Building Confidence With the Perfect Conference Outfit
Updated: 55 minutes ago
Every November, thousands of marketing professionals gather at a symposium designed to inspire groundbreaking creativity and leadership in higher education. And exactly one month before, online retailers likely see a small surge in sales as eager conference goers hunt for the perfect blazer that will serve as a suit of armor, readying their new owners to spend three days networking, learning and representing their institutions. For me, it's been a two-year quest to find the perfect loafer. Before you stop reading, let me explain why this is so important.
My Hunt for the Red (Soles) October
Back when I was working in the private sector for companies that sent me regularly to conferences to quench my thirst for the latest marketing trends, I would wear four-inch heels purchased from stores like Wet Seal and Forever 21. I thought I was pretty hot stuff strolling around the conference venue, clenching my cramped toes, and praying I wouldn’t trip on the thick event center carpet.
I vividly remember the instant relief at the end of the day, walking my aching, numb feet up to my room and running my toes under the cool water in my sterile conference hotel bathroom. Was it worth it? Probably not. Do I regret it? Not in the slightest. I miss wearing my discount heels because they were the early versions of who I saw myself becoming in 20 years: a future marketing executive who owned multiple pairs of Christian Louboutin pumps and speaking at a conference. I caught a glimpse of her at last year’s AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education when I saw Dr. Teresa Valerio Parrot, sitting casually on a panel, looking absolutely fabulous in her turquoise squash blossom as she gently bobbed that trademark red shoe sole, up and down. IYKYK.
Here’s the reality; I haven’t become a marketing executive yet, I still don’t own a pair of designer heels, and I’ve traded my cheap stilettos in for more practical footwear. My goals and priorities have changed, but they aren’t lesser. When I reached a major career achievement this year after being invited to speak at the 2026 AMA Symposium in Denver, I was totally pumped... you see what I did there? It’s unlikely that the audience will fixate on what’s taking place south of my ankles, but some of the best presenters I’ve ever seen have meaningfully integrated their personalities and outfits into their topics.
In 2025, I watched Jenny Petty, who is this year’s AMA Symposium co-chair and vice president extraordinaire at Simpson Scarborough, and Kerri Shook, a brilliant marketing mind from the University of Montana, adorn their sparkly shoes as an ode to Taylor Swift and shared what it means to build a college community that leaves students with an unforgettable and safe experience. The audience was completely engaged. If you see Jenny running around the Gaylord this year in a gorgeous silk, hunter green blazer—you read it here first, folks. Also, did anyone else love the merchandise fashion show with champagne at last year’s symposium? Incredible.
This will be my first time presenting at AMA, but it’s not my first time buying loafers. I’m 0 for 4 in the loafer game and I believe deep in my soul that the designers who make these shoes are the kingpins of false advertising, promising comfort and style, knowing fully their customer’s first blister is just a staircase away. But I’m not losing hope and I have a good feeling about my latest purchase. My co-presenter, Jack Tenant, is a former Division 1 offensive lineman and if you haven’t seen the 2026 AMA Symposium agenda yet, we’re hosting a session at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, November 9 called “How Sportsball Expanded our Brand Playbook.” My new loafers have a dainty one-inch wedged heel, and I’m not even joking when I say I need all the height I can get while standing next to Jack. You’ll see why when you attend. But the loafers aren’t the stars of the show. I didn’t even know Abercrombie & Fitch was still in business until earlier this week when I finally found the perfect sweater to complement our presentation and to demonstrate the irony of the University of Wyoming’s decision to put me in charge of a major NFL partnership with the Buffalo Bills.
So, while my October and maybe yours doesn’t include a splurge on a pair of Louboutin pumps for AMA next month, we’re still entitled to a small treat that helps us feel the rush from a little retail therapy. And if you've made it this far and you’re starting the hunt for your own conference-wear, Shelbey Gunter, my amazing website strategist and personal fashion consultant, and I have curated a few of our favorite online finds that will help you feel fabulous and full of confidence at this year’s symposium. I’ll also acknowledge here that it’s not everyone’s taste to shop online—we totally get it. But we live in Laramie, Wyoming, and all we have is Ross Dress-4-Less...
Shelbey’s Top Conference Outfit Picks
A Note From Shelbey: Even though I’m slightly upset that Mindy won’t let me only share conference outfit picks from Amazon (that’s the only place I really shop), I highly, highly recommend going to Mindy and Jack’s presentation. Mindy has put a lot of heart and time into this work and is extremely excited for the opportunity. I’ve had the pleasure of watching her present, and I honestly think it’s an art form in itself. Not only does she know the content she’s presenting like the back of her hand, she’s captivating, engages the audiences, always throws some jokes into her short time, and she will always have a great outfit on. I know Jack will be electric, too. AMA will never be the same after these two hit the stage.
Now on to the important stuff... outfits.
OQQ Bodysuits - $34 (For a Pack of 2)
When I tell you I wear at least one of these bodysuits every week at work, I really mean it. These bodysuits are the perfect base for any conference outfit. They work great with just a pair of slacks, or they can be paired with your favorite blazer. I personally love a bodysuit over a normal shirt because you don’t have to deal with making sure it’s tucked in, and the ribbed material of this body suit makes it feel like it’s doubling as some sort of comfortable shapewear. If you’re in need of some basics, pick up some of these. Also, size up if you don’t like a snug fit.
I don’t know why I have a distaste for packing multiple belts when I travel, but I do. I know that’s unreasonable because some outfits call for a brown belt and some call for a black belt. That’s why when I found this belt on Levi’s that can be both, I swiped my card so fast. Bonus points: it has a silver buckle (why is all hardware gold these days?).
For the Gentleman: Under Armour UA Drive Pants - $85
Not only am I Mindy’s fashion consultant, but I’m also my husband’s. These Under Armour pants are comfortable, fashionable, and come in every color imaginable, and more importantly, they're also wife-approved. I’ve suggested my husband try pants from brands such as Lululemon, Nike, and Men’s Warehouse, but these are such a fan favorite for him that he hasn’t tried another brand in years. He truly swears by them and I can’t say I’m not a fan of them either.
Mindy's Top Conference Outfit Picks
LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack - $45
This backpack is an absolute must for the conference attendee who wants to disguise the absurd amount of free vendor merch they take after lunch in a tidy, sturdy canvas bag while still leaving plenty of room for a laptop so you can sneak a few emails in between sessions. The heavy gold zippers and small embellishments are sure to help you feel a level of dignity several steps above your old company’s Ogio backpack they gave out at Christmas. I also love that this bag dubs as a larger handbag, and I can carry it in the crook of my elbow when I'm out to dinner with our university partners. I saw several of the Lovelook bags at last year’s symposium, so the secret is already out.
4.4 stars are probably not convincing enough when it comes to buying boots—but I kid you not—these are one of the most comfortable pairs I’ve ever owned. The insoles are supportive and heavily cushioned, and the Nude color goes with anything. I wore these all day, multiple days in a row during UW’s Buffalo Bills partnership activation. My boots will not make it into our presentation at AMA, but if you attend the session, you’ll understand quickly why they call it boots-on-ground marketing. They do run a little large, but I find that helpful since I was wearing merino wool socks at the beginning of winter in Buffalo, New York.
You didn’t think you’d leave here without a high heel recommendation, did you? Okay, so $169 is not exactly a bargain. I fell prey to these through an Instagram ad, but the price is totally worth it. Anyone who says that a pair of high heels are comfortable is lying and you should probably ask them about nerve damage. However, these shoes are tolerable enough that I can walk across campus without any pain, and I keep them in my office for whenever we have meetings with the higher ups. My team calls them my power heels. With a modest 2.5” heel, I slip them on, and it takes me back to that girl with huge dreams and aspirations. She’s still there, but she's finally making better choices. Fair warning, these take a couple weeks to ship unless you’re in major cities on the coast.
There you have it. Two fashion takes from two people about 20 years apart in their careers. Shelbey is clearly wiser than I was with her practical fashion sense, and guess what? She’s still killing it at everything she takes on. Now that I’m older, I’ve learned that it’s less about what you wear and more about what you know. I didn’t receive this opportunity because I bought some shoes. I earned it because a group of people took a chance on my ability to lead an NFL team partnership that opened the door to my speaking spot at AMA.
So, I want to take a moment to shout out anyone who has fretted over their conference outfit, clicking endlessly into the night on Quince, looking for the perfect look that will help them stand out. I see you, I’m right there with you, and you should always know that you are more than your face value. I urge you all to network with the amazing people you will meet at the AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education. Whether they’re new connections or familiar mentors, they can help elevate you towards your goals. And, if a pair of high heels—or loafers—helps you feel extra special and confident, then go for it. Just make sure your slippers are waiting for you upstairs at the end of the day.
About the Authors
Shelbey Gunter is a website strategist at the University of Wyoming and responsible for a five-year consolidation project that resulted in the website centralization and optimization of every university degree program, certificate and endorsement. Her tireless work involved diplomatic communication and resolution with faculty and staff to ensure program information was accurate and compelling for students. Be sure to check out some of her work!
Mindy Peep is the Associate Director for Digital & Content Strategy at UW and she happens to dabble in brand activations that have transformed the University of Wyoming's digital and disruptive marketing efforts. Oh, and this is her website! You can explore some of the work she has led or reach out if you'd like to connect!
