Last summer, Blackburn College students and faculty made their mark on the global stage, taking the lessons they learned in the classroom and on the job overseas. For a week in July, Blackburn College was proudly represented at the X-Culture Business Symposium in Chiang Rai, Thailand, at the Mae Fah Luang University by junior Danielle Vogel, Class of 2024 graduate Izayah Talmadge and Business Professor Dr. Carley Swalley.
The Symposium brought together the top 10% of X-Culture students (over 20,000+ students from all over the world applied) for a prestigious, highly competitive international business strategy competition. International students were divided into teams to create new marketing and business strategies. The groups met with CEOs and leaders of Thai multi-million-dollar companies, toured the facilities, and discussed areas for growth, pain points, and untapped opportunities. These companies included Sooknirund Hotel, Thanapiriya Public Company, Suwirun, Singha Park, and Doi Kham.
Students then worked with their team throughout the week to create a customized, strategic marketing and business strategy plan. They first presented it to the faculty, X-Culture executives, Mae Fah Luang University Business Professors, and mentors, and then to the CEOs and leaders of their specific companies. This marketing and business strategy pitch included industry research, data-backed recommendations, and unique modernized approaches that encapsulated the company’s goals. The CEOs and leaders of each company selected one group as the winner. The winners were presented at the Gala. Previous group winners were offered internships and jobs with the companies, and the company implemented the presented strategies into their business plan.
Vogel and Talmadge were on separate teams, but both teams completed work for the Sooknirund Hotel, an upscale, boutique-style hotel in the heart of Chiang Rai. Vogel’s group centered their marketing strategy around immersive and experiential activities to attract new customers. At the same time, Izayah’s group focused on digital marketing strategies to attract and grow their bookings.
Additionally, during this week, Dr. Swalley received her X-Culture Global Educator and Researcher Certificate and X-Culture Master Faculty Certification. Swalley also attended the X-Culture Xackothon, where faculty members worked on professional development proposals.
Aside from the competition, students were immersed in Thai culture, learning about the history, business culture, and exploring the local cuisine and city. They attended professor lectures centered around international business and participated in team-building activities.
This trip goes beyond learning about marketing and business by allowing students to become well-rounded with unique opportunities that expand their perspective, thoughts, and beliefs and push their boundaries as college students while learning to work with others. Learning about International Business versus experiencing it firsthand is a crucial aspect all students should gain. This trip will serve as a core memory as both an industry experience and personal growth for the students who attended.
Dr. Swalley would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the student experience fund and additional funding provided by Blackburn College. This trip would not have been possible without their support and belief in the students.