The importance of effective storytelling took center stage at the Fisher Association of Marketing Professionals’ (AMP) annual Columbus Advertising and Marketing Powow (CAMP). The event brought together marketing professionals, MBA students, alumni and friends to explore relevant industry trends.

“This year's CAMP was another example of what Fisher students can achieve through hard work, dedication and team work,” said Ben Prater, president of AMP. “CAMP wouldn't be possible without the support of the entire Fisher community. So many people, including staff, faculty, students and alumni helped make this event successful and I'd like to thank them all.”

The event featured many familiar faces, as several Fisher alumni participated in AMP’s signature event. Craig Bahner(BSBA ’86), president of U.S. Morning Foods at Kellogg Company, delivered the keynote address. Mark Anderson (BSBA ’99) led a discussion about experiential marketing. Anderson is executive vice president of Division Black, a company known for its consumer engagement campaigns.

Marti Post, vice president for strategy at Mindstream Interactive, shared insights into content marketing.

Craig Bahner speaks to marketing professionals and students as part of the annual Columbus Advertising and Marketing Powow (CAMP) event.

Bahner, an active alumnus who regularly engages with students and college leadership, drew on his vast experience as a marketing leader at companies such as Wendy’s and Procter & Gamble to demonstrate the power of storytelling in marketing and advertising.

“In a world where millennials want to know exactly what your company stands for — not just the ‘what’ but the ‘why’ — your mission and the way you tell its story become very important,” he said.

Said Prater: “CAMP provides our students the opportunity to learn from thought leaders in the marketing community as well as industry professionals from around the central Ohio area. The event is a valuable supplement to our students' classroom learning and provides insights into how marketing principles are applied by high profile industry practitioners like Craig, Marti and Mark.”

Alumna Christina Hays accepts CAMP's inaugural Alumnus of the Year Award.

The event also provided AMP the opportunity to award its first-ever Alumnus of the Year award to Christina Hays (BSBA '95; MBA '00), vice president of marketing for Safelite AutoGlass. The award recognizes a Fisher MBA alumnus who has demonstrated a successful career in marketing. Prior to her position at Safelite, Hays worked in marketing positions for brands including SC Johnson Wax, Nestlé USA and Abbott Nutrition.

Nestlé Purina PetCare took home AMP’s Marketer of the Year Award.

“These awards honor the accomplishment and excellence of Fisher MBA graduates who are shining examples of leaders in their fields and of companies Fisher students admire and aspire to work for,” Prater said. “The success of alumni such as Christina and the popularity of Purina PetCare serves as great inspiration for marketing MBA students here at Fisher.”