Alumni

Understanding Psychological Barriers to Inclusion | B-208 (EDR)

Miguel Unzueta, Associate Professor of Management and Organizations

Implicit bias refers to the attitudes towards people or the stereotypes associated with them that we possess without our conscious knowledge. Although implicit bias is pervasive and can have profound effect on our behavior, it is also malleable. Professor Miguel Unzueta will present research on the psychological barriers that impede inclusion and lead an exercise to explore our own implicit biases. Learn about ways to be mindful of them in everyday interactions and as part of a group or organization.

Marketing Impact in the Digital Age | B-208 (EDR)

Dominique Hanssens, Distinguished Research Professor of Marketing

Measuring performance from marketing efforts has challenged organizations for years. The good news is that marketing in the digital era allows for high-quality databases about customer purchase behavior to be assembled and analyzed. These data have led to the discovery of replicable patterns in marketing’s impact on business performance. Professor Dominique Hanssens, a leading expert in marketing science, will present major lessons learned about quantifiable marketing impact and draw various conclusions for the practice of marketing going forward.

Transformation to an Information Economy: Robots in the Classroom? | B-208 (EDR)

Jerry Nickelsburg, Adjunct Full Professor and Director, UCLA Anderson Forecast

The economy has been growing for the past 9 years and is at full employment. However, we are on the edge of a revolutionary technological transformation. Automation is taking jobs, yet there are more than ever. Two narratives have emerged: 1. robots will steal jobs creating a great underclass and 2. innovation will produce more jobs and drive greater productivity. The Anderson Forecast, at least for the next few years is leaning towards the second. Nevertheless, the roboticized future is coming. Find out from Professor Jerry Nickelsburg what the near term will bring and how the transformation to an information economy will shape industry, policy and society in the long term.

Alumni Awards Presentation | B-208 (EDR)

John E. Anderson Distinguished Alumni Award
Bernard Briskin ‘49, President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Arden Group

Outstanding Alumni Service Award
Dennis J. Keegan (B.A. '74, MBA ‘80), Chairman, Digital Assets Strategies

Breakout Sessions

Creating and Managing Disruption in Retail | B-208 (EDR)
Moderator: Andres Terech, Adjunct Associate Professor of Marketing 
Chris Bonner '98, SVP Distribution, Logistics and Trade, Lululemon Athletica
Kelsey Doorey ’13, Founder & CEO, Vow to Be Chic

Disruption can come in any form. For an organization to succeed in today’s retail climate, it needs to offer more than just a good product or service. What are retailers doing to keep up with evolving consumer behavior to connect with its customer?  How are they innovating to leverage data insights, expand distribution or improve operations? How does an organization grow while sustaining its core brand values and company culture? Hear from organizations that have effectively navigated the retail industry whether through establishing a new product category, disrupting existing business models, or sustaining market leadership.

The Green Bundle: Pairing the Market with the Planet | B-313
Magali Delmas, Professor of Management

We are accustomed to seeing green products, but many consumers have yet to take the leap and buy in the name of sustainability. To motivate them, companies must present their offerings as the total package, a "green bundle" that combines environmentalism with other benefits, such as savings and status. With insights from sustainable business and behavioral economics, Professor Magali Delmas will share effective communication techniques for changing hearts and minds, nudging consumers in the right direction. Learn how to drive buyers from information to action, win over the convenient consumer and understand how companies can create the next tipping point in green consumption.

The Graying Organization: Navigating the Intergenerational Workplace | C-301
Bob McCann, Adjunct Professor of Management and Organizations

By 2020, 1 out of 4 workers are projected to be age 55 and older in the U.S. As we consider the changing nature of the workforce, there is no question that the role of older individuals—both as productive agents in the workplace and as consumers of social benefits—will be at the forefront of discussion in many quarters across the world. Professor Bob McCann will explore how an aging workforce and age discrimination are shaping age culture corporate strategy and workplace initiatives. He will also share approaches to communication and interaction in the intergenerational workplace.

State of the School | Korn Convocation Hall

Judy D. Olian, Dean and John E. Anderson Chair in Management

Leading Transformation in the Digital Era | Korn Convocation Hall

Yvonne Wassenaar (B.A. ’90, MBA ’96), CEO, Airware

The digitization of everything has changed the way we connect, make decisions, and do business, creating opportunities never before seen. Hear how in this digital era Yvonne Wassenaar has scaled software businesses and is now disrupting the mining and property management industries as CEO of Airware, a drone analytics company turning aerial data into actionable business intelligence. Having to navigate her own career transformation in the digital era, Yvonne will also share how she made the shift from management consulting to running her own startup and serving as a board member of both private and public companies.

Amy Powell in Conversation with Sanjay Sood | Korn Convocation Hall

Amy Powell '05, President, Paramount Television & Digital Entertainment
Sanjay Sood, Professor of Marketing and Behavioral Decision Making

Networking Reception | Marion Anderson Courtyard

Make new connections and reconnect with classmates and faculty at the largest alumni networking event of the year. Heavy appetizers, beer and wine will be served.