October 5-7, 2023 // Chicago, IL

ROMBA Competitions

ROMBA competitions allow students and alumni to showcase their business acumen and compete for cash awards. You can read below for information on the 2023 competitions.

2023 Competitions

CONSULTING CASE COMPETITION

The 22nd annual LGBTQ+ MBA case competition, sponsored by Bain & Co., is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ graduate students to showcase their analytical, presentation, and strategic skills to judges comprised of professionals from Reaching Out’s various consulting corporate partners. All entrants must be current LGBTQ+ or active ally MBAs/graduate students.

This year’s case centers around a real, LGBTQ+ business that is based in Chicago. Once teams are submitted, the case itself will be distributed to all teams no later than September 18, 2023.

1st Place Award: $5,000
2nd Place Award: $2,500
3rd Place Award: $1,000

  • Registration Deadline: Once 21 applications are received or by 11:59 PM PT, September 17, 2023 Case Sent to Teams: No later than September 18, 2023
  • Presentation decks due: 11:59 PM PT, October 2, 2023. EACH TEAM WILL HAVE 10 MINS TO PRESENT THEIR DECK.
  • Competition Date: October 7, 2023
    • Preliminary Rounds: 8:00 AM – 11:15 AM (Breakfast and rules review run 8:00-8:25 AM, competition starts at 8:30 AM)
    • Final Round: 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM

STARTUP PITCH COMPETITION

Pitch your startup to a panel of investors and industry experts (thanks to StartOut) who will provide valuable feedback and advice on your pitch and business model. The winner will walk away with a $5,000 grand prize to help get their venture started. Both LGBTQ+ MBA graduate students and LGBTQ+ MBA alumni are eligible to compete.

1st Place Award: $5,000

  • Application Deadline: 11:59pm PT on September 17, 2023
  • Finalists Notified: September 22, 2023
  • Pitch Date: October 7, 2023, 1:30 PM-3:00 PM