The Society for Advancement of Management (SAM) has announced the winners of the Invitational Division of the Business Knowledge Bowl, held as part of the International Collegiate Business Skills Championships during the 81st SAM International Business Conference.
The Business Knowledge Bowl is a high-energy academic competition that challenges students across a broad range of subjects, including business fundamentals, current events, and pop culture. Designed to test both knowledge and performance, the competition combines individual achievement with fast-paced, live gameplay.
The competition begins with a 100-question qualifying exam, where participants compete to become their institution’s top performer and earn a place in the semifinal rounds. From there, top competitors advance into a bracket-style tournament, where they face off in a live, trivia-based format. Participants select questions from a points-based board and must buzz in with correct responses, requiring speed, accuracy, and strategic thinking.
The Invitational Division features a highly competitive group of top-performing students who have demonstrated strong academic ability and composure under pressure.
Invitational Division Winners:
First Place: Austin Gartzman, Stephen F. Austin State University Second Place: Jacque Galligan, New England Institute of Technology Third Place: Shelby Sams, New England Institute of Technology
“These students demonstrated exactly what this competition is designed to measure,” said Patrick Endicott, Executive Director of the Society for Advancement of Management and host of the Business Knowledge Bowl. “It is not just what you know, but how quickly you can apply it under pressure. The Invitational Division showcased students who combined deep knowledge with sharp instincts and the ability to perform in the moment.”
The Business Knowledge Bowl remains a central component of the International Collegiate Business Skills Championships, offering students an opportunity to demonstrate applied knowledge in a competitive environment. The format reflects real-world conditions where decision-making, responsiveness, and confidence are essential.
As part of the broader SAM International Business Conference, the competition contributes to a comprehensive experience that connects academic learning with practical application. Through events like the Business Knowledge Bowl, students gain valuable experience that prepares them for the demands of today’s business environment.