AMBA & BGA Programme Excellence Conference 2026
Following its successful launch in 2025, AMBA & BGA is proud to present the second Programme Excellence Conference.
- 19–20 October 2026
- Lisbon, Portugal
This year, the conference takes a fresh perspective on the student journey, introducing newly designed workshop formats to ensure learning that is both relevant and impactful.
Aimed at those designing a new programme, refreshing existing curricula, or looking to elevate the impact of teaching and learning at your institution, the Programme Excellence Conference 2026 will provide a comprehensive, future-focused guide to developing world-class programmes in management education.
What to expect
Across one and a half days, delegates will explore the full lifecycle of programme development, including:
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Strategic positioning and market insight
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Curriculum design and innovation
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Faculty engagement and integration
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Student experience and support
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Development of lifelong learning pathways
All culminating in focused workshops that bring participants together to explore shared challenges and solutions, with curated learning designed to deliver genuine take-home value.
Emerging Trends & Themes
Building on the practical, hands-on approach of previous editions, the 2026 event will delve into emerging and future-focused themes such as:
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Cutting-edge learning technologies and AI-driven tools
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Contemporary assessment models and assurance of learning
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Shifting expectations of students, employers, and global markets
Key Learning Areas
Keynotes, case studies, and interactive workshops will equip participants with the tools to design academically rigorous, industry-relevant, and globally competitive programmes. Topics will include:
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Redefining programme identity
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Understanding evolving learner needs
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Designing future-ready curricula
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Empowering faculty teams
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Strengthening lifelong learning ecosystems
Networking & Collaboration
Running concurrently with the Accreditation Conference, this event offers shared networking opportunities and cross-disciplinary collaboration with accreditation specialists and senior academic leaders.
Hosted at the SANA Metropolitan Hotel in Lisbon, it provides an inspiring setting for reflection, exchange, and professional growth.
Ideal for
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Academic Programme Directors and MBA Directors
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Associate Deans and Deans
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Programme Managers
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Curriculum designers
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Professionals in recruitment, marketing, and admissions
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Student experience and alumni engagement leads
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Digital learning and innovation specialists
- –Conference registration
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Conference welcome and introduction
- Andrew Main Wilson (CEO, AMBA & BGA)
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Session 1: Strategic positioning and rebranding
- Jinnie Hinderscheit (Head of Marketing, DBA & MBA Programs, GEM - Alpine Business School)
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Session 2: One Community, Not One Degree: How a Digital Campus Keeps the Learning Relationship Alive After Graduation
Most programmes are designed around a fixed timeline: enrolment to graduation. But the future of management education is not a straight line, it is a lifelong relationship. Students come back for executive education, re-skilling, and short courses years after they graduate. Alumni want to keep learning, not just keep in touch. This session looks at what changes when we start from a simple question: what if we designed the student experience knowing the relationship never really ends? We will explore how a lasting Co-Curricular Transcript, one shared community for students and alumni, and engagement data that doesn't reset at graduation can turn a single degree into a long-term learning ecosystem, one that keeps generating value for both the student and the institution long after graduation. Attendees will leave with a practical framework to identify where their own student experience could open up to lifelong learning, and where it is currently closing the door too early.
- Olta Muçaj (Head of International Partnerships, EMEA & APAC, Ready Education)
- –Networking and refreshment break
How much does this event cost?
- 645 + VAT for AMBA & BGA Schools Network
- 695 + VAT for non-AMBA BGA Schools
Meet the speakers
Andrew Corcoran
Director of Teaching, Associate Professor in Marketing, Nottingham University Business School
Kai Stenzel
Chief Marketing Officer, Mannheim Business School
Nina Landauer
Director Degree Programs, Mannheim Business School
Judith Terblanche
Deputy Chief Academic Officer: Learning Strategy and Innovation, Milpark Education
Inácio Rozeira
Program Director, Summit Leadership - Kilimanjaro, Católica Porto Business School
Craig Robinson
Vice Dean Education, King’s Business School, King’s College London
Maria Gallo
Assistant Professor in Social Innovation at Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin
Jinnie Hinderscheit
Head of Marketing, DBA & MBA Programs, GEM - Alpine Business School
Andrew Main Wilson
CEO, AMBA & BGA
Olta Muçaj
Head of International Partnerships, EMEA & APAC, Ready Education
Ready Education
Leon Lloyd
Business Development Manager, Edumundo
Milo Hendriks
Director & Co-owner, Edumundo
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 dinner
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.