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VWU Marlin Business Conference: A Springboard for Future Leaders and Innovators
This year’s theme explores new opportunities through technical innovation
University News | November 6, 2023
Twice yearly, the Marlin Business Conference stands as a cornerstone event at Virginia Wesleyan University. As an incubator for future business innovation, this gathering is designed to be a crucible where aspiring leaders and seasoned professionals alike can forge new connections, explore emerging technologies, and gain insights that could shape the trajectory of their careers. 
With a theme of “Creating Opportunities through Technical Innovation,” this year’s conference, scheduled for November 13-16 and orchestrated by Professor Futyma’s MBE 301: Principles of Management class, will bring to life the immense potential at the intersection of business and technology. In a world where advancements like AI are rapidly shifting the business paradigm, this conference is an essential beacon for the coastal Virginia economy and the budding business leaders it seeks to foster.
According to Emily Moody, the student CEO of the conference, “The Marlin Business Conference is not just an event; it's a transformative experience that equips future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks to thrive in a technologically evolving business landscape.”
The conference will open on November 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Joan P. Brock Room of Brock Commons with an address by Dr. Angela Reddix, whose journey embodies the conference’s spirit of opportunity through innovation. Dr. Reddix, with her trailblazing achievements in healthcare management and IT, will provide an invaluable narrative on harnessing the power of technology for entrepreneurial success.
“Dr. Reddix's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and visionary leadership,” says Emily Moody. “Her insights are an embodiment of what we strive to instill in every VWU student—courage, innovation, and the spirit of giving back.”
Beyond the inspiring keynote, the four-day conference is peppered with dynamic activities. Shark Tank-style competitions between students not only stir creativity and entrepreneurship but also provide a platform for real-world business problem-solving. Workshops on resume building, interviewing skills, and dress for success prepare students for the professional world, while the various competitions throughout the week challenge them to apply their academic knowledge in practical scenarios.
What sets the Marlin Business Conference apart is its dedication to real-world learning experiences. Students are not merely participants but also the planners, executing all facets of the event, from logistics to securing industry-leading speakers. This hands-on approach to management skills is a rare opportunity for students to emerge as polished professionals by the conference’s conclusion.
Virginia Wesleyan University cordially invites business professionals, entrepreneurs, and journalists to be part of this transformative conference. Witness firsthand as the next generation of business leaders emerges, ready to navigate and shape the world of technical innovation.