Favorite Traditions & Events At Top Business Schools

“Amid the intensity of an accelerated MBA program, Keeping Everyone at Goizueta Social (KEGS) represents a welcome pause in the week. Coming from a deeply academic background where schedules are packed and networking often feels like a task, I appreciated that KEGS creates protected time to simply connect with classmates. Centered on conversation and community rather than competition, this weekly tradition reflects the collegial spirit of Goizueta, a school that values relationships just as much as results. Moreover, KEGS serves as a critical reminder of the importance of investing in genuine, lasting connections that shape both careers and character.”
Jasmine King, Emory University (Goizueta)

“One of my favorite MBA traditions at Georgetown was the McDonough Cup, a week-long series of competitions and events that bring the entire MBA community together. As a member of the Student Government Association, I was involved in both planning and execution, attending nearly every event as either a facilitator or participant while helping rally students and build excitement across campus.

One event I helped lead was the High Heels Race, hosted by the Graduate Women in Business club. I had the chance to hype up the crowd, announce scores, and keep the energy high throughout the race. For a moment, I felt less like an MBA student and more like a game show host—completely unserious in the best possible way.

Seeing the campus filled with laughter, cheering, and friendly competition made the long hours of planning worth it. The McDonough Cup felt like a week-long field day and perfectly reflected Georgetown’s collaborative culture, where students celebrate one another as much as they compete.”
Lara Kornblut, Georgetown University (McDonough)

“My favorite Georgetown tradition is the McDonough Cup, a week-long competition where all MBA cohorts go head-to-head in everything from soccer and taste testing to mini golf and video games. Whichever cohort accumulates the most points wins bragging rights. My cohort, Blue, won during my first year. But my favorite moment was helping organize the high heels race. Watching our classmates sprint down the course in heels was one of the funniest moments of my MBA. The McDonough Cup reflects something important about Georgetown. It’s a community that competes hard but never takes itself too seriously.”
Enrique Pinon, Georgetown University (McDonough)

“My favorite tradition was hosting the MBAT (the MBA Tournament), essentially the “MBA Olympics.” There is an indescribable pride in seeing 1,500 students from top European schools arrive on your campus, only to realize they’ve entered a fortress of HEC spirit. I will never forget screaming “H-E-C!” at the top of my lungs alongside classmates from every corner of the globe during the basketball final against LBS. In that moment, it didn’t matter where we came from; we were one team. Whether it was watching our dance team win gold with a brilliant fusion of Mexican, Korean, and Indian styles, or cheering in the stands, the MBAT reflected the true soul of our school: a community that is fiercely competitive yet deeply inclusive.

On a personal level, competing in the trail running race was a milestone. Balancing a rigorous MBA with physical training is a challenge, but it taught me a vital life lesson: success isn’t just about the boardroom or the library; it’s about maintaining the physical and emotional health to perform at your peak. Although I was up against some incredibly “pro” athletes from across Europe, I pushed myself further than I thought possible, ultimately finishing first among the HEC competitors. The MBAT proved that HEC isn’t just a place where we learn to lead; it’s a place where we learn to live with balance, passion, and an unbreakable sense of belonging.”
Luis Dominguez Guillot, HEC Paris

“HEC Paris has the privilege to each year host the MBA Tournament, or MBAT, for the top European business schools. Each year, hundreds of MBA students travel to our campus as we host a multi-day sports and strategy competition, culminating with a formal gala to celebrate the hard-fought victories. I competed for HEC in beach volleyball, basketball, rugby, and was a safety volunteer during the day. Having the opportunity to bond over the sports I love with classmates at HEC and outside schools made the experience that much better. Our cohort would track who was competing and when, and we would make sure everyone had a loud cheering squad at every event. The camaraderie and relationships made during the long weekend will last us all a lifetime!”
Kathryn Kochevar, HEC Paris

“My favourite tradition is HKU’s Global Night, where students turn the campus into a moving mosaic of food, music, and stories from around the world. On the surface, it’s a fun cultural festival; underneath, it reflects how our school truly operates.

You see a classmate from Mainland China learning Bollywood steps, a European student explaining Korean street food, and someone from Africa attempting Cantonese tongue twisters. It captures what I love about HKU: diversity isn’t just represented; it’s celebrated and actively exchanged. That spirit carries into group projects and career conversations, where it’s normal to ask, “How would this play in your home market?” and then really listen.”
Paramvir Singh, University of Hong Kong

“My favorite IE MBA event is the Venture Day. This day is the perfect encapsulation of the entrepreneurial spirit that IE instills in its students and represents the culmination of months of hard work by budding student-founders. What stood out most to me was not just the breadth of ideas presented, but the depth of thought behind them – each team demonstrated a strong understanding of niche markets, emerging trends, and real-world problems. It was incredibly inspiring to see my peers move from concept to execution, translating ideas into tangible, scalable solutions.

More broadly, Venture Day reflects IE’s emphasis on action-oriented learning and innovation. It is not just about discussing business concepts in the classroom, but about building, testing, and bringing ideas to life. I have no doubt that many of the ventures I saw will continue to grow beyond the program, and it was motivating to be part of an environment where that level of ambition and creativity is the norm.”
Erin McShea, IE Business School

“Multiculti! Over a thousand students from more than 90 countries spend an entire day sharing food, drinks and traditions from home. Every country organizes a traditional dance with costumes and music from their home country. It’s one of the most wholesome events of the program.

The second-year musicians formed a band to play the main stage — and when they were missing a bass player, I somehow ended up volunteering. I had never touched a bass guitar before. A month later I was playing for an hour in front of the whole school.

That’s what Multiculti does to you. Every cultural wall disappears. People are just people, sharing what they love, having fun and creating happiness together. It is IESE at its core.”
Federico E. Alatorre, IESE Business School

“T-Nite is peak IIMA energy: section wars, brutal deadlines and end term exams, all colliding over several days. As part of my section’s fashion contingent, I walked the ramp in accessories and makeup so over-the-top that even my past undercover law-enforcement self wouldn’t have recognised me. In those moments, between the cheers, chaos and costume changes, I felt pure pride and joy. This campus teaches you to show up for your people, even when your grades are screaming for help.”
Abhishek Batra, IIM Ahmedabad

“My favorite MBA tradition was the tailgates, especially the Alumni Tailgate. Coming together with classmates to cheer for the Hoosiers fostered a strong sense of community, and reconnecting with recent graduates made it even more special. Picture smoke rising from the grills, the smell of burgers cooking, a sea of red IU gear, and music thumping from the speakers courtesy of a Kelley alum DJ. That energy captured what Kelley is all about: camaraderie, pride, and shared experiences that build lasting bonds. This year was unforgettable, with the Hoosiers going undefeated and winning the National Championship. It was an incredible time to be a Hoosier and a reminder that traditions like these create connections that extend far beyond the classroom. Go Hoosiers!”
Rayna Strasser-King, Indiana University (Kelley)

“Every year, students across both the Fontainebleau and Singapore campuses celebrate one of INSEAD’s most beloved traditions: DASH. On that day, students dress up in their most outrageous, creative, and hilarious costumes and quite literally dash to campus. The day is filled with games, performances, and spontaneous moments that bring the entire community together. DASH truly reflects a culture at INSEAD that celebrates diversity, creativity, and camaraderie. It shows that even in the midst of an intense MBA experience, students from all around the world can come together, forget the case studies for a day, and build friendships that last well beyond the program.”
Julien Trehet, INSEAD

“The Ivey Cup Hockey Tournament is easily my favorite MBA tradition. It brings together Ivey alumni teams and fellow business schools such as Rotman and DeGroote, and has been running for decades. Held in early March, it marks the overlap between the outgoing and incoming MBA classes and serves as a powerful moment of connection across cohorts.

I participated in my first Ivey Cup as an incoming student, playing on one of the alumni teams. Looking back, that experience was a catalyst for my entire MBA journey. It introduced me to the strength of the Ivey community, shaped the extracurriculars I pursued, and influenced the career path I am now following.

This year, I had the opportunity to help plan the tournament. It felt like a full circle moment to support the incoming class in the same way I had been welcomed and to give back to the alumni who have remained engaged and supportive. The Ivey Cup reflects what makes the program special: tradition, community, and a network that extends well beyond the classroom.”
Derek Adam, Ivey Business School

“Tattoo is my favourite MBA tradition, and I have been fortunate to be part of the organising team in both years of my MBA. It is the largest fully student-led event on campus, managed end-to-end by a team of students across operations, finance, marketing, and partnerships. What makes it special is not only its scale, but what it represents. For one day, the entire LBS community comes together to celebrate the diversity that defines the school. Students proudly represent their cultures through music, food, and performances, and what stands out most is the sense of collective ownership. It is not a show put on for an audience. It is a shared celebration built by the community, for the community.

Tattoo reflects what makes LBS unique. The school’s international perspective is not just visible in the classroom. It is lived in moments like this, where difference is not something to manage, but something to celebrate. The energy is contagious because it is rooted in genuine pride and mutual respect. What I love most is that it showcases both the cultural richness of LBS and the capability of its students to organise something of this scale with professionalism and care. It is community in its purest form: ambitious, diverse and global, yet united.”
Tania F. Davila Masciopinto, London Business School

“My favorite MBA tradition has been the Monte Carlo Event. It is one of the few evenings when the entire Smith MBA community – including professors, program leadership, and students from across formats – gathers in one space. With a red-carpet entrance, poker tables, and just enough friendly competition to raise the stakes, the event carries a celebratory energy that feels different from the usual rhythm of business school.

What makes it meaningful is not just the atmosphere, but the way it brings everyone together as peers rather than roles. Faculty join the tables, conversations extend beyond classrooms, and the usual academic structure gives way to genuine connection. It reflected a culture where students step up, take ownership, and build something meaningful together. The collaboration behind organizing the event, combined with the shared laughter throughout the night, captures the balance at Smith between rigor, inclusion, and community.”
Anuj Yadav, University of Maryland (Smith)

“Sports culture runs deep at the University of Michigan, and that includes in our MBA program. We have a Club Ice Hockey Team, and every year they play our rivals, the Michigan Law School. I love that game because the MBAs get really into it, and afterwards, we celebrate what we hope will be a big win. It’s fun to discover what talents my classmates have, and seeing them out on the ice is the next best thing to watching the UofM team play.”
Jude Mabone, University of Michigan (Ross)

“My favorite MBA tradition is TAPS, which stands for “Thursdays After Professional Studies.” Every Thursday afternoon, Carlson MBA students gather to unwind after the week. What makes TAPS special is not the event itself, but what it reflects about Minnesota Carlson. No matter how different our schedules, backgrounds, or career paths are, TAPS is the one constant where many show up. It is where I got to know classmates beyond the classroom, where conversations shifted from case studies to life stories, and where many of the friendships I value most were built. For a program that prides itself on community, TAPS is the purest expression of it. It is informal, unpretentious, and open to everyone, which is exactly what makes Minnesota Carlson feel like home.”
Doğukan Günaydın, University of Minnesota (Carlson)

Next Page: Traditions at MIT Sloan, Northwestern Kellogg, and UC Berkeley Haas

© Copyright 2026 Poets & Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets & Quants, please submit your request HERE.