Competition Information
2027
April 8-9, 2027
The Mayflower Hotel, Washington, D.C.
Why It Matters
Tomorrow’s leaders are entering a business environment where ethical judgment has never been more important. Knowing the rules is no longer enough.
Today’s leaders must navigate ambiguity, competing stakeholder interests, economic pressures, and complex decisions where there is no obvious right answer. Organizations need professionals who can exercise sound judgment, communicate principled recommendations, and lead with integrity when the stakes are high.
The National Ethics Case Competition was created to develop those leaders. Through challenging, real-world business cases, students strengthen their ethical reasoning, defend their recommendations before experienced executives, and gain the skills needed to lead with confidence in an increasingly complex marketplace.
The Road to Washington
Registration
January 4th - 22nd, 2027
Round Two - Semifinals
March 2nd - April 9th, 2027
The Mayflower Hotel
Washington, D.C.
Round Three - Finals
April 9th, 2027
The Mayflower Hotel
Washington, D.C.
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Teams begin with a written response to a complex, real-world business ethics case.
Teams will analyze a new case, submit an executive summary, and present before distinguished judges. Every semifinalist team receives a $5,000 stipend to support travel expenses.
Finalists take on a new case challenge and compete live before attendees and a live panel of distinguished judges for a share of the $250,000 prize pool.
Round One
February 1st - 22nd, 2027
Virtual Submission
Teams register by providing pertinent details.
The competition taught me to communicate with incredible conciseness — you only have 10 minutes to articulate your entire analysis and recommendations, so every sentence you include must add value and each word you use has to be chosen so carefully.
Winning gave me the confidence to hold my own in rooms full of established leaders. At 24, that confidence comes from research, domain expertise, data, preparation, and real analysis. I am now the Director of Innovation at a human capital consulting firm, and I get to directly apply my learnings from this competition every day at work. I’ve always believed in doing the right thing, and that guides every decision I make.
David Carr
2025 National Ethics Case Competition
Member of First Place Team
