The EFMD Deans Conference will provide a forum for business school leaders to convene in a trusted environment to discuss the most prominent topics in business education and exchange best practices to address present and future challenges.
In light of the significant shifts in business education trends and societal demands, it is ever-important that deans and directors gather to share key insights to help optimise schools’ objectives and reflect upon the future of education, research, and industry partnerships.
10:00 – 14:00
Registration & welcome coffee
10:30 – 11:00
EFMD newcomers’ optional pre-conference session *EXCLUSIVELY RESERVED FOR 1st TIME DELEGATES
During this optional plenary session, new Deans or Directors General and first-time conference attendees can meet peers who are also new to this conference.
11:00 – 12:30
EFMD Quality Services Optional Pre-Conference Session
During this optional plenary session, the EFMD Quality Services Team will report on the current status and latest developments in EFMD accreditations.
During this session, Deans and Directors will also learn about the future goals of the EFMD accreditations.
It should be noted that this is not your typical accreditation seminar; explaining Standards & Criteria or Processes is NOT the primary goal of this session.
12:30 – 14:00
Lunch
14:00 – 14:30
Welcome address and setting the scene
14:30 – 15:30
Opening plenary – Navigating the global responsibilities of universities in uncertain times
Join us for a thought-provoking session on navigating the global responsibilities of universities in times of wars, pandemics, and climate change shaped by today’s geopolitical developments.
Moderated by Julia Bennell, Executive Dean, Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, UK
15:30 – 16:15
Coffee break
16:15 – 17:30
Breakouts series 1 – 4 tracks
Each workshop series includes four parallel sessions. Three are part of recurring thematic tracks (highlighted below), and one is a stand-alone topic.
A tracks: AI – Artificial intelligence and its applications in business schools
B tracks: Tough Times, Tough Choices – Leadership and strategy under constraints
C tracks: Stakeholder Engagement – Building collective agendas and partnerships
D tracks: Miscellaneous – Topics of interest to Deans
1A — Transforming the learning experience with AI: Hands-on approaches
Discover how artificial intelligence is reshaping the learning experience through innovative teaching formats and practical applications. This dynamic session will feature a panel of experts sharing real-life examples of AI tools in action—from personalised learning paths to AI-assisted feedback and content creation. Gain practical insights and inspiration to bring AI into your own teaching practices in meaningful and effective ways.
Moderated by Horacio Arredondo-Villalba, Dean, EGADE Business School Tecnológico de Monterrey, MX
1B — Leading through financial constraints: Difficult decisions and strategic responses
Join a panel of Deans as they share candid insights on navigating tough financial decisions during times of constraint. What concrete actions did they take? How did they approach sensitive issues such as staff reductions, while maintaining morale and trust among remaining faculty and staff? This session will explore strategies for managing expectations, communicating with transparency, and finding opportunities to create value and drive efficiency in challenging times.
Moderated by Yolande Chan, Dean and James McGill Professor, McGill University, Desautels Faculty of Management, CA
1C — Alumni engagement, and the future of philanthropy in business schools
This session delves into how business schools can strategically align their evolving priorities with opportunities for philanthropic support. Through a focus on deepening alumni relationships, strategic communications and engagement from the Dean and articulating meaningful impact, participants will explore innovative approaches to fostering a culture of giving. The discussion will highlight how institutions can inspire lasting engagement by connecting alumni values with the school’s mission through authentic communications and interactions, leveraging both tradition and transformation to strengthen long-term support.
Moderated by Thomas Bieger, Former University President & Full Professor of Management, University of St Gallen (HSG), CH
1D —Integrating refugee students – The role of HEIs in times of crisis
In times of crisis, how can higher education institutions better support and integrate refugee students? Building on insights from PUEB-EFMD’s EXIL project, this roundtable invites deans to reflect on the role of business schools in addressing the needs of displaced learners. The session will explore current practices, common challenges, and strategic opportunities to create inclusive, responsive learning environments.
Moderated by Christophe Terrasse, Director International Projects, EFMD Global
17:30 – 17:45
Walk to “Luftburg” Prater Restaurant Wien, Luftburg Kolarik for welcome dinner
18:00 – 21:00
Drinks & dinner at “Luftburg” Prater Restaurant Wien, Luftburg Kolarik
21:00
Walk back to the Marriott & Hilton Hotels
08:30
Registration and welcome coffee
09:00 – 10:00
Geopolitics, global economics, and the future of democratic capitalism
In a time of escalating geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, what role should business schools play in shaping resilient, responsible leaders? This keynote session will feature a leading expert in geopolitics who will unpack the current global landscape and its implications for business, education, and democratic capitalism. The discussion will examine how institutions can prepare future leaders to navigate complexity, defend democratic values, and drive inclusive growth in a rapidly shifting world.
Moderated by Filipe Santos, Dean, Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, PT
10:00 – 10:45
Coffee break
10:45 – 12:00
Breakout series 2 – 4 tracks
Each workshop series includes four parallel sessions. Three are part of recurring thematic tracks (highlighted below), and one is a stand-alone topic.
A tracks: AI – Artificial intelligence and its applications in business schools
B tracks: Tough Times, Tough Choices – Leadership and strategy under constraints
C tracks: Stakeholder Engagement – Building collective agendas and partnerships
D tracks: Miscellaneous – Topics of interest to Deans
2A — AI in action: Enhancing operations in business schools
Discover how business schools are leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline and elevate their operations. This session highlights practical applications and success stories, showcasing how AI is driving efficiency across different areas of the business school. One can think of marketing and admissions for example; from personalised outreach to predictive analytics in student recruitment, explore concrete examples of how institutions are adopting AI tools to transform the way they attract, engage, and support prospective students.
Moderated by Delphine Manceau, Dean, NEOMA Business School, FR
2B — Strategic choices in challenging times
In the face of economic uncertainty, shifting demographics, and global disruption, how are business schools adapting? This panel of Deans will share concrete examples of the bold strategies their institutions have pursued — from mergers and acquisitions to strategic partnerships, program franchising, and adjustments to international student recruitment. What levers are within our control? How can schools remain resilient while staying true to their mission? Join us for a candid conversation about redefining what’s possible in difficult times.
Moderated by Morris Mthombeni, Dean, Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, ZA
2C — Executive education & lifelong learning: Evolving trends, strategic partnerships, and impact
As business schools seek sustainable growth and impact, executive education and lifelong learning are becoming key drivers of innovation and revenue. This session explores emerging trends in the executive education landscape, including innovative program design, the growing demand for continuous upskilling, and the evolving relationship between lifelong learning and traditional executive formats. Panelists will spotlight successful models and strategic partnerships, illustrating how collaboration with the corporate world can amplify both educational outcomes and institutional relevance. A featured CFO will share insights on how companies view the role of business schools as learning partners, underscoring the mutual value and strategic importance of these alliances.
Moderated by Himanshu Rai, Director, Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIMI), IN
2D — Empowering faculty for a changing academic landscape
As student expectations, global dynamics, and technology evolve rapidly, how can we better equip faculty to innovate and lead their School with agility and vision? This session explores how to prepare faculty to align their teaching and knowledge development with the needs of today’s learners and to become more adaptive in their pedagogy. Simultaneously, business schools now need to navigate geopolitical shifts, student activism, changing corporate training needs and declining international enrolments. How can institutions and Deans support faculty in growing into leadership positions, managing these complex disruptions while staying ahead of developments such as AI? The conversation will focus on actionable strategies for faculty development, digital upskilling, and building institutional resilience through faculty leadership. We will also actively welcome the insights and experiences of the session participants
Moderated by Filipe Santos, Dean, Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, PT
12:00 – 13:30
Lunch
13:30 – 14:45
Breakout series 3 – 4 tracks
Each workshop series includes four parallel sessions. Three are part of recurring thematic tracks (highlighted below), and one is a stand-alone topic.
A tracks: AI – Artificial intelligence and its applications in business schools
B tracks: Tough Times, Tough Choices – Leadership and strategy under constraints
C tracks: Stakeholder Engagement – Building collective agendas and partnerships
D tracks: Miscellaneous – Topics of interest to Deans
3A — The AI-enabled business school: From possibility to practice
Forget the hype. This session is about what AI can do right now, today, with tools you can access for free.
Through a live example—building a personalised workflow from scratch—you’ll see how tasks that once required hours, multiple people, and specialist skills can now be done in minutes. No slides. No theory. Just building.
We’ll then explore what this means for business schools: personalised recruitment at scale, faster content creation, fewer bottlenecks, new ways to support both staff and students. The goal isn’t to replace human judgment—it’s to free up more time for the work that’s delivering most value.
You’ll leave with practical approaches you can test tomorrow—whatever your starting point with AI.
Moderated by Martin Boehm, Executive Vice President and Global Dean of Undergraduate Programs, Hult International Business School, UK
3B — Engaging with government policy: Strategic perspectives from global deans
This panel brings together deans from diverse regions to share their experiences and strategic approaches in navigating government policy within their local contexts. The discussion will explore how business schools can effectively position themselves in relation to policymakers and society, highlighting the value they bring to their communities. Panelists will present real-world examples of evolving communication strategies, inter-school collaboration, high-visibility engagement with local authorities, and building influential networks of allies who advocate on behalf of universities. The session aims to offer actionable insights into fostering meaningful dialogue and impact at the intersection of academia and public policy.
Moderated by Roel Beetsma, Dean, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Amsterdam (UvA), NL
3C — Beyond partnerships: Deepening corporate engagement in business education
This session explores how business schools can move beyond traditional alumni and recruitment ties to build deeper, more strategic engagement with the corporate world. From co-developing research projects and joint course design to participating in consortia and public-private initiatives, how can institutions fully integrate companies, universities, and government actors into the learning and innovation ecosystem? The discussion will highlight successful models where corporate collaboration shapes curricula, supports PhD students, and fuels research, while addressing the institutional frameworks needed to maintain close, long-term corporate relationships embedded in the school’s mission and impact.
Moderated by Rupert Sausgruber, Rector, WU Vienna University of Economics and Business, AT
3D – Future scanning panel: Signals, scenarios & strategic choices for business schools (2030+)
The future of business education will not be shaped by trends alone, but by the choices leaders make under uncertainty. In this fast-paced future scanning panel, deans will be challenged to look beyond familiar narratives and confront the signals that threaten core assumptions about degrees, faculty roles, globalisation, and institutional value. Through short, provocative scenarios, the session surfaces what may need to be stopped, redesigned, or fundamentally rethought this decade.
Moderated by Nalisha Patel, Regional Director, Europe & Americas, GMAC® – Graduate Management Admission Council®, UK
14:45 – 15:30
Coffee break
15:30 – 16:30
Communicating for impact – Business leadership and the SDG countdown
As the 2030 deadline for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approaches, this session critically evaluates global progress in conjunction with local impact and action. Franzisca Weder will explore how strategic business communication can accelerate sustainable transformation and help bridge the remaining gaps. The discussion will highlight best practices, accountability frameworks, and the evolving role of corporate responsibility in advancing – and localising – the SDG agenda.
16:30 – 17:00
Closing remarks and welcome to the 2027 Conference
18:30 – 19:00
Bus transfer from Marriott and Hilton Sparks Hotels to dinner venue
19:00 – 22:00
Drinks and Dinner at Weitsicht Cobenzl
To make a hotel reservation, please follow this link.
To make a hotel reservation, please follow this link.
Early bird fee until 12 December 2025 included:
Conference fee as of 13 December 2025:
Cancellations must be confirmed in writing. If EFMD is notified of your withdrawal before 7 January 2026, an administrative cancellation fee of 75€ (plus 20% VAT) will apply. After this date, we regret that no refunds can be issued. Event fees are not transferable to other EFMD events.
Please note that if payment (or proof of payment) is not received before 29 January 2026, your name will not be included in the participants’ list.
Visit this link for more detailed information on how to get to WU Vienna Campus and how to orient yourself once you are there.
Sponsoring the 2026 EFMD Deans Conference offers a unique opportunity to enhance brand recognition, engage with leading business schools and their key decision-makers, showcase innovative products and services, and cultivate meaningful connections within the global business school community. Our sponsoring opportunities foster visibility and thought leadership in a highly respected academic environment. If you are interested in sponsorship or have any questions, please contact Lenka Dvorackova.
Early bird exhibition package fee until 12 December 2025 (included): 3,500€
Exhibition package fee as of 13 December: 4,000€
You can find the exhibitor registration link HERE.
We are launching a new registration system for exhibitors. Exhibitors can register for the conference, select preferred table, and pay directly on the platform – by credit card or bank transfer. If the order is not paid within 14 days (unless otherwise agreed), it will be cancelled. Those who will be exhibiting with us for the first time will need to get in touch and send their invoicing details if they decide to pay by bank transfer.
Please note that WU has a strict fire safety policy. If you plan to bring a banner, you MUST provide an international fire safety certificate. Find the fire safety regulations here.
