Elevator Pitch Competition

2nd Annual Networking Night and Elevator Pitch Competition 2026

About the Competition

The UTA Business Communication Program Elevator Pitch Competition is designed to further develop our business students' professionalism and confidence in public speaking. The competition will provide networking opportunities for students to meet and engage with local business professional sand recruiters as part of their preparation for the job market.

Students will prepare and present a 30-60 second elevator pitch that they would deliver in a networking environment to an employer. Business professionals and recruiters will serve as competition judges.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Full-time undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Business in good academic standing with no active disciplinary issues.

 

Judging Criteria

Elevator pitches will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Is it compelling?
  • Is it complete?
  • Is it well-organized?
  • Is it concise?
  • Does the student use effective and engaging verbal and non-verbal delivery/state mechanics?

View full judging rubric here. 

View full contest rules here.

Competition Timeline

Coaching and Information Session

Thursday February 26, 2026             2-4pm (COBA 151)

Friday February 27, 2026                    3-5pm (COBA 151)

Registration link: Register Here

UTA Faculty judges will screen and select semifinalists to proceed to the second round of the competition. Students will deliver an in-person pitch at the coaching and Information session. Students will also submit a video of their elevator pitch. This session is strongly encouraged but not required for participants.

Virtual Round

Deadline to submit video recording of your elevator pitch is March 8 at 11:59pm

Guest judges will evaluate pitches virtually, and finalists will be announced by March 16.

Final Round:

Networking Reception and Awards

All judges, participants, faculty, and business professionals are invited to a reception and networking event. Student finalists will deliver their pitches and awards will be announced, Also, attendees will be invited to participate in an "audience choice" round with a prize.

Winners will be announced at the event.

Date: March 23, 2026

Time: 6-8pm

Location: UTA Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology Development

400 South Center Street

Arlington, Texas 76010

 

Awards and Recognition

Prizes will be awarded in each category.

First Place: $400
Second Place: $350
Third Place: $150

There will also be a prize awarded for the "audience choice" award at the event.

 

For Further Information

For sponsorship or event information, please contact Kevin Carr @ kevin.carr@uta.edu