Reconnect with classmates and reimagine the future
Reconnect with classmates and reimagine the future; this was the aim of EU Business School’s first Global Alumni Reunion (GAR) held in Barcelona on September 14 and 15, 2018. Designed to keep our alumni community abreast of trends, the event was also the perfect opportunity for alumni from various generations and nationalities to network with like-minded individuals. Attendees came from countries as far as Mexico and China, to name but a few, to participate in this fun-packed and professional event.
Digitalization and how it is affecting the business world
With digitalization and how it is affecting the business world a key theme behind the program, the EU Alumni Community were treated to exclusive visits to two powerhouses of industry during the event, SEAT and Hewlett Packard. Fabian Simmer, EU alumnus and Digital Officer at SEAT, gave participants insight into how the digital era is disrupting and optimizing the automotive industry. Other participants visited the Hewlett Packard campus where they experienced the latest in innovation and 3D printing. Both company presentations illustrated how digitalization is both being adopted by industry and helping it evolve.
Several masterclasses with industry experts took place on EU’s Diagonal campus. Participants were given a taste of Agile, the revolutionary methodology achieving maximum performance and customer satisfaction, by Yusuf Okucu, Talent & Experience Insights Lead at Vistaprint. They were also given an overview of new company cultures which extend beyond technology and the keys to building brands in today’s ever-changing environment by Carol Murtra, CEO of LEADERS. This was followed by a series of fast-paced workshops focusing on topics such as how to become an engaging and motivational leader, managing self-motivation and achieving a healthy work-life balance. Participants were shown how to grow both professionally and individually in these informative sessions of reflection.
The day full of enriching and powerful learning sessions was rounded off with a luxurious Gala dinner overlooking the beautiful views of Barcelona’s skyline at night. Alumni enjoyed great food and drinks while socialising and networking with their peers, families and friends in a friendly and warm atmosphere.
EU is proud of its alumni community which stretches across the globe
With 27,000+ members, EU Business School’s alumni network is growing daily. To express our pride and gratitude for their ambassadorships and achievements, certain members were recognized in the prized alumni awards. The 2018 awardees were: Imro Ritfeld who was presented with the EU Alumni Contribution Award for his commitment to growth and collaboration within the EU alumni community; Ekaterina Novoseltseva who received the EU Alumni Business Leadership Award in recognition of her successful career and innovative leadership as a team manager; and Sjaak Koole who was given the EU Alumni Engagement Award for being an inspiration to students and alumni and an exceptional volunteer and partner. As role models for our current and future students, these awardees encapsulate EU values with their leadership, innovative spirit and humanity.
EU GAR day two with Mischa Dohler
The second day of GAR was just as eventful as the first. Held at one of Barcelona’s most exquisite Art Nouveau sites, Hospital de Sant Pau, one of the conclusions drawn after an awe-inspiring presentation by Mischa Dohler, professor in Wireless Communications at King’s College London and one of the world’s foremost experts in innovation and digital technology, was that the future is already here. Followed by a panel discussion about how technology will shape business now and in the future, the audience were able to let their imagination run wild at the number of possibilities that technology is unleashing.
An exciting discussion panel concerning human resources and how technology is changing the face of the workplace provided food for thought. Generating debate and numerous questions from the audience, alumni were exposed to new perspectives and opportunities.
To illustrate how our alumni are stretching the realms of business, members of the community were also given the opportunity to pitch their innovative business concepts, projects or ideas. Sustainability, humanity and how digitalization is opening new opportunities to business came through as central themes. In a live poll with votes from the audience, Bart van Straten won the session with his pitch about circularity as a business model, with sustainability at its center.
After an eventful day, participants made the most of the Mediterranean sunshine by taking part in a friendly sports tournament at the Club Natació on La Barceloneta beach. Here they were joined by current EU students to compete in some lively volleyball matches.
The event was an amazing success and we were proud to see friendships reinforced and business partnerships forged. We thank all alumni participants and other alumni members for their dedication and commitment to EU. Join the EU Alumni Hub for news on alumni and events.
