MBA Reconnect 2024: A day of learning, networking and celebration
Nottingham Business School (NBS) recently hosted its annual MBA Reconnect event, bringing together alumni and current MBA cohorts for a day of professional development and opportunities to reconnect.
By Tommy Durham | Published on 27 November 2024
Categories: Alumni; Business; Nottingham Business School;
The event began with CPD workshops covering topics such as Systems Thinking, Employee Engagement, and Sustainability. These sessions offered attendees the chance to drill-down into current challenges, exchange ideas and apply fresh thinking and perspectives to their respective industries.
A thought-provoking session on AI in Marketing
Clive Whysall, NBS Digital Learning Manager, delivered an engaging workshop exploring the role of AI in marketing. He guided attendees through the latest AI marketing tools and strategies, showcasing their potential to drive innovation and transform modern businesses. Reflecting on the session, Clive said:
“It’s a great opportunity to come together with professionals from different backgrounds to discuss problems and find solutions that can benefit everyone. Reconnect is a brilliant way to share ideas across a range of sectors and industries.”
Current classmates enjoy the black-tie affair
The evening offered a change of pace as attendees moved from the day’s discussions to a glamorous gala dinner. Beginning with networking drinks, the event featured a four-course meal and an entertaining keynote speech by Mike Sassi, our resident host of the NBS Business Leaders Podcast. Mike commented:
“The mix of established and future leaders generated a cracking atmosphere and made for a hugely enjoyable evening. It also created the perfect audience for my few words about the 56 guest leaders who've appeared on the NBS Business Leaders' Podcast.”
Participants share insights during the Employee Engagement workshop
Throughout the day, the emphasis was on fostering connections and celebrating the achievements of the our MBA community. Julie Rosborough, MBA Programme Director, captured the spirit of the event:
“MBA Reconnect is a chance for our MBA community – past and present – to come together, to network, and to learn from one another. It’s also an opportunity to engage with our fantastic research staff here at Nottingham Business School. We hope everyone left with fresh ideas to support their leadership journey.”
The MBA community reconnects in the classroom
Attendees praised the event for its engaging format and opportunities to reconnect with the NBS MBA community. For many, it was a chance to relive their MBA experience while gaining fresh insights and meeting like-minded professionals.
James Sheldon, an Executive MBA alumnus from the class of 2015, reflected on how the event helped him reconnect with the Business School and its latest initiatives:
“It’s great to return to NBS and hear about the latest developments, including new accreditations. Reconnect is a brilliant way to stay involved and learn from others in the MBA community.”
The workshops were particularly well-received, offering both thought-provoking discussions and practical takeaways. Ashrea Seethal, who completed her full-time MBA in 2022, praised the relevance and quality of the sessions:
“The day has been incredible. The quality of delivery, the knowledge shared, and the insights gained were outstanding. I always find NTU sessions invaluable.”
The NBS MBA Senior Leadership team
The gala dinner rounded off the day in style, with many sporting black-tie attire, setting the tone for a relaxed and celebratory evening. For Richard Lumb, a full-time MBA graduate from 1993, the event was unique:
“It’s the only reunion I know of that combines a day of lectures with a black-tie dinner! The workshops were varied and engaging, and it was great to be back in the classroom again.
Following the success of MBA Reconnect 2024, NBS is excited to welcome even more attendees in 2025. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to making the event such a success. Our commitment to continuous (professional) development means your MBA journey doesn’t end at graduation. At NBS, you’re joining a community for life.
Discover more about our transformative MBA programmes and MBA community on our MBA information page.