To promote and showcase innovative thinking, RICS has launched the 'Vision for Cities' global essay competition, open to RICS student members worldwide. Students should enter a 1500 word essay for a chance to win an expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas for COBRA 2012, RICS’ world leading annual construction, building and real estate research conference, held at the exclusive Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in September 2012. Other prizes include RICS E-learning courses and the promotion of the top three winning essays by RICS.

Students have a choice of six questions based on the core themes of the Vision for Cities programme. The essay questions, guidelines for candidates and terms and conditions of the competition can be found at http://www.rics.org/studentessay. The competition closes 30 April 2012.