Opportunity brief
As part of MetaMorph 2026 by Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication (SIMC), Pune, The BrandRoom challenges participants to step into the shoes of brand strategists and analyse a brand crisis from both sides of the story.
The competition consists of two rounds. Teams will first be assigned a brand and a case, which they must analyse from both a Defence and Prosecution perspective.
The shortlisted teams then enter the courtroom for the final round- a live, head-to-head strategic face-off before an industry jury.
Prize Money:
- 5,000/- Winner
- 3,000/- 1st Runner Up
Participation certificates for all who qualify for Round 2.
The BrandRoom tests research, strategic thinking, brand understanding, argument-building, adaptability, rebuttal, communication and composure under pressure.
Round 1: The Case File:
Mode:
Online
Type:
Case Study / Deck Submission
Description:
Teams will be assigned a brand and a specific case/scenario by the organising committee after registrations close.
Participants must analyse the assigned situation from both given perspectives:
Defence:
- Arguments supporting the brand
- Strategic interpretation of the situation
- Relevant evidence and insights
- Recommended defence narrative
Prosecution:
- Arguments challenging the brand
- Identification of weaknesses, gaps or problematic decisions
- Relevant evidence and insights
- Recommended prosecution narrative
Teams must submit one consolidated PPT/PDF deck covering both perspectives.
Round 2: Company on Trial:
Mode:
On-Campus (9th September, 2026)
Type:
Live Presentation / Courtroom Simulation
Description:
Shortlisted teams will progress to the live courtroom simulation before an industry jury.
Finalists will be placed into head-to-head matchups, with two teams facing each other over the same brand and case.
All teams will have to prepare both perspectives from Round 1 for Round 2.
Rules:
- The competition will consist of two rounds: The Case File and Company on Trial.
- Teams will be assigned a brand and case by the organising committee after registration closes.
- In Round 1, teams must prepare both a Defence and Prosecution perspective for their assigned case.
- Round 1 submissions must be submitted in the prescribed PPT/PDF format within the stipulated deadline.
- Only shortlisted teams will advance to Round 2.
- In the final round, teams will be placed in head-to-head matchups and will face the same brand and case.
- Participants are expected to demonstrate research, strategic thinking, logical reasoning, adaptability and effective communication.
- All submissions must be original. Plagiarism or misrepresentation of work may result in disqualification.
- Participants must adhere to all submission deadlines and instructions communicated by the organising committee.
- The decision of the organising committee and industry jury shall be final and binding.
- Any form of misconduct, disruption or violation of competition guidelines may result in disqualification.
- The organising committee reserves the right to modify the competition schedule or guidelines, if required, with prior communication to participants.