Leaders & Best REIT Challenge: CEO at the Big House 2026

2nd Annual Leaders & Best REIT Challenge: CEO at the Big House

September 30th, 2026 | Jack Roth Stadium Club, Ann Arbor, MI

The 2nd Annual Leaders & Best REIT Challenge: CEO at the Big House is back, and it is bigger than ever. Hosted once again in Ann Arbor at the iconic Michigan Stadium, this national undergraduate case competition brings together top real estate students from across the country for one unforgettable day of strategy, competition, and networking.

The competition follows a dynamic “You’re the CEO” format, where student teams step into the role of executive leadership for a publicly traded REIT and deliver high-stakes strategic recommendations under a tight timeline, judged by leading professionals from across the REIT and real estate industries. With $30,000 in prizes up for grabs, the stakes have never been higher.

After an incredible inaugural year, this year’s challenge promises even more riveting ideas, spirited competition, and outstanding networking opportunities with aspiring real estate professionals and industry leaders from across the country. If you are a real estate student looking to test your skills, build your network, and compete on one of the most iconic stages in college athletics, this is the event for you. We can’t wait to see you at the Big House.

Important Dates & Things to Know:

• Teams of 3–6 students
• Undergraduate and graduate students welcome
• Your team CAN BE a mix of undergraduate students and graduate students
• Teams may include a mix of undergraduate and graduate students, or be composed entirely of undergraduate students. However, teams may not be comprised exclusively of graduate students.

Prizes: $30,000 total prize pool — register to win your share!

For questions or concerns, please reach out to us directly at realestatecompetitions@umich.edu.