Local Mid-State Students Place in Top 10 Percent in Worldwide Marketplace Simulations

Thursday, June 5th, 2025 -- 8:01 AM

Three Mid-State Technical Digital Marketing students have placed in the top 10 percent in the worldwide simulation competition by Marketplace® Simulations, which is used by colleges and universities to assess competence in marketing strategy.

May graduate Morgan Breese of Plover led the class with outstanding scorecard results. Fellow May graduate Haley Epstein of Wisconsin Rapids secured second place within the Mid-State cohort.

Amber Hollatz of Marshfield, a Digital Marketing student set to graduate in December, earned third place. As part of their Digital Marketing capstone course this spring, Mid-State students competed in the rigorous simulation, which challenges participants to manage a virtual international 3D bike company.

Students are scored using a balanced scorecard that measures performance across multiple business areas, including financial outcomes, marketing effectiveness, market share, brand investment and value creation.

“This simulation is the ultimate test of a student’s ability to apply what they’ve learned throughout the program,” said Debby Wallner, marketing and business instructor.

“Placing in the top ten percent globally is a testament to their hard work, problem-solving ability, business acumen and drive. I couldn’t be prouder.” Wallner also noted that the competitive nature of the simulation inspires high engagement.

“By the end, students are so invested in the process they forget it’s part of a class. Their performance proves they’re ready to excel in the digital marketing field.”

The Marketplace Live simulation requires students to develop and execute a comprehensive business strategy in a dynamic and competitive market. Over the course of the simulation, which simulates a two-year business cycle, students apply evidence-based decision-making as they manage marketing, operations, finance and sales strategies across five distinct markets.

They are responsible for setting pricing, promoting products, forecasting demand, staffing international sales offices and more, all while integrating knowledge from across their academic program.

Marketplace® Simulations offers over 30 business and marketing simulations designed for university-level and executive training programs. Used by tens of thousands of students worldwide, the platform allows learners to explore business strategies, test decisions and understand their outcomes in a risk-free, virtual environment.

To learn more about Mid-State’s Digital Marketing program, visit mstc.edu/programs.

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