Student Day 2026

Thursday, October 29, 2026 | University of South Dakota – Sioux Falls

Student Day is an annual AAF-SD experience created specifically for postsecondary students interested in advertising, marketing, communications, design and related fields. It’s an opportunity to step outside the classroom and connect directly with the professionals shaping South Dakota’s creative and marketing industries.

This year’s Student Day will feature a keynote speaker, four industry panel sessions and an afternoon Meet & Greet designed to help students build connections, explore career paths and gain a better understanding of what it’s really like to work in the industry.

Hear From Industry Professionals

Students will have the opportunity to learn from professionals working across a variety of disciplines within the advertising and marketing industry. Four panel sessions will explore different areas of the field, giving students the chance to hear real-world perspectives, ask questions and discover career paths they may not have considered.

New this year: Sports Marketing

South Dakota’s sports industry continues to grow, creating exciting opportunities for marketers, advertisers, creatives, media professionals and communicators. Our new Sports Marketing panel will explore what it takes to market teams, athletes, events and sports organizations in South Dakota and beyond.

Start Your Career Connections

The afternoon Meet & Greet gives students an informal opportunity to connect with agencies, in-house marketing teams and industry professionals from across the region. Come prepared with questions, your resume and a portfolio if applicable.

Students can use the event to:

• Explore different careers within advertising and marketing

• Learn what industry professionals actually do day to day

• Ask questions about internships and career opportunities

• Build relationships with local agencies and in-house teams

• Get advice on resumes, portfolios and entering the industry

• Discover opportunities they may not encounter in the classroom

Keynote Speaker

We’re excited to welcome John T. Meyer, founder of Leadmore, as this year’s keynote speaker. John will kick off Student Day with a conversation designed to inspire students, provide perspective on building a career and set the stage for a day of learning and connection.

Panels

Creative Panel sponsored by Fresh Produce

Account Service Panel sponsored by South Dakota State University School of Communication and Journalism

Social Media Panel sponsored by Lawrence & Schiller

Media/PR Panel sponsored by South Dakota State University School of Design

Research & Insights sponsored by Mac Doctors

Sports Marketing Panel sponsored by Midco

Who Should Attend?

Student Day is designed for postsecondary students studying or interested in:

• Advertising

• Marketing

• Communications

• Graphic Design

• Public Relations

• Digital Media

• Social Media

• Media and Production

• Sports Marketing

• Other creative and business-related fields

Whether you already know exactly what career you want—or you’re still figuring it out—Student Day is an opportunity to explore what’s possible and meet the people doing the work.

Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity. Bring your resume. Most importantly, come ready to connect.