The NIBS Worldwide Case Competition is one of the longest-running major international case competitions, bringing together students from North America, South America, Europe, and Asia – and the University of Guelph-Humber (U of GH) will have the honour of hosting the 2026 edition in Toronto.
From Feb. 16-21, 2026, U of GH will welcome approximately 64 students on campus from around 16 universities for the 30th edition of the NIBS Worldwide Case Competition to unite, network, foster cultural exchange, and engage in case study challenges over the course of the week. The event will include a welcome ceremony, a day of sightseeing, a gala where the winner will be announced, and of course, the various case challenges.
“After many years of our students participating in the NIBS Case Competition, it is wonderful to have been granted this opportunity to host this important event,” U of GH’s Associate Vice-Provost, Academic Dr. George Bragues said. “It is a significant milestone for both the University and our Business program.”
Hailey Zysman, who has served as an instructor for U of GH’s Business program and a coach for case competitions with Guelph-Humber’s students, said, "It's going to involve hosting activities and showing the international community not only the academic quality of Guelph-Humber, but [it’ll also showcase] our relationship to our networks of mentors, of employers, of alumni, of staff, as well as the other incredible things around the locality of Guelph-Humber."
Guelph-Humber students have been competing in the NIBS’ competitions for over a decade and have also had two victories in 2019 and 2022, according to Dr. Bragues. While no stranger to having students compete, this marks the first time Guelph-Humber will serve as a host, which is a testament to the institution’s rise in prominence in case competitions and on the international stage.
“We’ll have the top universities travelling to Toronto, so it puts us in a space where we're punching above our weight. It shows the seriousness of our students and for us to be entrusted with such a big event. It's huge,” Business Chair Karey Rowe said.
Case competitions are more than just an adrenaline-pumping challenge of wits; they build valuable soft skills that employers look for when hiring new graduates, including analytic and public speaking skills. In hosting the 2026 NIBS Worldwide Case Competition, it gives all students at Guelph-Humber (with an emphasis on the Business students) the chance to develop these skills, experience a prestigious case competition, and network with students who come from different cultural backgrounds.
Hosting the NIBS Worldwide Case Competition in 2026 will also open doors to volunteer opportunities for U of GH students. The University will need students who can help facilitate the competitions and serve as ambassadors to visiting teams becoming immersed in Canadian culture. This will allow students to network and flex their leadership muscles, too.
Furthermore, the University has made a name for itself as a strong institution for case competitions. Guelph-Humber has been steadily expanding its participation in case competitions as it carves out this niche in the Business program to set it apart from others. This includes the introduction of the CASE Society and CASE Academy, as well as an increase in interest from other groups on campus participating in case competitions, like the student-run society, ACE U of GH.
“The NIBS competition enables students to collaborate globally and apply skills under pressure. It also allows them to solve business challenges, enhancing their experience, employability, and preparation for global careers,” Rowe said. “We are excited to facilitate this enriching experience and look forward to seeing its powerful impact on our students and the community.”
To read more about U of GH’s participation in case competitions, we invite you to explore these stories:
“Nothing better than this”: How Guelph-Humber students are ACE-ing case competitions