The Inn at Penn ballroom was aglitter and aglow on Friday, September 19th for the launch of the Wharton School’s Baker Retailing Center’s annual Ideathon, sponsored this year by the renowned luxury jewelry brand Simon G. Teams of six to seven students would be challenged to come up with sterling ideas to expand Simon G.’s market presence and promote its future success. They had less than 24 hours to prepare convincing three-minute presentations and be ready for two minutes of intense questioning by the judges.

Winning Ideathon contestants stand side-by-side, where some members hold a giant-sized first place check for $10,000.
Image Credit: Corey Fader

But it wouldn’t be all work on that high-powered, sleepless night. The students were gifted with goodies including a gold stud earring from the Simon G. company itself, Simon G.-branded merch, a personalized trucker hat, a portrait by a professional sketch artist, and a beaded bracelet-making activity — not to mention meals, snacks, and, of course, plenty of coffee. Above all, they had a shot at winning the competition. The two first-place winners of each of two challenges would win $10,000 for their team, and the two second-place winners would win $5,000 for their team — plus bragging rights!

To read more and see the full photo set, click here.

By Carole Bernstein

Posted: November 3, 2025

Smiling Ideathon participants sit around a table, working on laptops.
Image Credit: Corey Fader

Participant Addison Jakubowicz said she had a terrific time and appreciated working with her teammates. “There’s a lot of great talent here at Wharton, and it’s really exciting to see all the ideas people can come up with.”

Four Ideathon participants seated in a row engage in discussion.
Image Credit: Corey Fader

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