Student Marketing Challenge
Student Food Marketing Challenge
October 4 – 5, 2026
Hershey, Pennsylvania
The FDRS Student Food Marketing Challenge invites undergraduate teams to analyze a real-world food marketing case study and present their strategy to a panel of academic and industry judges. This is a flagship opportunity to apply classroom knowledge and compete on a national stage.
The Challenge is fully in-person this year. All registered teams compete on site at the conference in Hershey, PA, and there is no video submission round.
Key Dates
How the Competition Works
All registered teams present their case study analysis to the judging panel. Each team has 20 minutes total, including presentation and Q&A. The top three teams advance.
The top three teams present again to the judges. Winners are announced during the Awards Ceremony at the FDRS Annual Conference.
Who Can Enter
- Teams made of undergraduate and graduate students (must be majority undergraduate) with a faculty advisor.
- Up to Two teams per institution.
- Space is limited; registration is first-come, first-served until full.
International teams: registration fees are waived. We welcome and encourage participation from students outside the United States.
Prizes
Register Your Team
Faculty advisors should register their team before the deadline. The registration link will be posted here once it is live.
Deadline: August 31, 2026
11:59 PM CST
Updated competition rubrics for the in-person format will be posted once finalized. Questions? Contact the VP of Student Programs, Dr. Hannah Shear, Oklahoma State University.