Favorite Traditions & Events At Top Business Schools

“In my second year, my favorite event has continuously been “Keeping Everyone at Goizueta Social” or KEGS. Under the leadership of Andrew Schulman and Keleen McNamara, KEGS has transformed into an amazing opportunity to bring first- and second-years together to reconnect after a long week of classes. Not only has the planning for these events exceeded expectations but they are always thoughtfully curated with an appetizing menu and fun playlist. Specifically, they allow me to check-in with student leaders like Cydney Stevenson and Molly McDonald and their work within the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Andrew Nelson, president of the Veteran’s Association, to see how he’s helping the vets transition into civilian life; and Hunter Scanlon and Maddie McMurray, leaders of the Pride Alliance, on the upcoming drag brunch later this spring. I’m proud to be in their networks and I’m thankful that we have a space that allows us to strengthen community and get to know each other even better.”
Sasha McNair, Emory University (Goizueta)

“For each new cohort, we welcome them with the Coca-Cola Toast. Current students line the courtyard while new students march in to the sounds of our applause and cheering. It’s fun to see your new classmates smile and realize they’re already loved simply because they’re human and they’re a part of Goizueta. Ironically, when I was a first year, I somehow missed ours!”
Tom Moak Jr., Emory University (Goizueta)

“Gastrofest was one of the most memorable events of the MBA program. Each country showcased dishes from their culture, creating a vibrant culinary journey around the world. With 44 nationalities represented in our cohort, it was an amazing opportunity to try diverse foods from South America, North America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Beyond the food, the event was filled with cultural performances—many students performed traditional dances and shared stories about their heritage. The energy and sense of connection was amazing, as we celebrated our diversity in such a unique way. For my part, I was proud to represent Canada and couldn’t resist bringing Canadian maple syrup cookies to share!”
Joanne Bartolome, ESADE Business School

“KEGS, or “Keeping Everyone at Georgetown Social,” was a cherished Thursday night ritual. It embodied the spirit of McDonough, fostering a sense of community amidst the academic rigor. It was my favorite tradition because it organically connected students from different cohorts that you may not have seen during the busy week and allowed us to simply reconnect. The relaxed atmosphere allowed for genuine interactions, especially when the student government would host theme nights with various clubs to really get the ball rolling. We would have affinity groups, career clubs, and social clubs take on opportunities to host with different traditions and even foods! Beyond just a social gathering, it was a weekly reminder that business school wasn’t just about academics; it was about forging lasting connections and enjoying the journey together.”
Wesley Varughese, Georgetown University (McDonough)

“My favorite MBA tradition at Scheller is the Hobby Nights. They are a series of events hosted by the Peer Leadership Committee where students get to share their passions with a small group. It’s amazing to try new activities, from rock climbing to Bollywood dancing, and connect with classmates on a deeper level. These experiences highlight the value of diversity, as exposure to new things encourages openness and innovation, and they let you see a different side of your classmates in their own element!”
Annette Knell, Georgia Tech (Scheller)

“I would say the MBA Football Tailgates were one of my favorite traditions at Scheller! There’s nothing quite like seeing students, alumni, and faculty decked out in school colors, coming together to cheer on our team, play games, and soak in the energy of the day. It’s a reflection of Scheller’s strong sense of community and camaraderie. Tailgates bring everyone together in a way that fosters genuine connections, school pride, and lifelong friendships. And of course, the great food and lively outdoor activities make it even better. It’s the perfect mix of celebration, teamwork, and fun.”
Sarmad Saad, Georgia Tech (Scheller)

“My favorite MBA event at HEC Paris is the MBA Tournament (MBAT), a three-day sports and cultural festival that transforms business students into athletes, cheerleaders, and fierce competitors. Often called the “MBA Olympics,” MBAT is a unique mix of competition, camaraderie, and networking. Students compete in over 50 sports and activities, from football and basketball to chess, e-sports, and even dance battles. The energy leading up to MBAT is incredible. Students train for months, balancing case studies with practice sessions, all for the chance to represent HEC Paris on home turf.

Beyond the competition, MBAT is a celebration of diversity and community. It brings together over 1,500 MBA students from top European schools, turning rivalries into friendships through sports, themed parties, and cultural showcases. Whether competing, cheering from the sidelines, or just enjoying the festival atmosphere, MBAT embodies the HEC spirit. It is an experience that reminds us the MBA is not just about academics, but also about building lifelong friendships, pushing our limits, and making unforgettable memories.”
Arjun Shivach, HEC Paris

“Every other week when the weather is nice, our Campus Life team hosts Campus Connects out in the campus garden. It’s a time to decompress and reconvene with classmates over some free beer and sodas. My classmates in our section devised what can only be describes as “Gauntlet Ping Pong”, where on a Campus Connects day, we descend on the outdoor ping pong tables 20 people deep and attempt to play ping pong on one table sharing 4 paddles. We walk around the ping pong table in a circle and try to keep the ball in play as long as possible. It’s silly, and an almost futile task that requires a lot of screaming. Still, it’s a fun tradition that my classmates and I have developed that I look forward to, and it always results in some much-needed belly laughs. I think what it says about IE is that you don’t have to be super serious all the time; fun is a part of the process and adds value. As well as that goals are best achieved in a team at IE.”
Sierra Nicole Reece, IE Business School

“Picture this: an 18th-century Catalan farmhouse nestled in rolling hills just outside Barcelona, smoke curling from a custom-built parrilla grill, and 20+ Argentine classmates orchestrating a carnivore’s symphony of sizzling chorizo, morcilla, and provoleta. The IESE Asado wasn’t just a BBQ—it was a masterclass in community-building.

From sunrise, the Argentines transformed into grill-masters, chefs, and ambassadors. They didn’t just serve food—they explained cuts of meat, taught mate rituals, and shared stories of Argentina. The Argentines’ relentless effort (24 hours of grilling!) echoed our MBA’s collaborative spirit—success here isn’t about individual glory, but how you lift others.

As one of the first major events, the Asado set the tone. It was a microcosm of the MBA: intense, unpredictable, and richer when you lean into the chaos. Watching our Argentinian classmates pour their heritage into that grill (and kicking off the race for the rest of us to reciprocate with our own traditions later) proved that the best experiences happens when you work for the benefit of others… and feed them well.”
Damian D’souza, IESE Business School

“IESE has many incredible events—Multi-Culti, Gala, and Asado, to name a few—but one tradition that stands out to me is the “Cow Award.”

In every class, students vote to award a small plush cow to someone who makes a particularly smart, witty, or memorable remark—professors included! This tradition, evolved organically, reflects the unique culture of IESE—a blend of intellectual rigor, collaboration, and lightheartedness, creating a fun and engaging classroom atmosphere. It also fosters a spirit of camaraderie, mutual respect, and intellectual curiosity, where both students and faculty embrace diverse perspectives in a fun and interactive way.

It’s a symbol of the happy and inclusive learning environment that IESE cultivates, even within a highly ranked and academically demanding MBA program. The cow tradition reminds me that learning doesn’t have to be overly serious—it can be joyful, collaborative, and filled with moments of laughter.”
Lili (Lily) Chen, IESE Business School

“I don’t think it’s a tradition yet, but our cohort started it, and hopefully, it will become one. At the end of our first module of exams, we jumped into the lake with March temperatures around 6°C (43°F). we even invited our professors to join us. Only one was brave enough – Professor of Finance Arturo Bris –while the others stood on the pier in their warm coats, watching us in disbelief.

Everyone was shaking from the cold but smiling, celebrating a bonding moment that marked the end of our first big challenge in the MBA. It was the perfect way to step into the next phase of the journey together. Hopefully, next year, more professors will take the plunge! “To the Laaaake!”
Gianluca Perino, IMD Business School

“Dancing under a blue whale skeleton in one of London’s most iconic museums – now that is a night to remember! The Winter Ball at the Natural History Museum has to be my favourite MBA event. Imperial Business School takes over the entire museum, transforming it into a breathtaking venue for the night. Walking through the beautifully lit exhibits, seeing everyone dressed to the nines, and then dancing beneath the iconic blue whale skeleton felt completely surreal.

But beyond the stunning setting, it was about celebrating with friends, taking a well-earned break from the MBA grind, and creating making memories in a way that only Imperial could offer.”
Arshween Kaur, Imperial Business School

“My favourite MBA event at Imperial was the MBA World Café Networking Event. Imperial’s MBA World Café is a unique networking event that invites alumni back on campus to share their industry insights with current MBA students in a relaxed environment.

We’ve had two since the programme began, and they’ve been invaluable to my business school experience. What sets this event apart is its structured yet dynamic networking approach. Unlike traditional events that can feel transactional, the World Café uses a speed-networking format organised by industry groups, enabling focused discussions with alumni, industry specialists, and fellow MBAs across different cohorts.

The real value came from the diversity of perspectives—alumni who’ve successfully navigated post-MBA transitions and industry veterans who’ve provided unfiltered insights into what employers truly value. These discussions not only shaped my understanding of different career paths and market trends, but also helped me refine my career strategy and position my profile more effectively. Beyond networking, the connections I made led to follow-up meetings, informational interviews, and mentorship opportunities that have been instrumental in shaping my MBA journey.”
Bogosi N. Shashane, Imperial Business School

“The Kelley Women in Business Auction is my favorite tradition, an annual celebration of talent, generosity, and community spirit. It not only raises money for a local organization, but also highlights the unique skills and contributions of classmates.

I’ve had the joy of auctioning personalized pies, blending my love for baking with passion for giving back. Watching classmates bid on each other’s donations reinforce the sense of community and appreciation we have for each other’s skills and passions. The Kelley Women in Business Auction is more than just a fundraiser; it embodies collaboration, generosity, and friendly competition, making it one of the most memorable and meaningful traditions at Kelley.”
Anna Capone, Indiana University (Kelley)

“One of my favorite events is the Top Chef Competition, a spin-off of the famous show that gives students the opportunity to showcase their home cuisines at Kelley. This fun competition not only brings out creativity in cooking, but also provides a taste of the diverse cultural traditions within our community.

From Indian and Middle Eastern to African cuisine, the event is a celebration of flavors that fosters connection and appreciation for the rich backgrounds of our peers. One of my favorite tastings this year was a Pani Puri, a North Indian dish. It is a hollow, crispy puris filled with a spicy and tangy green water (pani), mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and tamarind chutney that gives your tongue quite the burst of flavors. It is refreshing to see my classmates lighten up, given the opportunity to share their favorite meals with us.”
Loretta Abdul-Ghani, Indiana University (Kelley)

“Even though it’s early in the year, one of INSEAD’s most impactful traditions is Master Strategy Day, where students engage in an intense, real-world strategic business simulation. Where one “surprise” company is selected, and students at INSEAD solve one critical challenge for the company chosen. It challenges us to apply critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to tackle complex business scenarios under time pressure. This event reflects INSEAD’s commitment to hands-on learning, bridging classroom theory with practical strategy execution in a high-stakes environment. Still, most importantly, “Business as a force for good,” as in the last years, the companies selected were NGOs looking to make an impact on their communities.”
Gabriel Pereira, INSEAD

“One tradition that truly stood out for me was the Ivey Olympics — a student-led initiative that takes place right in the middle of the intense core term. It’s a full-day break from cases and classrooms, where all 165 of us step outside to participate in a series of light-hearted, made-up outdoor games. These aren’t athletic contests or intellectual challenges — they’re deliberately silly and simple, designed so that the only real requirement is teamwork.

What makes it special is how thoughtfully it’s organized. Teams are intentionally crafted to maximize diversity — across gender, culture, geography, and professional backgrounds — ensuring that students who may not typically work together get the chance to connect and collaborate in a completely different setting. It’s a celebration of the community we’ve built and a reminder that relationships are as important as resumes in business school.

This year, we had 19 teams and 13 games, including a hilarious dunk tank during the lunch hour where our Dean, Julian Birkinshaw, gamely volunteered to be dunked. Students paid to throw, and all proceeds were donated to the Canadian Cancer Society. It was fun, meaningful, and perfectly reflected Ivey’s culture — one that values connection, inclusivity, and giving back, even while having a laugh.”
Mohit Ganesh Gupta, Ivey Business School

“My favorite MBA tradition has to be traveling with LBS to HEC Paris for the annual MBA Tournament (MBAT). This competition has been around for over 30 years, bringing together top European business schools. Each year, more than 1,500 students from over 15 schools compete in 40+ sports and games, making it one of the most anticipated events on our calendar.

During my first year at LBS, we dominated the competition and brought home the championship trophy after a nine-year drought. The experience was truly unforgettable – not just because of the victory, but because of the school pride and camaraderie it fostered. Seeing classmates, many of whom I had only known in academic or professional settings, competing and cheering each other on against other schools was inspiring. Personally, it was a special moment to race again for the first time since my retirement in 2017. Reliving my racing days without the pressure but with all the joy made it an experience I will never forget.”
Zhen Ren Teo, London Business School

“It has to be the Diwali Ball. Hosted by the India Club, it perfectly embodies LBS’s diversity and student-driven culture. More than just a festive event, it showcases the School’s inclusive and tight-knit community, bringing together students from all backgrounds to celebrate one of the biggest festivals in the world. Moments like these make LBS feel truly global.

Watching my classmates from around the world embrace Indian culture, donning vibrant outfits and intricate jewelery, is a sight etched in my memory. The real showstopper, however, is the Bollywood dance competition, a tradition taken very seriously. I took on the challenge of choreographing my Stream’s (go Stream C!) performance, and it soon became one of my most cherished experiences at LBS. Every rehearsal was a whirlwind of energy, laughter, and the inevitable chaos of last-minute tweaks. Watching our team come together, with most teammates stepping out of their comfort zones to try Bollywood dance for the first time, made the journey even more endearing. Extra points to them for trying to understand the Hindi lyrics; they caught on quickly!

When we finally hit the stage, the joy of performing made every second of preparation worth it. And to top it all off – we won!”
Snehal, London Business School

“My favorite MBA event was Smith’s Got Talent, where students came together to showcase their hidden talents. It was a night filled with surprises—who knew ‘Victor could dance like that’ or that ‘Hugh could play the guitar so well?’ A few classmates even tried their hand at singing… let’s just say some should definitely stick to their day jobs! Beyond the entertainment, what made this event special was the sense of community and camaraderie it fostered. Smith is a rigorous program, but events like this remind us that we’re more than just students—we’re a tight-knit group that supports, celebrates, and laughs with each other. It truly reflects the collaborative and spirited culture of the Smith MBA program.”
Olawale Solarin, University of Maryland (Smith)

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