2026 Marketing Crisis Challenge

The Dornsife Office for Experiential Learning will offer the 2026 Marketing Crisis Challenge for currently enrolled LeBow undergraduate and graduate students.

What Is the Marketing Crisis Challenge?

Drexel LeBow’s Marketing Crisis Challenge is a one-day competition that brings together teams of undergraduate and graduate students to come up with insightful marketing plans in response to a real-world crisis facing a company.

In preparation for the challenge, students will form teams of four to five individuals. Groups will be tasked with crafting a response to a marketing-related crisis facing a company. During the event, students will research the industry and apply what they’ve learned from their program coursework to create and present a recommended crisis management plan.

At the conclusion of the event, teams present their recommendations to a panel of industry and faculty judges.

Students will use their own laptops for research and to create their presentations. Meals and refreshments will be provided to participants.

Participant Eligibility

To be eligible to participate, team members must be currently enrolled in a Drexel LeBow undergraduate and graduate program.

Students are invited to form teams (minimum 4 members, maximum 5 members), each member must input the team’s name as part of the registration process. Individuals who register will be contacted closer to the event to form and/or confirm teams. Any questions regarding teams please reach out to Kelly Amber at ka973@drexel.edu.

Spots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, committed basis. Registration closes on March 2, 2026 or when capacity is reached. This is a high-visibility opportunity to engage directly with company leaders. By registering, you are confirming your commitment to fully participate.

Company Partner and Challenge

The 2026 company partner will be announced closer to the event date. Past company partners include STARR Restaurants, Visit Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Zoo. Student teams will receive all specifics of the marketing crisis challenge at the event.

Event Timeline

Timeline is tentative and subject to change.

Friday, March 6, 2026
8:00 a.m.: Team check-in; breakfast available
All team members must be present and checked in prior to the event kickoff at 8:30 a.m. Individuals not present for check-in will forfeit their ability to participate.
8:30 a.m.: Event begins; issue presented to teams
9:30 a.m.: Teams begin working on projects (Work Session 1)
12 p.m.: Working lunch
1 p.m.: Teams finalize presentations (Work Session 2)
3 p.m.: Team presentations
4 p.m.: Awards and debrief