iCR8 Sports Marketing Workshop hosted by Phoenix Suns & Phoenix Mercury | Spring 2026

Overview:
The Marcus Graham Project (MGP), a network of diverse advertising, media, marketing & entertainment  professionals in collaboration with the Phoenix Suns are looking for a dynamic group of (25) Greater Phoenix area students and professionals for its five-day Sports Marketing Workshop.
The workshop's primary purpose is to provide diverse aspirants with the exposure and access necessary to further their career interest within the advertising, media & marketing industry. Workshop teams will receive first hand knowledge from some of today’s premier players in the industry of Sports Marketing.
Workshop teams will be briefed on a specific assignment focused on one of the Phoenix Suns corporate partnerships and will be responsible for putting together a multi platform marketing campaign, which will be reviewed by guest panelist on the last day of the workshop.
*One standout participant will be selected by the Suns organization as the MVP to attend MGP's iCR8 Bootcamp at a later date. In addition there will be multiple opportunities for participants to network with Suns staff and partnering brands hiring mentors.

Candidate Criteria

• Must have a strong passion and desire for the sports marketing career field.
• Must be willing to learn an extreme amount of valuable information in a short period of time.
• Must be 20 years of age or older.
• Must be a resident of Arizona (priority) or willing to travel at your own expense.

APPLICATION DEADLINE - March 9, 2026Confirmation for participation will be sent by March 11th.
Workshop Schedule & Events: (Subject to Change)
Phoenix Suns + Marcus Graham Project Dates: March 23 - 27th, 2026

Sample of Workshop Agenda
Day 1, March 23rdPhoenix Suns - Footprint Center
Timeline11:00am - 11:30am - Check-in and lunch11:30am - 12:00pm - Participant Introductions12:00pm - 1:20pm - Sports Marketing Career Panel Session1:30pm - 2:30pm - MGP Bootcamp Overview and Panel Session2:30pm - 3:45pm - Assignment Roll Out and Group Session3:45pm - 4:30pm - Arena Tour5:00pm - 7:00pm - Reception (Location TBD)
Day 2, March 24thPhoenix Suns - Practice Facility
Timeline9:00am - 10:00am Checkin w/ Assignment Q&A10:00am - 12:00am - CEO's Presentation & Mentor Session12:00pm - 1:00pm - Break for Lunch1:00pm - 4:00pm - Team Work Sessions4:00pm - End of Day Wrap Up7:00pm - 9:30pm - In-Game Experience
Day 3, March 25thPhoenix Suns - Footprint Center
Timeline9:00am - 10:00am - Checkin w/ Assignment Q&A10:00am - 10:30 am - Keynote Speaker10:30am - 12:00pm - Team Work Session12:00pm - 1:00pm - Break For Lunch1:00pm - 4:00pm - Team Work Session4:00pm - End of Day Wrap Up
Day 4, March 26th9:00am - 4:00pm - Group work session
Day 5, March 27thPhoenix Suns - Footprint Center
Timeline9:00am - 10:00am - Arrival10:00am - 12:00pm - Group Presentations12:00pm - 1:00pm - Break For Lunch (Judges Make Decisions)1:00pm -2:00pm - Judges Give Feedback/Winners Announced2:00pm - End of Day Wrap