One of the largest business school competitions in Canada is being hosted for the first time at Brock University from Friday, Jan. 3 to Sunday, Jan. 5.

The JDC Central competition, which has been nicknamed the “business school Olympics,” will see 550 students from 11 universities across Ontario, Québec and Nova Scotia faceoff in academic cases in nine business disciplines, parliamentary-style debates, sports tournaments, a social competition and a charity component.

Students from Brock’s Goodman School of Business are hoping to defend their coveted School of the Year title, having won in 2017 and 2019. The 2018 event was cancelled due to inclement weather.

Goodman Dean Andrew Gaudes is honoured to welcome the group of elite business students to Brock.

“Competitions like this prepare students to think critically as well as respond to challenges in real-time, demonstrating their confidence and competence while preparing them to enter the workplace when they graduate,” said Gaudes.

“The students competing this weekend represent tomorrow’s business leaders. Goodman is proud to welcome them to campus.”

The 11th annual competition is organized by the Canadian Association of Business Students. In addition to the School of the Year title, the school with the most points in the academic case competition will earn the Academic Cup.

“JDC Central is a unique competition that provides business students with an amazing opportunity to apply the skills they are learning in the classroom, connect with a massive network of students from across the country, and fight for the coveted School of the Year trophy,” said Harry Jay, JDC Central’s Executive Director External for the competition.

“The Goodman School of Business at Brock University has been a powerhouse in recent years, so we are excited to have them host the competition this year with their beautiful campus and ongoing support.”

The competition kicks off with opening ceremonies in Niagara Falls Friday, Jan. 3 with the competition running all day Saturday and Sunday at Brock. The awards will be announced at a gala Sunday evening in Niagara Falls.