AMBA & BGA Programme Excellence Conference 2025
Were you designing a new undergraduate or postgraduate
programme, or refreshing an existing one? The Programme Excellence Conference
2025 offered a step-by-step guide to creating future-ready, high-impact
learning experiences in higher and management education.
- 22–23 September 2025
- Kraków, Poland
Across two days, delegates explored the full lifecycle of programme development – from strategy and market positioning to curriculum design, faculty integration, student engagement, and lifelong learning pathways.
The event featured practical workshops, expert-led keynotes and panels, real-world case studies, and networking with programme directors, curriculum specialists, and academic leaders. It equipped participants with the tools and insights to design programmes that met evolving student needs and market demands.
Topics included:
- Rediscovering your core identity – redefining institutional values, USPs, and competitive positioning.
- Attracting the ideal student – refining recruitment strategies to build diverse and engaged cohorts.
- Designing a world-class programme – embedding innovative, industry-relevant themes and empowering faculty teams.
- Cultivating lifelong relationships – strengthening alumni connections and promoting lifelong learning.
The conference was particularly relevant for business school leaders and professionals involved in programme development and accreditation, including Academic Programme Directors, MBA Directors, Associate Deans, Deans, Deputy Deans, Programme Managers, and leads in recruitment, marketing, admissions, alumni, student experience, support, and digital innovation.
- –Registration
- –
Conference Welcome
- Andrew Main Wilson (CEO, AMBA & BGA)
- –
Session 1: Rediscovering your core identity
Revisit the fundamentals by re-evaluating your institution’s values, defining your unique selling proposition (USP), and understanding the competitive landscape. This panel session will help you reconnect with the industry’s pulse and ignite a renewed passion for business education.
- Anna Thomasson (Dean of Education, Associate Professor, Copenhagen Business School)
- Victor Hedenberg (Membership Director)
- Prof. Murat Çolak (Professor and Director of AGH Business School)
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Session 2: Attracting the ideal student
Recruiting the ideal student mix requires a nuanced understanding of cultural and regional differences in values, priorities, and expectations. Universities face the challenge of appealing to diverse student populations, each with unique aspirations and motivations. For some, the reputation of an institution and career prospects after graduation are paramount, while others prioritize affordability, campus culture, or personal development opportunities. If we want successfully to attract students who resonate with our mission, we firstly need to actually embody it, then speak the same ‘values language’, understand their expectations, guide them in their career journey and essentially build a partnership from the get-go. Through judiciously adapting to these global differences, we can build vibrant, diverse communities that reflect the spirit of their institution.
- Dr Cristina Sambrook (Head of Recruitment and Student Mobility, Birmingham Business School)
- –Networking and refreshment break
Meet the speakers
Milenko Andrić
Deputy CEO & Partner, Mokrogorska Business School
Orion Zurovac
Vivaldi Forums Manager, Mokrogorska Business School
Ronan Gruenbaum
Dean of International Affairs & Program Development, Hult International Business School
Dr Cristina Sambrook
Head of Recruitment and Student Mobility, Birmingham Business School
Sara Lindgren
Head, Global Alumni Relations, IE University
Dr Nick Quinn
Director of MBA and Associate Director of Learning and Teaching, University of Glasgow’s Adam Smith Business School
Alison Gibb
Deputy Director of Learning and Teaching, Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow
Anna Thomasson
Dean of Education, Associate Professor, Copenhagen Business School
Oltjona (Olta) Mucaj
Senior Account Executive UK & EMEA, Ready Education
Monika Ladosz
Career Development Manager, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
Anna Blombäck
Associate Dean of Education, Jönköping International Business School
Andy Poole
Partnerships Director for Coursera for Campus
Tânia Roquette
Vice President, Full Fabric
Jami Morshed
Chief Revenue Officer, Ready Education
Prof. Murat Çolak
Professor and Director of AGH Business School
Adrian Johnson
Co-Founder Qinect, Qinect SAS, Adjunct Professor, INSEAD
Dr. David Lefevre
Professor of Practice – Digital Innovation, Imperial College Business School
Andrew Main Wilson
CEO, AMBA & BGA
Victor Hedenberg
Membership Director
Debbie Kemp
Director of Business School Engagement, AMBA & BGA
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – Kraków
Experience the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Kraków, Poland. Located near the city centre, the hotel offers modern, spacious rooms designed for relaxation and productivity. After a busy day, recharge with authentic Polish cuisine, unwind at the spa, or take advantage of the fitness centre and indoor pool. With easy access to Kraków’s historic Old Town and cultural landmarks, your stay promises both inspiration and efficiency in a welcoming atmosphere.
Due to high demand, we would encourage delegates to book your stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. AMBA & BGA has negotiated preferential room rates for all our conference delegates at the conference venue for the duration of the event. For more information and to book your stay, please contact Anita Galea.
Tramwajoa Restaurant
Tramwajoa restaurant is in the heart of Krakow's historic Kazimierz area and features traditional Polish cuisine, a microbrewery and an extraordinary beer hall.