Beach Media CMBAM
CMBAM, Photographer, Nov. 8, 2025 “Awards Photo”
In November 2025, Beach Media had the wonderful opportunity to attend the College Media Business and Advertising Managers (CMBAM) conference hosted at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF).
The CMBAM conference allowed our team to network with student media organizations from across the nation, gain insights from keynote speakers, and expand our knowledge in marketing, advertising, and sales.
Beach Media’s PR & Marketing Manager, Ericka Lacy, mentions that CMBAM elevated her knowledge in student media.
“CMBAM truly widened my perspective on the impact we have as a business team for our publications. I have learned about platforms and resources that I could not have found otherwise.” Ericka added.
Distribution Manager, Sienna Spencer-Kendrick, also attended CMBAM despite it being unrelated to her position; she gained insights about what the operations behind each team and how they support her role.
“Though the conference breakout sessions weren’t intended for my current job position. I enjoyed learning new things about what it takes to run student media on university campuses.” Seiana commented.
Additionally, attendees heard from the keynote speaker and Head of Earned Media at KFC, Matt Prince. Prince shared his biggest accomplishments, including the implementation of the taco emoji, Taco Bell weddings, and KFC’s viral tweet with NFL Quarterback Shedeur Sanders. He also discussed his biggest tips within the workforce and how he manages his work-life balance, inspiring students that even when it gets tough, you’re always on the right path.
At CMBAM, the Intern Queen herself, Lauren Berger shared how her trials and tribulations in sales turned into an unexpected success. Including her story about becoming an entrepreneur at such a young age, how it has shaped her and how she has prevailed through the difficulties.
Beach Media also gained valuable information from the breakout rooms hosted by industry professionals. Students took time to reflect on their current strategies, evaluated what they did well and identified areas for improvement. These sessions encouraged students to think outside the box and recognize that opportunities are endless-even during moments of doubt.
One standout session, “Client Service & The Loyalty Effect,” was hosted by CSUF students from the Daily Titan. They explained how they reach their audiences, gain sponsorships, and sell advertisements–and why it works for them specifically. Their presentation opened our eyes to the many opportunities available on our own campus.
“It was relieving to hear I'm not alone when tackling issues within the business / advertising side of publications. Having a pow-wow / brainstorm session with the "help you, help me" lens provided clarity and security I couldn't have gotten without attending the conference.” Ericka mentioned.
CMBAM also allowed students plenty of opportunities to network with each other. Students came from all over the nation and shared ideas and created lasting bonds.
“The networking was my favorite experience because I was able to meet like-minded individuals who are experiencing the same problems I am. Says Lacy.
CMBAM also reunited Beach Media with alum, Olivia Weisnstock, during a panel of student media alumni. These panelists touched on their positions and experience in student media and how those experiences helped them succeed post-graduation. These students worked in a variety of different industries and examined how their experiences may be similar or differ.
“My favorite part of CMBAM was the alumni panel since it was a comfortable place to ask about transitions from being a student to working a professional job. It was really interesting to hear about jobs I would love to work in the future and how normal it is to feel unsure about certain things, but to use it to your advantage in your position. Curiosity is what will help you grow in your career!” Says Advertising Account Coordinator, Dakota Hegepeth.
Beach Media is proud to announce that we won First Place in Best Self-Promotional Website and First Place in Best Self-Branded Promotional Giveaway at CMBAM!
After being recognized for their hard work, the entire Beach Media team was left inspired to leave a legacy of their own.
“ I think being acknowledged for your hard work is always a good thing, and to be acknowledged three times was an even bigger deal,” Seinna included.
“Seeing the streamline from idea to fruition makes me feel 'this is where all of our hard work has gone’ in the best way possible,” Ericka acknowledged.
Attendees from the Beach Media team had such good things to say about the conference. Students left feeling inspired and ready to tackle student media with a new lens.
“I’m so grateful to be part of such an incredible community that is motivating and hard-working.” Dakota exclaimed.
Beach Media is proud to announce that we won First Place in Best Self-Promotional Website and First Place in Best Self-Branded Promotional Giveaway at CMBAM!
Thank you to all those who have supported us through this journey. Go Beach!