One of the Longest-Running, Worldwide University Sales Competitions.

The NCSC undergraduate competition is a basic sales call skills challenge. The competition is an elimination style tournament where all participants compete in the opening round.


During the first round all competitors call on the same fictional organization and sell the same product. This round includes nine different flights with up to eight competitors, who have the same set of judges and same prospect/buyer. Top scoring performers move on to the Quarter-Final round. The other competitors continue via a Wildcard round or bracket, immediately following the opening round.


Wildcard winners also move on to the Quarter-Final round


All rounds of competition are “seeded.” The opening round is seeded according to the results of past NCSC rankings of the university while the following rounds are seeded according to how the individual competitors perform in their previous round.


Contestants are allocated 20 minutes to complete the sales call. Sales skills exhibited by competitors are the primary areas evaluated.


Individual competitors are eligible for awards. Team awards are based on the combined cumulative scores of the two teammates.

The competition is a tournament-style format which includes 5 rounds of competition. All competitors are guaranteed at least two rounds of competition. Contestants are evaluated based on the judging criteria.


A maximum of two competitors is allowed from each University. Other students from the competing schools as well as non-competing universities are encouraged to attend and participate in the exclusive Sales Career Fair and other networking activities.


All undergraduate contestants must be considered full-time undergraduate students from their respective school during the time of the NCSC.

March 6-9, 2026

Friday, March 6
2:00pm-8:00pm...Registration: Embassy Suites, 620 Chastain Rd, Kennesaw GA 30144
5:00pm-7:00pm..................................................................Reception: Embassy Suites 7:00pm-7:45pm
Mandatory Meeting for all Participants, Embassy Suites
8:00pm-8:45pm...................................Mandatory Judges/Buyers Orientation, Embassy Suites

Saturday, March 7
7:30am-7:30pm......Competition (R1 & WC RA): Burruss (BB), Rm 268; Judging 3rd Floor
8:00am-9:30am.........................................Sponsor Career Fair Setup – Siegel Recreation Center
10:00am-5:00pm.....................................................................Career Fair: KSU Siegel Recreation Center
11:00am-4:00pm.................Speed Selling: Rec (Exec, Platinum, Gold, Silver sponsors only)
10:00am-5:00pm....Sponsor Viewing Room: Burruss Bdg, Rm 150 (need ticket for entry)

Sunday, March 8
7:30am-10:30am.....Competition (R1 & WC RA): Burruss (BB), Rm 268; Judging 3rd Floor
10:00am-4:00pm....................................................................Career Fair: KSU Siegel Recreation Center
11:30am-3:00pm...Competition (Quarter Finals): Burruss, Rm 268; Judging on 3rd Floor
4:00pm-6:00pm...Competition (Semi-Final Round): Burruss, Rm 268; Judging 3rd Floor
10:00am-3:00pm..Sponsor Viewing Room Open: Burruss Rm 150 (need ticket for entry)
7:00pm-11:00pm........................................................................................Mixer: Strike X – Final 4 announced
(Transportation to and from the Embassy Suites & other hotels from 6:30pm-11:15pm)

Monday, March 9
8:00am-10:00am......Championship Round:  Burruss Bldg, Rm 268; Judging on 3rd Floor
8:00am-10:00am.........................................................Final Round viewing KSU, Burruss Bldg, Rm 151
11:30am-1:30pm...............................................................................................Awards Banquet: Embassy Suites


The Competition

The stage is set..
144 competitors. 72 universities. One goal.
These elite students earned their place here after being waitlisted from last year’s results — and now they’re back, ready to compete for the title of Top Gartner Sales Student.
Over the course of just 2 ½ days, they will battle through:
Round 1
Round 2
Quarter-Finals
Semi-Finals
Wildcard Rounds
And an intense Championship Round
Each flight consists of 9 competitors, going head-to-head in high-pressure role plays that test resilience, strategy, and real-world selling skill.
This isn’t just a competition. It’s endurance. It’s adaptability. It’s excellence under pressure.
Let the rounds begin. 

The Career Fair

The energy is unmatched.
Hundreds of Speed Sellers are stepping up to 24 sponsor booths, delivering their pitches and making powerful first impressions. At the same time, students are connecting with companies, exploring career opportunities, and taking meaningful steps toward their futures.
There’s food, engaging activities, and TV monitors throughout the space announcing who’s advancing to the next round — keeping the excitement high and the competition fierce.
Opportunity is everywhere. Momentum is building. And careers are being launched in real time. 

The Fun

Yes, the competition is intense but we definitely know how to celebrate along the way.
We kick things off with an exciting Welcome Ceremony at the Embassy Suites. Nearly 800 students, sponsors, faculty, and volunteers gather over great food, take team photos at the photo wall, and hear exciting announcements that set the tone for the weekend. The energy in the room is unforgettable.
Then on Sunday night, we take over Lucky Strike for one of the most anticipated traditions of NCSC. Quarterfinalists are recognized, semifinalists are called forward, and the Top Four finalists are announced all while bowling, playing arcade games, enjoying bottomless wings, and celebrating together.
On Monday morning, after the final four compete as we all watch in a packed observation room, the anticipation builds one last time. Once the results are finalized, we return to the Embassy Suites for our Awards Banquet honoring all competitors, recognizing our finalists, and celebrating the Top 10 universities.
Competition. Celebration. Community.
That’s NCSC