From connection to meaningful exchange
CEMS Global Alumni Week 2026 once again brought together alumni, students, academic members, local alumni chapters, alumni global groups, CEMS Clubs, and partners across the world. With a wide variety of event formats, this year’s edition reflected the international reach of the CEMS community. But beyond its scale, GAW26 stood out for the quality of the conversations it created. And beyond that, it felt like something was happening.
Across the week, one idea came through clearly: the value of the CEMS network lies not only in staying connected, but in exchanging perspectives that are practical, future-focused, and grounded in real experience. Whether through webinars, workshops, industry chats, mentoring, networking events, or local chapter initiatives, participants engaged with themes that matter across careers and industries today — from technology and social impact to leadership, professional development, and community-building.
“GAW26 reinforced something I’ve seen repeatedly: CEMSies don’t just network, they exchange structured thinking and real experiences every time. That combination is rare, and it compounds over time.”
Flavio Soriano, CEMS Alum 2015 (ESADE/ USYD)
Global conversations with practical value
This year’s global programme captured that spirit through a diverse set of conversations and formats. Sessions included Unconventional Paths in Tech, Purpose in Practice: A CEMS Alumni Dialogue on Social Impact, Step-by-Step Advanced Structuring, and a Rotational Industry Chat featuring alumni from CEMS Corporate Partners including Cartier, Education First, Hilti, Oliver Wyman, and Salesforce. Together, these global events drew around 200+ participants, connecting students and alumni across regions and career stages.
One clear highlight was the opening conversation around careers in technology, which explored non-linear paths into the sector and the opportunities it offers for ambitious professionals seeking both growth and purpose. At the same time the Alumni of the Year 2025 Mid-Career and Senior Awardees session on social impact brought values-driven leadership and the role alumni can play in creating positive impact through their work into the week.
“Careers in tech are shaping the future of our society and creating immense opportunities for ambitious people seeking purpose and growth. This is what we explored at the opening of CEMS Global Alumni Week with our CEMSies in Tech talk. Join us to learn and evolve in Tech.”
Hugo Colusso, CEMS Alum 2015 (LSM/ VSE/ NUS)“It was a real pleasure to be part of such a well-organized and inspiring CEMS Global Alumni Week: packed with insightful sessions, outstanding speakers, and meaningful connections. Great to see strong momentum around CEMSies in Tech too, confirming that tech is becoming a key driver for future career growth.”
Giulia Biondi Moreira, CEMS Alum 2015 (NOVA/ NUS)
Local initiative, global momentum
And it didn’t stop there! Alongside the global programme, local activities gave the week depth. Across regions, participants joined panel discussions, alumni mingles, cultural events, sporting events, workshops, networking sessions, and mentoring formats. In total, 23 academic members were represented, with strong engagement from local chapters and CEMS Clubs.
These local sessions showed how the CEMS spirit takes shape in different contexts while still contributing to one shared global momentum. In Dublin, the CEMS Alumni Career Talks gave current students the chance to gain career insights directly from alumni. In Milan, the CEMS Alumni Aperitivo created an informal setting for alumni and students to meet, reconnect, and discover more about one another’s journeys. Together, these two local examples captured what Global Alumni Week makes possible: both structured learning and meaningful community.
The mix of global coordination and local initiative is what made GAW26 feel both wide-reaching and personal. The week showed that the strength of the CEMS community comes not only from its international footprint, but from the willingness of its members to share knowledge, ask better questions, and create opportunities for one another across borders and career stages.
“What stood out to me most during GAW26 was the strength of the CEMS community beyond the classroom. Hearing directly from alumni, not only about their successes but also the challenges and lessons they learned along the way, made the experience especially valuable. Experiences like this show how the CEMS community continues to turn connections into real learning and opportunity.”
Nicholas Chevrier, CEMS Student 2026 (WU/ ESADE
From community to impact: Alumni of the Year 2026
Global Alumni Week is a powerful reminder that the strength of the CEMS community lies in the impact created by its members every day—across industries, regions, and careers. The CEMS Alumni of the Year Awards offer an opportunity to recognise those individuals who turn that collective energy into meaningful, lasting impact.
Discover the awards and nominate a CEMS alum who is making a difference
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