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 future of business schools: innovation, hybrid learning and AI
- Responsible management, ESG and sustainability in education
- Diversity, equity, inclusion and the student experience
- Faculty development, leadership and institutional transformation
- Building global partnerships and collaborative advantage
Book your place below.
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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.
How much does this event cost?
- 1750 + VAT for AMBA BGA Schools Network
- 2100 + VAT for non-AMBA & BGA Schools
Meet the speakers
Lisa Hehenberger
Dean Esade Business School, Associate Professor and Chairholder, Social Impact Expert and Advisor
Ruben Adorno
Academic Partnership Manager, Bloomberg.com
Belén Frau
Global Communications Director at Ingka Group (IKEA)
Lars Erling Olsen
Dean Executive Programmes / Professor of Marketing, BI Norwegian Business School
Himanshu Rai
Director, Indian Institute of Management Indore
Vasile Alecsandru Strat
Dean, Bucharest Business School, Bucharest University of Economic Studies
Oksana Gerwe
MBA Director and Director of Accreditation & Quality, UCL Global Business School for Health
Luigi Gangitano
Chief of Digital Innovation, POLIMI School of Management
Irene Rosberg
Programme Director, Copenhagen Business School
Anastasia Kynighou
MBA Director, Associate Professor in HRM, Manchester Metropolitan University
Horacio Arredondo
Dean, EGADE Business School & School of Business at Tecnológico de Monterrey
Catherine Duggan
Director (Dean) of the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB)
Caitlin Ferreira
Modular MBA Programme Director, Graduate School of Business University of Cape Town
Olta Muçaj
Head of International Partnerships EMEA & APAC
Ready Education
Nalisha Patel
Regional Director – Americas & Europe, GMAC
Ishan Kolhatkar
Global Client Evangelist, Inspera
Olivier Malafronte
Executive coach, PhD in AI Coaching & Leadership Development, associate professor at Université Côte d’Azur, and cofounder at Magif.ai.
Veijo Kyosti
CEO, Cesim Business Simulations
Elie Bechara
Senior Strategic Engagement Manager (Europe), Duolingo
Tamsin Thomas
Senior Strategic Engagement Manager (UK), Duolingo
Andrea Montoliu
Head of Iberian Markets and LATAM, Wooclap
Andrew Main Wilson
CEO, AMBA & BGA
Wendy Loretto
Dean, Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, AMBA & BGA Chair
Zhongming Wang
International Advisor for China, AMBA & BGA, Zhejiang University, China
Steef van de Velde
Former Dean and Professor of Operations Management and Technology, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM)
Shikha Taunk
Strategic Engagement Manager, India, AMBA & BGA
George Iliev
Director of Strategic Projects & Innovation; Accreditation & China Director
Debbie Kemp
Director of Business School Engagement
AMBA & BGA
Leonora Clement
Head of Marketing and Communications
Ellen Buchan
Insight, Content & PR Manager
Jan Ehlers
Director Executive Education & Business Solutions, Kuehne Logistics University (KLU)
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.
Monday 11 May 2026 - Networking evening: Presidential Suite at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
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.