MBA Fair 2026 in Atlanta

Clear Admit MBA Fair 2026 – May 11th, Atlanta

Published: February 5, 2026 by Victoria Pusiankova

Join leading MBA programs at this exclusive event in Atlanta to learn more about management education. Connect with admissions officers, chat with MBA alumni, and pick up expert tips on the application process. Space is limited!

Date: Monday, May 11th
Time: 5:00-8:30 PM
Location: George Tower | Scheller Tower, 55 Fifth St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30332-0001

Registration Form:

Schools Confirmed for the Clear Admit MBA Fair 2026:

Agenda & Speakers:

5:00 – 5:20 PM MBA Fair Open / Networking

5:20 – 5:40 PM Panel 1: MBA Decoded: Why an MBA Now? (ROI, Risk & Opportunity)

5:45 – 6:05 PM Panel 2: Admissions Tips 1: What You’ve Done – Tests, Work & Activities

6:10 – 6:30 PM Panel 3: TBD Careers Oriented….

6:30 – 7:20 PM MBA Fair Networking Meet admissions teams at their tables

7:20 – 7:40 PMPanel 4: Admissions Tips 2: What You Say – Goals, Essays & Interviews

7:45 – 8:05 PMPanel 5: How to Finance Your MBA (Juno)

8:05 – 8:30 PMFinal Networking & Wrap-Up

Panel Details:

Panel 1 – MBA Decoded: Why an MBA Now? (ROI, Risk & Opportunity)

Time: 5:20 – 5:40 PM

Pursuing an MBA is a major investment of time and resources. In today’s rapidly changing global economy, many candidates are asking: Is now the right time? This panel explores who pursues an MBA, what students learn during the program, and how to think about the degree’s value—both professionally and personally—especially in uncertain times.

Speakers:

Elaine Jun: Director of Global Admissions, Stanford GSB
Lauren Sutherland: Program Director, Admissions, Duke Fuqua
Brent Nagamine: Director, MBA Admissions, U. Washington Foster
Amy Mitson: Director of Admissions, Recruitment & Marketing, Dartmouth Tuck

Panel 2 – Admissions Tips 1: What You’ve Done (Tests, Work & Activities)

Time: 5:45 – 6:05 PM

There are many components that go into a successful MBA application; this panel focuses on what you’ve done prior to applying. What role do standardized tests and academic performance play? How much work experience is needed? And how do admissions teams evaluate extracurricular involvement?

Speakers:

Joanne Kang: Associate Director, Operations, MBA Admissions, Harvard Business School
Emily Sharkey: Executive Director, Graduate Business Admissions & Recruiting, Georgia Tech Scheller
Stacey Batas: Director, Full-Time MBA Recruiting & Admissions, Texas McCombs School of Business
J.R. McGrath: Executive Director, Masters Admissions, Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business

Panel 3 – Post-MBA Careers Exploration

Time: 6:10 – 6:30 PM

The flexibility of an MBA means that there are endless possibilities for career paths after business school. We will use this panel to explore a few of the more popular options that candidates take.

Speakers: TBD

Panel 4 – Admissions Tips 2: What You Say (Goals, Essays & Interviews)

Time: 7:20 – 7:40 PM

Beyond your academic and professional background, how you present your story plays a critical role in the admissions process. This panel explores how to define career goals, approach essays, select recommenders, and prepare for interviews.

Speakers:

Steven Thompson: Senior Director, Full-Time MBA Admissions, Northwestern Kellogg
Whitney Kestner: Managing Director of Admissions, UVA Darden
Amanda Fend: Senior Director, Recruiting & Outreach, Vanderbilt Owen
Amber Walsh: Senior Associate Director of Admissions, Yale SOM

Panel 5 –How to Finance Your MBA

Time: 7:45 – 8:05 PM

Financing your MBA requires some careful planning – that ideally isn’t left until after admissions offers are received. In this session we’ll explore many of the key components that comprise a smart plan for paying for business school.

Speakers:

Nikhil Agrawal, Co-Founder, Juno

Event Partners:

Juno is committed to helping our members access more affordable student loans, refinancing, high yield savings accounts, and beyond at no cost to them. Join Juno today and lock in the lowest interest rates!

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Founded in 1966, The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management is committed to expanding access and increasing representation in business education and leadership. We connect prospective students with top MBA programs through fellowship opportunities that may cover up to full tuition while providing early access to career opportunities through our corporate partner network. As a Consortium Fellow, you also join a national community of more than 12,000 alumni advancing leadership across industries. Learn more here.

Forté is a nonprofit expanding access to MBA education and leadership opportunities. For more than twenty years, we’ve broadened access to business education and career development, supporting hundreds of thousands of emerging leaders. With a community of 125,000+, we connect our talented members to schools, resources, and networks that strengthen their path to business school and beyond. Through the Forté Fellowship program, we partner with top MBA programs to provide financial support and a supportive peer community. Learn more here.

The Graduate Management Admission Council is an international non-profit organization of business schools that provides products and services to academic institutions and prospective graduate management education students.