Global Alumni Winter Reunion 2026

Afternoon – faculty sessions 

Get ready for lively discussions and fresh insights from our expert faculty. Choose two afternoon sessions to participate in – and reconnect with fellow alumni at the same time. There’s also time for networking and coffee. 

• Session 1: Paul Geertsema
• Session 2: Christine Scheef
• Session 3: Karlien Vanderheyden
• Session 4: Alumni Speaker Showcase

Evening – keynote and alumni highlights 

Get inspired by our keynote speaker Jos De Vuyst, CEO of stow Group and Vlerick alumnus, as he shares how to turn turbulence into opportunity. You’ll also hear highlights from our alumni from the past year.

Walking dinner

Finish an action-packed day with a walking dinner – the perfect opportunity to build your network and reconnect with friends.

Speakers

Paul Geertsema

Associate Professor of Accounting and AI

Paul Geertsema is an expert in accounting, finance and AI. He’s published work in leading journals – and worked at top organisations.

Christine Scheef

Associate Professor of Strategy

Christine Scheef is passionate about the people, governance and strategy that shape family firms.

Karlien Vanderheyden

Professor of Organisational Behaviour

Karlien Vanderheyden focuses on how individuals can impact an organisation’s people, processes and performance.

Beyond the hype: New capabilities in Generative AI for business
Paul Geertsema

Generative AI is no longer just a tool for drafting text or creating images. Today it’s reshaping how businesses think about productivity, innovation and competitive advantage. In this session, Paul discusses what’s changed, where real business value is emerging – and how leaders can respond thoughtfully to both opportunities and risks.

Thinking in generations: Long-term value creation in family firms
Christine Scheef

Family firms face a distinct challenge – creating value not just for today, but across generations. This workshop introduces a framework for transgenerational value creation. It explores how family firms manage ownership structures and governance – while developing the skills they need to evolve from first-generation firm to multigenerational businesses. If you’re involved or intrigued by family businesses, you’ll come away with fresh perspectives and actionable insights.

Digital transformation isn’t just about tech. It’s about people.
Karlien Vanderheyden

Companies are racing to adopt the latest technology, streamline operations and stay ahead through constant innovation. But lasting transformation isn’t a one-off project. It’s a mindset shift – and a leadership shift. In this session, Karlien examines the human side of sustained change using the 4V framework, which sets out the leadership activities organisations need to make transformation a success.

Programme

• 2.30-5pm: Afternoon sessions (Ghent campus)
  • 2.15 – 2.30pm: Welcome
  • 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
• 6–7.30pm: Evening show with keynote speech: Turning turbulence into opportunity
  Keynote by Jos De Vuyst
  Get inspired by our keynote speaker, Jos De Vuyst, CEO stow Group (PUB 1988 alumnus) – and hear our alumni highlights from the past year.
• 7.30–10pm: Walking dinner

Practical information

• Price
  • Early bird fee (until 31 August): 75 EUR
  • Alumni Support Circle members and young graduates will receive a promo code by email, allowing them to purchase tickets at a reduced rate. If you haven’t received this email, please contact alumni@vlerick.com.
• 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.