Otago MBA Alumni Gathering
Friday 13 November 2026 | Otago Business School, Dunedin
Reconnect • Reflect • Shape the Future
While the larger MBA 50th Anniversary celebration has been deferred to 2027, we're delighted to welcome invited MBA alumni who will be in Dunedin for a smaller, more personal gathering. Join fellow MBA alumni, academics and Business School leaders for a day of reconnection, fresh perspectives and conversations about the future of the Otago MBA.
Programme at a glance
10.30 am–12.30 pm | MBA Refresh: A Vision for the Future
Facilitated by Associate Professor Peter Cathro, Director of Executive Programmes
An interactive discussion inviting alumni to reflect on their MBA experiences, share perspectives on the changing needs of business and leadership, and help shape the future direction of the Otago MBA
12.30–1.20 pm | Alumni Networking Lunch
Staff Club – Gallery, Ground Floor
A relaxed, hosted lunch bringing alumni together with MBA and Business School academics and leaders. An opportunity to reconnect, exchange ideas and strengthen relationships across the MBA community.
1.30–3.00 pm | Strategy Under Pressure: Megatrends and Business in a Disrupted World
Gregor Schmalz and Sergio Biggemann – 45 minutes each
What will the world's major trends mean for business strategy over the next decade?
Gregor Schmalz will explore the megatrends shaping 2035 and their implications for strategy and execution. Sergio Biggemann will then consider how autonomous supply chains and rapid response can help organisations adapt to a less stable world. Each presentation will include an opportunity for questions and discussion.
From 3.00 pm | Choose Your Afternoon
Option 1 – Campus or Clocktower Tour
An opportunity to revisit the University and explore some of its history. Details to be confirmed.
Option 2 – Continue the Conversation
Stay on for further informal discussion with Gregor and Sergio, exploring the ideas raised during their presentations.
From approximately 4.00 pm | Informal Alumni Catch-up – Ombrellos
10 Clarendon Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin
Continue the conversations and reconnect with fellow alumni over informal drinks, at Ombrellos, with the possibility of an optional dinner later in the evening. Food and beverages will be at attendees' own expense.
Joining us
Date: Friday 13 November 2026
Venue: Otago Business School, Room 1.17, Dunedin
Cost: Complimentary daytime programme, including hosted lunch
RSVP – MBA50.alumni@otago.ac.nz
Please email us to let us know which parts of the day you would like to attend: the morning workshop, hosted networking lunch, afternoon presentations, optional campus or Clocktower tour, or informal evening gathering.
If you're joining us for lunch, please also advise of any dietary requirements.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Otago and continuing the conversations and connections that make the MBA community special.