Join Wharton professor Judd Kessler to discuss his new book, “Lucky by Design: The Hidden Economics You Need to Get More of What You Want”.
Judd pulls back the curtain on the hidden markets that determine who gets what in everyday life. Unlike familiar markets, where what we get depends on how much we’re willing to pay, hidden markets do not rely on prices: you can’t buy your way into a better position. Instead, what you receive hinges on the rules by which the market operates, and the choices you make in them.
What are the tricks for getting reservations at the hottest restaurants, live-event tickets, job offers, and spots in elite preschools and selective colleges? What about finding a soulmate on a dating app or receiving a life-saving organ transplant?
Judd has spent a career studying and designing these very markets. Now, he reveals insights about how they work, how to maneuver in them, and how to tip the scales in your favor.
About the Speaker:
Judd B. Kessler is the inaugural Howard Marks Endowed Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Judd received a bachelor’s degree, MA, and PhD from Harvard University and an MPhil from the University of Cambridge.
In 2021, Judd was awarded the prestigious Vernon L. Smith Ascending Scholar Prize. For his work on organ allocation, Judd was named one of the “30 under 30” in Law and Policy by Forbes. His research and writing have been featured in leading media, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Harvard Business Review, NPR, Hidden Brain, and Freakonomics, among others.
When:
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM Wine & Cheese Reception
6:30 PM - 7:15 PM Presentation
7:15 PM - 7:30 PM Q&A
Where:
Midtown location (Note: Address will be sent via email to all registered guests 24-48 hours prior to the event to the "Primary Email" address listed in your profile. Please review your profile to confirm that the email address listed is correct.)
* Cost:
WCNY Supporting Members - $66 (WCNY supporting membership costs $95/yr at Join/Renew Membership)
Other Wharton Alumni & Alumni Guests - $75
* Each ticket purchased includes a copy of Judd's new book “Lucky by Design: The Hidden Economics You Need to Get More of What You Want”.
Pre-registration is required. Please register early as events can and do sell out quickly.
Registration is subject to availability and will close on Wednesday, January 7th at 9:00am.
All ticket purchases are non-refundable.
Judd pulls back the curtain on the hidden markets that determine who gets what in everyday life. Unlike familiar markets, where what we get depends on how much we’re willing to pay, hidden markets do not rely on prices: you can’t buy your way into a better position. Instead, what you receive hinges on the rules by which the market operates, and the choices you make in them.
What are the tricks for getting reservations at the hottest restaurants, live-event tickets, job offers, and spots in elite preschools and selective colleges? What about finding a soulmate on a dating app or receiving a life-saving organ transplant?
Judd has spent a career studying and designing these very markets. Now, he reveals insights about how they work, how to maneuver in them, and how to tip the scales in your favor.
About the Speaker:
Judd B. Kessler is the inaugural Howard Marks Endowed Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Judd received a bachelor’s degree, MA, and PhD from Harvard University and an MPhil from the University of Cambridge.
In 2021, Judd was awarded the prestigious Vernon L. Smith Ascending Scholar Prize. For his work on organ allocation, Judd was named one of the “30 under 30” in Law and Policy by Forbes. His research and writing have been featured in leading media, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Harvard Business Review, NPR, Hidden Brain, and Freakonomics, among others.
When:
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM Wine & Cheese Reception
6:30 PM - 7:15 PM Presentation
7:15 PM - 7:30 PM Q&A
Where:
Midtown location (Note: Address will be sent via email to all registered guests 24-48 hours prior to the event to the "Primary Email" address listed in your profile. Please review your profile to confirm that the email address listed is correct.)
* Cost:
WCNY Supporting Members - $66 (WCNY supporting membership costs $95/yr at Join/Renew Membership)
Other Wharton Alumni & Alumni Guests - $75
* Each ticket purchased includes a copy of Judd's new book “Lucky by Design: The Hidden Economics You Need to Get More of What You Want”.
Pre-registration is required. Please register early as events can and do sell out quickly.
Registration is subject to availability and will close on Wednesday, January 7th at 9:00am.
All ticket purchases are non-refundable.