Smith School to Co-Host 2017 Global Business School Network Conference

College Park, Md. – Feb. 27, 2017 – The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business will co-host the 12th annual Global Business School Network (GBSN) Conference, Nov. 1-3, 2017, in Washington, D.C. The Kogod School of Business at American University and the George Washington University School of Business will also co-host the event. The conference provides an opportunity for business school leaders from around the world to connect with stakeholders from government, nonprofit and private-sector organizations to exchange ideas, share global expertise and develop partnerships.

GBSN is a member-based nonprofit organization that focuses on improving access to quality management education for developing countries. The network includes more than 70 business schools spanning six continents. The goal is to establish strong management education to provide a solid pool of business leaders to local, regional and multinational organizations in those markets.

The 2017 conference will focus on “Intersections of Business Education and Economic Development.” Attendees will learn about the various ways business schools interact with business, academic government, and nonprofit organizations to improve economic development and increase opportunities.

“We are excited to co-host this important global conference,” said Rebecca L. Bellinger, managing director of the Office of Global Initiatives and the U.S. Department of Education-funded Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) at the Smith School. “Working together as business educators – regardless of where we are based – is critical to creating programs that develop strong leaders who can innovate to tackle big problems throughout the world.”

The conference is open to senior leadership, faculty, and program directors from business schools; development professionals and management consultants; government officials; and corporate HR and training managers. The agenda will include research presentations; networking opportunities; speakers from various sectors including industry and business education; and the chance to discuss challenges and opportunities in business education with key stakeholders. The first day of the conference is the Member’s Meeting and will take place at the Smith School’s Van Munching Hall in College Park, Md.

The Smith School was accepted to the network in August 2009 for its commitment to educating men and women to become agents of positive change in the world by exposing them to new business practices, different cultures and new ways of thinking. It has been an active member ever since, previously co-hosting the 2010 annual conference, also in Washington. Bellinger currently serves on GBSN’s executive committee.

Additional information for the 2017 conference, including registration and hotel information, is available online at gbsn.org/2017dc.