Personal Reflection of the Hackathon Workshop

Taking part in the Hackathon workshop was one of the most valuable experiences in the Principles of Marketing module, as it allowed me to apply the marketing theory we learnt in class in a more practical and realistic way. Instead of learning ideas in lectures, I was able to work on contemporary business challenges and think more critically about how brands can improve their market position. The main focus of the workshop was the research and presentation done on Nc'Nean, where we explored different ways to improve the brand and boost profit and sales. This became the most important part to me as it pushed me to think more strategically about how marketing decisions made can directly affect business performance.

Our presentation focused on identifying ways Nc'Nean could strengthen its brand image, attract more customers and increase its sales. We specifically looked at how the brand could appeal to a younger audience, specifically (25-35), as this seemed like an important opportunity for growth and a new target audience. For example, we explored whether introducing new flavours or redesigning the bottle could make the product feel more modern and appealing to younger consumers. We considered how these changes could help the brand stand out more clearly from competitors like BuzzBall and Smirnoff, while still maintaining its premium image. This was useful because it showed me that marketing is not only about promoting and adapting the brand to improve both relevance and profitability.

This is an example of a the way in which they could improve the design of their bottles:

One of the main things I learned from the Hackathon was the importance of understanding consumer preferences. As a group, we had to think carefully about what would make Nc'Nean more appealing to a younger audience without losing its premium image. This meant looking at how changes, such as new flavours or a redesign of the bottle, could influence how the brand is perceived. This made me realise that the main thing that makes successful marketing is ensuring ideas match what consumers want and what the brand represents.

Overall, the Hackathon workshop helped me connect classroom theoretical learning to real marketing practice. The Nc'Nean presentation allowed me to realise that I enjoy the strategic side of marketing, especially analysing brands and finding ways to improve performance. This experience has been useful for my personal development and has made me more interested in careers where I can contribute creativity with business thinking.