Events

AMBA & BGA Global Deans and Directors Conference 2026

The AMBA & BGA Global Deans and Directors Conference is the premier annual meeting place for leaders of business schools worldwide. In 2026, we will gather in Madrid, a vibrant hub of business, culture and innovation, to address the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of management education.

  • 10–13 May 2026
  • Madrid, Spain

Why Attend?

  • Engage with peers: Join deans, directors and senior executives in strategic dialogue.
  • Gain insights: Hear from global thought leaders on innovation, technology, sustainability and leadership.
  • Shape the agenda: Contribute to discussions that will define the role of business schools in a changing world.
  • Strengthen networks: Build partnerships that support your institution’s growth and global reach.
  • Experience Madrid: Take part in a dedicated cultural networking tour, designed to connect delegates while exploring the city’s heritage and energy.

Programme Themes

This year’s programme builds on previous themes, with a renewed focus on:

  • The changing business school model
  • AI, technology and the future of learning
  • Global shifts and local impact
  • The student learning journey 
  • Leadership in a changing context 

Book your place below.

  • 1750 + VAT for AMBA BGA Schools Network
  • 2100 + VAT for non-AMBA & BGA Schools

Need more information about events?

  1.  – 
    Pre-conference networking tour: discovering Madrid’s historic and cultural landmarks

    Join us for a guided cultural tour of Madrid, combining a panoramic bus journey with a walking tour through the historic city centre. Highlights include Paseo de la Castellana, Plaza de Colón, Puerta de Alcalá and the Prado area, before continuing on foot from Templo de Debod to Plaza de España, the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de Oriente.

Download the conference programme below

How much does this event cost?

  • 1750 + VAT for AMBA BGA Schools Network
  • 2100 + VAT for non-AMBA & BGA Schools

Meet the speakers

  • Peter Todd

    Dean, Imperial Business School and Professor of Information Technology

  • Manish Popli

    Dean (Planning and Development), Indian Institute of Management, Indore, India

  • Catherine Duggan

    Director (Dean) of the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB)

  • Dan Yang

    Dean, School of Economics & Management, South West University, Chongqing

  • Guangzhong Li

    Dean, School of Management, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou

  • Eddy Fang

    Dean, International Business School Suzhou (IBSS), Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

  • Zhuquan Wang

    Dean, Management College at Ocean University of China

  • Sherif Kamel

    Professor of Management and Dean, Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo

  • Horacio Arredondo

    Dean, EGADE Business School & School of Business at Tecnológico de Monterrey

  • Gaston Fornes

    Dean, UBI Business School

  • Vasile Alecsandru Strat

    Dean, Bucharest Business School, Bucharest University of Economic Studies

  • Chewang Rinzin

    Honourable Vice Chancellor, Royal University of Bhutan

  • Lisa Hehenberger

    Dean Esade Business School, Associate Professor and Chairholder, Social Impact Expert and Advisor

  • Oksana Gerwe

    MBA Director and Director of Accreditation & Quality, UCL Global Business School for Health

  • René Bohnsack

    Academic Director, The Lisbon MBA

  • Irene Rosberg

    Programme Director, Copenhagen Business School

  • Caitlin Ferreira

    Modular MBA Programme Director, Graduate School of Business University of Cape Town

  • Julian Rawel

    Director of MBA programmes, University of Edinburgh Business School

  • Dane Anderton

    Director of MBA Programmes, University of Liverpool Management School

    ULMS

  • Harveen Chugh

    Director of the UCL Flex MBA, UCL School of Management

  • Ajit Parulekar

    Director, Goa Institute of Management

  • Vinita Singh Sahay

    Director, IIM Bodh Gaya

  • Anupama Gupta

    Director, Associate Professor, S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research

  • Jan Ehlers

    Director Executive Education & Business Solutions, Kuehne Logistics University (KLU)

  • Enrique Peñalba

    Director of Operations, IE Talent & Careers, IE University

  • Sarah Grant

    Director of Learning Innovation, IMD Business School

  • Lars Erling Olsen

    Dean Executive Programmes / Professor of Marketing, BI Norwegian Business School

  • Anastasia Kynighou

    MBA Director, Associate Professor in HRM, Manchester Metropolitan University

  • Eva Khong

    Associate Professor and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Finance at City University of Macau

  • Jones Odei-Mensah

    Academic Director, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand

  • Hélène Duranton

    Head of the Languages, Cultures & Communication Department, Associate Dean – Student Experience, MBS School of Business

  • Javier Camacho Ibáñez

    Vice Dean, Universidad Europea de Madrid

  • Steef van de Velde

    Former Dean and Professor of Operations Management and Technology, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM)

  • Olivier Malafronte

    Executive coach, PhD in AI Coaching & Leadership Development, associate professor at Université Côte d’Azur, and cofounder at Magif.ai.

  • Luigi Gangitano

    Chief of Digital Innovation, POLIMI School of Management

  • Tamim Elbasha

    Associate Dean, Audencia Business School

  • Veijo Kyosti

    CEO, Cesim Business Simulations

  • Martin Bean CBE

    Founder and CEO, The Bean Centre

  • Nicholas Riemer

    CEO of the Invigilator

  • Stéphane Ureña

    Co-Founder and CEO of Semantikmatch

  • Oliver Matthews

    Founder, 4Uni Solutions

  • Belén Frau

    Global Communications Director at Ingka Group (IKEA), Member of the Advisory Board of Deusto Business School

  • Tamsin Thomas

    Senior Strategic Engagement Manager (UK), Duolingo

  • Nalisha Patel

    Regional Director – Americas & Europe, GMAC

  • Ross Porter

    Associate Director, Visa Compliance & Financial Aid, London Business School

  • Ishan Kolhatkar

    Global Client Evangelist, Inspera

  • Boris Hristov

    Founder of presentation agency 356labs and Present to Succeed Conference

  • Zack Kinzler

    Head of Human AI Solutions, BoodleBox

  • Olta Muçaj

    Head of International Partnerships EMEA & APAC

    Ready Education

  • Andrew Main Wilson

    CEO, AMBA & BGA

  • Wendy Loretto

    Dean, Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow and Chair, AMBA & BGA

  • Zhongming Wang

    International Advisor for China, AMBA & BGA, Zhejiang University, China

  • George Iliev

    Director of Strategic Projects & Innovation; Accreditation & China Director

  • Debbie Kemp

    Director of Business School Engagement

    AMBA & BGA

  • Richard Turner

    Head of Business Development - BGA

    AMBA & BGA

  • Leonora Clement

    Head of Marketing and Communications

  • Shikha Taunk

    Strategic Engagement Manager, India, AMBA & BGA

  • Ellen Buchan

    Insight, Content & PR Manager

  • Mellissa Oliver-Jolley

    Membership Manager, AMBA & BGA

NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding

NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding, located in Madrid’s financial district, will host the AMBA & BGA Global Deans and Directors Conference 2026. Home to one of Europe’s most advanced convention centres, the venue offers modern meeting spaces well suited to plenary sessions, workshops and senior-level networking.

Delegates will enjoy comfortable accommodation, attentive service and on-site dining options, alongside excellent transport links to central Madrid. Preferential room rates have been secured for conference delegates, and early booking is recommended due to high demand. For further information or to reserve accommodation, please contact Anita Galea.

Sunday 10 May 2026 – Pre-conference networking tour: discovering Madrid’s historic and cultural landmark

Join us for a guided cultural tour of Madrid, combining a panoramic bus journey with a walking tour through the historic city centre. Highlights include Paseo de la Castellana, Plaza de Colón, Puerta de Alcalá and the Prado area, before continuing on foot from Templo de Debod to Plaza de España, the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de Oriente.

Santiago Bernabe U Presidental Box Entrance Website

Monday 11 May 2026 - Networking evening: Presidential Suite at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Network in the exclusive Presidential Suite at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, offering panoramic views across the pitch in a relaxed and elegant setting. The evening includes welcome drinks and a creative dining experience with small plates and live food stations, providing an ideal backdrop for conversation and connection. Hosted by Universidad Europea.
Ephemeral Space

Tuesday 12 May 2026 - Networking evening: Castillo de Viñuelas

Enjoy an evening at Castillo de Viñuelas, a historic castle set within the protected Soto de Viñuelas nature reserve. The programme includes drinks on the terrace, followed by dinner in a contemporary marquee, offering a refined setting for networking and shared discussion as part of the conference experience.

This evening is proudly sponsored by VMock, supporting an engaging and memorable experience for all attendees.

Event sponsors

Host schools

  • 1750 + VAT for AMBA BGA Schools Network
  • 2100 + VAT for non-AMBA & BGA Schools

Need more information about events?