Events

AMBA & BGA Accreditation Conference 2026

The AMBA & BGA Accreditation Conference 2026 will bring together accreditation professionals and business school leaders for a day and a half of insight, guidance, and strategic discussion on global quality standards in management education.

  • 19–20 October 2026
  • Lisbon, Portugal

What to Expect

Formerly known as the Accreditation Forum, this annual event is designed for institutions seeking AMBA and/or BGA accreditation or preparing for re-accreditation. The 2026 edition will explore the latest developments shaping accreditation worldwide.

Key Learning Areas

Through a blend of expert keynotes, assessor insights, panel discussions, and practical workshops, delegates will gain a clearer understanding of:

  • Accreditation requirements and standards
  • Site visit expectations and preparation
  • Best practices from leading accredited schools
  • Common challenges and how to address them
  • Updates to AMBA and BGA frameworks, including BGA’s Continuous Impact Model (CIM)
  • The implications of emerging MBA criteria

Networking & Collaboration

Running alongside the Programme Excellence Conference, the event offers expanded networking opportunities and access to a wider community of academic leaders and programme innovators.

Held at the centrally located SANA Metropolitan Hotel in Lisbon, it provides an ideal environment for learning, collaboration, and professional exchange.

Ideal for

  • Accreditation managers
  • Deans, Associate Deans, and Deputy Deans
  • Quality Assurance leads
  • Programme directors
  • Business school professionals involved in accreditation strategy and continuous improvement

  • 645 + VAT for AMBA & BGA Schools Network
  • 695 + VAT for non-AMBA BGA Schools

Need more information about events?

  1.  – 
    Networking lunch
  2.  – 
    Conference welcome and introduction
    • Andrew Main Wilson (CEO, AMBA & BGA)
  3.  – 
    Session 1: The AMBA Accreditation process

    An end-to-end overview of the AMBA accreditation process, for new applicants and those that are seeking reaccreditation, including costs, timescales and logistics.

    • Katherine O’Flynn (Director of Accreditation, AMBA & BGA)
  4.  – 
    Session 2: Research review – AMBA & BGA’s exclusive insights & a ‘Beyond Accreditation’ overview

    Discover brand-new research on the biggest challenges facing business schools globally. The session also offers the chance to catch up on the latest admissions trends, with findings from our annual AMBA Application and Enrolment Report, and finally an exclusive insight into what happens after a successful accreditation.

    • Ellen Buchan (Insight, Content & PR Manager)
  5.  – 
    Session 3: BGA accreditation

How much does this event cost?

  • 645 + VAT for AMBA & BGA Schools Network
  • 695 + VAT for non-AMBA BGA Schools

Meet the speakers

  • Bodo Schlegelmilch

    Dean Emeritus of the WU Executive Academy and Professor Emeritus at WU Vienna

  • Craig Robinson

    Vice Dean Education, King’s Business School, King’s College London 

  • José Manuel de Oliveira Mendes

    Dean, Full Professor, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Economics

  • Birute Miskiniene

    Director, Vilnius University Business School

  • Tamim Elbasha

    Associate Dean, Audencia Business School

  • Andrew Main Wilson

    CEO, AMBA & BGA

  • Joseph Pilkington

    Senior Accreditation Manager

  • Ellen Buchan

    Insight, Content & PR Manager

SANA Metropolitan Hotel

Enjoy comfort and convenience at the SANA Metropolitan Hotel in Lisbon, ideally located near key business and leisure areas. The hotel offers modern rooms, Mediterranean-inspired dining, sunny terraces, and a naturally lit fitness centre, with easy access to Praça de Espanha, Lisbon Zoo, and the city’s parks and gardens. Due to high demand, delegates are encouraged to book early. AMBA & BGA has secured preferential room rates at the conference venue for the duration of the event. For more information and bookings, please contact Anita Galea.

Monday 19 October 2026 – Networking evening: Montes Claros

Enjoy an evening at Montes Claros, a hidden venue nestled within the forested hills of Lisbon. Surrounded by gardens, a lake and sweeping views over the city and the Tagus River, this distinctive setting blends heritage architecture with contemporary event spaces. The programme includes welcome drinks followed by dinner, providing an elegant and memorable environment for networking and conversation as part of the conference experience.

Event partners

Event sponsors

  • 645 + VAT for AMBA & BGA Schools Network
  • 695 + VAT for non-AMBA BGA Schools

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