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September 25-27, 2025 // New Orleans, LA

ROMBA Competitions

ROMBA competitions allow students and alumni to showcase their business acumen and compete for cash awards. Check out our 2024 competition information below.  Check back in the Summer for updates on the 2025 ROMBA competitions!

2024 Competitions

CONSULTING CASE COMPETITION

The 23rd annual ROMBA case competition, sponsored by Bain &Co., is an opportunity for 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 an LGBTQ+-owned and operated small business based in New Orleans. Once teams are submitted, the case itself will be distributed to all teams September 6, 2024.

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

  • Registration Deadline: Once 24 applications are received or by 11:59 PM PT, August 27, 2025.
  • Case Sent to Teams: August 28, 2025
  • Presentation decks due: 11:59 PM PT, September 21, 2025. EACH TEAM WILL HAVE 10 MINS TO PRESENT THEIR DECK.
  • Competition Date: September 27, 2025
    • Preliminary Rounds: 8:00 AM – 11:15 AM (Breakfast and rules review run 7:30-8:00 AM, competition starts at 8:10 AM)
    • Final Round: 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
In partnership with: Bain & Company
1st Prize: $5,000 2nd Prize: $2,500 3rd Prize: $1,000

FINANCE/MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS COMPETITION

The annual M&A case competition, sponsored by Wells Fargo, provides MBA student teams with the opportunity to experience the role of investment bankers in a mergers & acquisition scenario. Teams will demonstrate their financial and strategic analysis skills before a panel of industry experts.

Students can enter the competition individually or with a team of up to 4 LGBTQ+ or active ally MBAs/graduate students.

All entrants must be current LGBTQ+ or active ally MBAs/graduate students and be registered to attend the ROMBA conference and available to present their idea in person, if chosen as a finalist, on September 27, 2025.

1st Place Award: $2,500

  • Registration Deadline: By 11:59 PM PT, August 27, 2025
  • Case Sent to Teams: August 28, 2025
  • Presentation decks due: 11:59 PM PT, September 21, 2025.
  • Competition Date: September 27, 2025 10:00 AM- 11:00 AM CT
In partnership with:
1st Prize: $2,500

STARTUP PITCH COMPETITION

Pitch your startup to a panel of entrepreneurs and investors who will provide valuable feedback and advice on your pitch and business model. The winner will walk away with a $2,500 prize to help move their venture to the next level. Both LGBTQ+ MBA graduate students and LGBTQ+ MBA alumni are eligible to compete.

All entrants must be current LGBTQ+ or active ally MBAs/graduate students.

1st Place Award: $2,500

In partnership with:
1st Prize: $2,500