremony will take place in Brock Commons on Monday, November 18 at 6 p.m. with a social hour and then a presentation from keynote speaker Tom Walker, founder of DroneUp. Walker is a seasoned entrepreneur and innovator, leading DroneUp to become one of the fastest-growing drone service providers in the country. Under his leadership, DroneUp has revolutionized the drone delivery industry, partnering with major retailers like Walmart to develop cutting-edge, scalable drone solutions. Walker brings a wealth of experience in technology, logistics, and leadership, making him the perfect speaker to inspire and inform future business leaders.
A variety of presentations and workshops will take place throughout the week to further inspire, educate, and empower the greater Marlin community. MBE 101 classes also participate in the Marlin Business Conference by competing in the popular Shark Tank competition, where they will present their innovative ideas and be judged by a panel of business professionals. Additionally, students in the MBE 400 course will participate in a business ethics competition.
“I wanted to be a part of this as I hope to own my own business one day,” noted Kaitlyn Duswalt ‘25, student CEO for the Marlin Business Conference. “With this hands-on experience, I have been able to work with a variety of intelligent minds, and I have learned how to further delegate and ask for help.”
This biannual conference represents the culmination of months of dedicated effort by students in business courses, with students facilitating every aspect of the event. The experience helps them to gain practical knowledge in essential management skills such as product development, networking, and project and financial planning.