Hampton University made a powerful showing at the 2026 National Sales Network (NSN) Student Conference, held September 12–14 in Atlanta, Georgia, with students bringing home top honors, a $10,000 pitch competition prize, and recognition for professional excellence.
Winning Pitch Competition Team
Two Hampton students, Janayah Dobney (Marketing) and Jalen Lyle (Criminal Justice), were members of the winning team in the conference’s pitch competition, earning a share of a $10,000 prize. A third Hampton student, Carmen Coleman (Marketing), advanced to the final four with a different team marking a strong showing for the university across multiple competing teams.
Reflecting on the win at the conference’s award ceremony, Lyle told the audience, “This isn’t just a win for me. This is a win for HU!”
Largest Delegation Yet
Seventeen Hampton students attended this year’s conference marking the university’s largest turnout at the event to date. The strong showing was made possible in part by Jordan Thomas, NSN Student Ambassador for Hampton University, and Levar Johnson, president of the Richmond NSN chapter, who secured 10 reserved spots for Hampton students and ultimately arranged for more than originally planned.
Center for Sales Excellence Training
Ahead of the conference, three Hampton students were selected to take part in NSN’s inaugural Center for Sales Excellence training. Jordan Thomas (Marketing), Jeremiah Spann (Marketing), and Layth Carpenter (Marketing) completed the training and received certificates of completion.
Faculty Presenter
Hampton’s presence at the conference also extended to the faculty level. Dr. Natalie Baucum, assistant professor of marketing, a guest presenter at this year’s event, delivered a session titled “What is Professionalism: Going Beyond the Dress Code,” attended by Hampton students and other conference participants. Dr. Baucum also serves as the liaison between NSN and the Hampton Marketing Collective, Hampton’s marketing club.
A Weekend to Remember
Between the pitch competition win, record attendance, and multiple students earning special recognition, Hampton University’s presence at the 2026 NSN Student Conference reflected a weekend of significant achievement for the university’s students and its growing relationship with the National Sales Network.