Real Estate Competition

Founded and run by the Boston University School of Hospitality Administration (SHA), the Hospitality Real Estate Competition challenges students to act as real estate developers and create a masterplan for a vacant site in Boston. Teams are tasked with developing innovative, financially viable plans that embrace sustainability and address community needs.

With $25,000 in cash prizes and over $1,000,000 in scholarships on the line, students from hospitality and real estate programs nationwide compete in undergraduate and graduate case competitions. The event not only highlights the creativity and expertise of participants but also introduces them to opportunities in hospitality real estate and SHA’s distinctive approach to education and innovation.

Finalist teams will present their projects to a panel of judges and attendees during the Symposium, culminating in an awards ceremony celebrating the winning teams. By connecting students from other institutions with our faculty, programs, and industry expertise, SHA aims to expand its presence and inspire a new generation of leaders to shape the future of hospitality real estate.

Please note: Each participating school selects representatives for the competitions.

Questions? Contact Kaushik Vardharajan, Director of our Real Estate program: kaushikv@bu.edu

2025 Competition Winners

Thank you to all the student teams, faculty advisors, judges, and industry professionals who made this such a success.

2025 Competition Judges

1. Ian Carter, Chairman – Watches of Switzerland Group PLC, Chairman – Eataly
2. Yanni Tsipis, Senior Vice President, WS Development
3. Caroline Mahl Patel, Managing Director, Head of Portfolio Management & Underwriting – Specialty Real Estate Finance at Wells Fargo
4. Scott Bosworth, Chief of Transit Oriented Development and Innovative Delivery, MBTA
5. Martin Zogran, Principal, Sasaki Associates