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MSBA Trends Market – Guide for Judges & Guests

Event Overview

The Trends Market is a trade show–style showcase of student projects.

  • Student teams will present at individual tables
  • You are invited to walk around, engage with teams, and ask questions
  • There are no formal presentations—all interactions are conversational and interactive

Logistics

Check-In

  • Please check in at the reception desk to:

  • Pick up your name tag

  • Judges: Pick up a Project List for Judges with your name
  • Guests: Pick up a Project List

Building Access

  • Location: Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs
  • The building requires U-card access
  • A team member will be at the entrance from 2:45 PM – 4:30 PM to let you in

Parking

  • Parking is available at:

  • A parking voucher will be provided at check-in

Tip:

  • Park on the 1st or 2nd level
  • Exit on the ground floor to cross the street easily and avoid construction

For Judges: Your Role

Each judge has been assigned a subset of projects to evaluate.

What to Do

  • Pick up your project list (with assigned teams highlighted) at the reception desk
  • Visit each of your assigned teams
  • Spend ~5–10 minutes per team
  • Ask questions, explore both business value and technical approach

You are welcome to visit additional teams beyond your assigned ones if time permits.

Evaluation Process

  • Evaluations are completed via a Google Form on your phone

  • Access options:

  • Scan the QR code on your printed project list

  • Or use the direct link provided

Your evaluations will contribute to the students’ project grades.

Evaluation Criteria

You will be asked to rate each team on:

  • Business Value: The problem or opportunity is meaningful, with clear potential impact

  • Technical Quality: The approach is sound, appropriate, and well executed

  • Presentation: The explanation, demo, or pitch is clear and well organized

  • Handout: The handout is effective, informative, and visually clear

  • Professionalism: The team communicates and interacts professionally

You will also have space to provide brief qualitative comments.

How to Engage with Teams

We encourage a simple and consistent interaction style:

Start with a Brief Introduction

Please introduce yourself briefly when approaching a team. For example:

“Hi, I’m [Name], I work in [industry/role]. Looking forward to learning about your project.”

  • You do not need to disclose whether you are formally evaluating the team
  • This helps students tailor their explanation appropriately

During the Interaction

  • Let students start with a short overview (1–2 minutes)

  • Ask follow-up questions based on your interest:

  • Business relevance

  • Technical decisions
  • Practical implementation

Strong conversations are more valuable than rapid check-ins.

For Guests (Non-Judges)

Guests are not required to complete evaluations, but your engagement is highly valuable.

We encourage you to:

  • Visit any teams that interest you
  • Ask questions and provide informal feedback
  • Briefly introduce yourself to help students tailor their discussion

What Makes This Event Valuable

For students:

  • Real-time feedback from experienced professionals

For judges & guests:

  • Exposure to emerging ideas and talent
  • Opportunity to engage with applied AI and data projects