October 21-23, 2026
Organized by: Penn State’s School of Labor and Employment Relations
Hosted by: PepsiCo, 700 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase, NY 10577
Are you ready to demonstrate your HR skills and knowledge to CHROs?
- Gain experience working in teams to solve HRM challenges!
- Present to a board of executives, including those from PepsiCo!
- Represent your school!
The competition will include undergraduate and graduate student teams from top HRM schools, as well as senior HR and talent executives representing major organizations from across the US.
Teams of four to five students (undergraduate only or graduate only) must be accompanied by a faculty adviser. There will be one track for undergraduate teams and one for graduate teams.
The case will be provided once on-site.
Throughout the competition days, there will be multiple opportunities to hear from and connect with a wide range of CHROs from leading organizations!
$$$ Prizes to be won!
Proudly co-sponsored by SHRM
Registration is currently closed.
Contact Elaine Farndale (euf3@psu.edu) for any questions or information.
See the hotel accommodation information below and make your booking today!
Register
Travel Information
Airport
PepsiCo HQ is located approximately 10 minutes by car from Westchester County Airport in White Plains, NY. Travel from the other listed airports is approximately one hour by car.
Transportation
Uber/Lyft are available from the airports. Public transportation is available from JFK and LGA to White Plains train station.
Book your hotel here
Please call 1-800-SONESTA (766 3782) and mention the group code G102126PENN to make your reservation. All rooms have a special rate of $209 per night (+taxes and fees), with an additional $10 for double occupancy. This rate is available through October 6th.
Transport will be arranged from Sonesta to the competition venue and back each day.
Schedule
Draft outline - subject to change - updated March 2026
Wednesday, October 21 - White Plains NY
Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
5:00–5:45 p.m. | Welcome Dinner Check-in | tbc |
6:00–8:00 p.m. | Dinner and Welcome | tbc |
Thursday, October 22 - PepsiCo HQ, 700 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase, NY 10577
Time | Activity | Room |
|---|---|---|
7:00am | Breakfast & Registration | Amphitheater |
Teams working on case all day | Individual Meeting Rooms to be assigned |
Friday, October 23 - PepsiCo HQ, 700 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase, NY 10577
Time | Activity | Room |
|---|---|---|
Morning | Team presentations | Conference Rooms 1 & 2 |
Morning | Backpack to Briefcase Conversations | Amphitheater |
3:00-3:30 p.m. | Closing awards ceremony | Amphitheater |