.png)
Experience JDC West in Calgary for the Competition’s 20th Anniversary
Calgary represents the converging interests of Western Canada. From the mountains and valleys boasted by BC, the badlands and oil sands that fuel the prosperity of Canada, to the vast prairies and agriculture in Saskatchewan and Manitoba that keep our country fed: Calgary acts as a “best of all worlds.” Western Canada is unable to be defined by one place or thing, but Calgary is as close as it comes. As our interests converge as a region, the uniqueness and authenticity of the individual has never been more important.
2025’s theme, “Harnessing Authenticity for Success,” pushes competitors to new heights in unlocking the true synchronicity between your authentic and professional self. We’ve all seen the rise in workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives; in rates of female and minority-owned businesses; in gender-neutral and inclusive language; and in accessibility standards. What we’ve learned is that the bravery to be true to yourself, is what allows you to bring fresh ideas and valuable perspectives to the table. Be creative, be remarkable, be you!
Academics
Academics is at the core of JDC West, with competitors in ten academic disciplines. Each academic discipline sees teams of three undergraduate students from each competing university analyze a business case specific to their discipline. For each case, competitors have only three hours to review the facts and prepare for their presentations to the judging panels of industry professionals, professors, and content experts.
Debate
JDC West features a parliamentary debate competition, with each school fielding a team of four students to compete. For each debate, competitors are given thirty minutes to review the proposal and come up with their constructive arguments around the proposed resolution. Keeping true to the parliamentary style of debate, one team is designated as Team Government and the other as Team Opposition.
Athletics
Each year, the host school selects two unique sports for participating schools to compete in. Each competing co-ed team consists of eight individuals. Additionally, competing schools designate four academic competitors (two each day) as alternates in the event a member of their athletic team must no longer compete.
At JDC West 2025, athletics delegates will compete in Kin-Ball and Tchoukball.
Challenge
The goal of The Challenge is to be an accessible format for all business students to apply the knowledge they’ve gained through their academic and extracurricular pursuits, and continue to be the backbone of their team’s culture. Challengers will be tested on their ability to communicate, think critically and quickly, work as a team and of course their ability to complete both applied and culture challenges. Challenges will be created to reflect both business and culture based situations.
