High School Students Competed to Design the Best Campaign

The second annual ‘Brand Craft’ event, focused on digital marketing and organized by Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Faculty of Business, brought together over 100 talented young individuals from 20 high schools. During the two-day marathon, students developed their own strategies and competed to create the best digital marketing campaign. Following an intense competition, Buca Mehmet Akif Ersoy Social Sciences High School secured first place, while Cihat Kora Anatolian High School came in second, and Güzelbahçe 60. Yıl Anatolian High School took third.

Held at the IUE Conference Hall, ‘Brand Craft 2026’ provided an unforgettable experience for high schoolers interested in digital marketing, strategy, and creativity. Participants competed fiercely using the ‘MARCADE Digital Marketing Simulation’, founded by IUE alumnus Önder Filiz, focusing on criteria such as accurate target audience analysis, budget management, and efficient campaign architecture.

THIS YEAR’S INNOVATION, ‘ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE’

Based on feedback from last year's participants, the MARCADE team integrated AI (Artificial Intelligence) consultants into this year's simulation. This innovation allowed the youth to experience not only traditional methods but also the marketing technologies of the future. As part of the event, IUE Department of Business Lecturer Taylan Özgür Demirkaya delivered an inspiring presentation on entrepreneurship. Additionally, a panel moderated by the Dean of IUE Faculty of Business, Prof. Dr. Burcu Güneri Çangarlı, featured department heads who evaluated the simulation through their respective fields of expertise, offering students diverse professional perspectives.

THOROUGHLY EVALUATED

Students presented their campaigns to a jury that evaluated criteria such as identifying the correct target audience, aligning marketing activities with goals, achieving high returns, and using budgets efficiently. This year’s jury included Asst. Prof. Dr. Nilgün Gürkaynak (Faculty of Business), Asst. Prof. Dr. Esin Çağlayan (Director of IUE Teaching and Learning Center), Asst. Prof. Dr. Gözde Çeviker Çınar (Director of IUE Creative Economy Applied Research and Application Center), Lecturer Nejat Kutup (Vocational School Computer Programming), Önder Filiz (Founder of MARCADE), and Diledi Kazan Aksoy (Director of Promotion).

“THE INTEREST FROM YOUTH PLEASED US”

Expressing her delight in hosting Brand Craft for the second time, Dean *Prof. Dr. Burcu Güneri Çangarlı said, “This year, we wanted to offer a more vibrant and interactive experience by enriching the competition with social activities and mini-contests. The interest from high schools and the enthusiasm of the students show that we are on the right track. Participants here don’t just compete; they learn teamwork, experience strategic thinking, and get the chance to turn ideas into projects. Experiencing a university atmosphere and a hands-on process during high school is invaluable for their development.”

“MORE THAN JUST A COMPETITION”

Prof. Dr. Çangarlı continued as follows: “Brand Craft is not just a competition. It is also an inspiring learning process and a platform that strengthens the self-confidence and vision of young people. We will continue to develop projects that support students' passion for creation. I thank everyone who contributed and congratulate all students.”