Global Alumni Winter Reunion 2025
Come back to your school and explore the latest and greatest
The Global Alumni Winter Reunion is here again. Join us to get new business insights from our professors – and discover the latest and greatest achievements from your fellow alumni.
You’ll take part in dynamic sessions led by our world-class faculty and alumni showcasing their expertise. And you’ll enjoy an evening show and walking dinner – all in the company of your peers and the wider Vlerick community. We can’t wait to see you!
Afternoon sessions
Throughout the afternoon, you can follow two sessions of your choice. You’ll take part in lively discussions and activities – and reconnect with fellow alumni. Get ready to be inspired…
Session 1 | Session 2 | Session 3 | Session 4 |
Wouter De Maeseneire | Smaranda Boros | Ksenia Podoynitsyna | Take the stage: Alumni speaker showcase: |
You’ll also join us for a networking coffee break.
Evening show and walking dinner
Get inspired by our keynote speaker, Thomas Baert, President of CFL Flooring (PUB 1993 alumnus) – and hear our alumni highlights from the past year.
You’ll finish the action-packed day with a walking dinner – a perfect opportunity to build your network, connect with friends and discover our Alumni Club Expo.
Speakers
Thomas Baert
President of CFL Flooring
Smaranda Boroş
Professor of Organisational Behaviour
If you want to change the world, Smaranda Boros is here to guide, challenge and support you.
Wouter De Maeseneire
Professor of Corporate Finance
Wouter De Maeseneire is passionate about explaining financial management principles by linking finance to business models and strategies.
Ksenia Podoynitsyna
Professor of Digital Strategy and Innovation
Ksenia Podoynitsyna empowers companies to shape their strategy, drive innovation and make strategic decisions with data science
Benoit Strauven
Founder of The Leaders Ship
The power shift: Manoeuvring for leverage in platform ecosystems – Ksenia Podoynitsyna and Luca Binder
Digital platforms have become powerful players. And as platform ecosystems grow, organisations are starting to question their reliance on them – particularly in light of political changes in the US and elsewhere in the world.
In this session, we use real-world cases to explore how value is created, captured – and contested – in a platform-driven market. You’ll explore how companies gain leverage by repositioning or building an alternative. And you’ll leave with the strategic perspective to understand how power can shift in your own context.
Corporate finance in the news – Wouter De Maeseneire
From giga M&A transactions and insane start-up valuations through to outrageous fraud cases, bankruptcies and stock market volatility – not a day goes by without a major financial news story making the front page.
This session dives into recent headlines and explores the dynamics of the intriguing world of finance.
Keeping a cool head in a hot world – Smaranda Boros
Does reading the news leave you with a sinking feeling? Or angry at how blinkered people can be about global events? The world is facing so many economic, social and climate crises that it’s no wonder our collective emotions are heightened. But at the same time, your employer needs you to be agile, innovative, enthusiastic about new technology, a good listener and a supportive leader.
This session explores how to move between different emotions in a healthy way – and explores the tools you need in your virtual first aid kit to survive in a world on fire.
Programme
- 2.30-5pm: Afternoon sessions (Ghent campus)
- 2.30-3.15pm: Faculty-led sessions and alumni speaker showcase
- 3.15-4.15pm: Networking coffee
- 4.15-5pm: Faculty-led sessions and alumni speaker showcase
- 5-6pm: Networking coffee, sponsored by Vandemoortele
- 6–7.30pm: Evening show with keynote speech
- 7.30–10pm: Walking dinner and the Alumni Club Expo
Practical information
- Price
- Students and alumni who graduated in 2019 or later: €45 (€30 with the code EARLYBIRDYOUNG, valid until 30 September)
- Vlerick Alumni: €75 (€60 with the code EARLYBIRDALUMNI, valid until 30 September)
- Location
- Afternoon: Ghent campus – Reep 1, 9000 Ghent
- Evening: Groenzaal – Lange Boomgaardstraat, 9000 Gent
Groenzaal is just a two-minute walk from our Ghent campus.
- Arriving by car? We’d recommend parking in the underground car park, Reep.
- Questions? Please reach out to alumni@vlerick.com.
Interested in sponsoring the Vlerick Alumni Winter Reunion? If you're an alumnus looking to showcase your expertise or present a powerful case, you can take the stage in an alumni speaker showcase. Places are limited! Discover more about our sponsor opportunities below or contact Maureen.ohare@vlerick.com
Event sponsors
Alumni showcase
Alumni partners
Get in touch!
