Redefining the financial planning competition experience

A new kind of competition is coming to Central Michigan University—and for Christian Whipple, Dylan Gergely and Payton McKay, it’s about more than just getting the right answer. “It’s more testing soft skills that people have, which isn’t something that is really tested in education of financial planning,” Whipple said.

On April 24, students from across the Midwest will gather in Grawn Hall for a financial planning competition unlike any other in the region. Designed and led by Whipple, the event brings together 10 universities from Michigan and Indiana for a full day of case presentations, networking and professional connection. What sets it apart isn’t just who’s competing—it’s how.

A competition designed around real conversations

Whipple has seen how traditional competitions work, and he knew this one needed to feel different. Instead of presenting solutions to a panel, students will step into a more realistic role, engaging in simulated client conversations that mirror what financial planners actually do. “Each school will come and present to judges,” he said. “And what’s interesting about our event is that it’s set up in a way that it’s more of a mock client meeting.”

The goal is simple: move beyond theory and give students a chance to practice the communication, adaptability and relationship-building skills that define success in the field.

Creating opportunities beyond the competition

While teams present behind the scenes, the event will continue in the open spaces of Grawn Hall with a strong focus on connection. “A big portion of the event will be focused on networking,” Whipple said.

That structure reflects a broader goal—creating access not just for competitors, but for the wider CMU community. “We’re encouraging Central students to come and participate in the networking portion of it,” he said.

From a networking lunch to informal conversations with peers and professionals, the event is designed to help students build relationships that extend beyond the classroom.

Expanding what hands-on learning can look like

Although Whipple won’t be competing himself, his role in organizing the event reflects the kind of leadership and initiative that defines the CMU experience. By creating a competition that prioritizes real-world interaction, he’s helping reshape how students prepare for careers in financial planning—bringing together applied learning, industry expectations and meaningful connection in one place.

The result is an experience that goes beyond competition. It’s a space where students can practice, connect and see what their future careers might actually look like.

For more information on the competition and networking event, reach out to Christian Whipple at whipp2cr@cmich.edu.