Alumni Conference brought together an illustrious community of Anderson alumni, faculty and business leaders to explore facets of our global community that are shaping business models, creating new communities, and transforming society.
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Building a Buzz: From Alfred Coffee to Calidad Beer
Josh Zad '06 Founder & CEO, Alfred Inc.
Hear how Josh Zad ’06 leveraged social media, strategic partnerships and its famous trademarked “BUT FIRST, COFFEE.” phrase to turn Alfred into the standard bearer on how to successfully marry a brick and mortar offering with an enduring digital presence.
Changing International Relations and The Implications for The Globalized Economy
Jerry Nickelsburg Adjunct Full Professor and Director, UCLA Anderson Forecast
Kal Raustiala Professor of Law, Director, UCLA Ronald W. Burkle Center for International Relations, Faculty Director, UCLA International Education Office
Kati Suominen Founder and CEO, Nextrade Group
Daniel Treisman Professor of Political Science, UCLA
A multi-disciplinary panel of UCLA business, law and political science professors and Nextrade Group’s Kati Suominen discussed the facets of the globalized economy through a lens of our evolving political climate and international relations.
Discovering What's Possible: Technology & Our Connected World
Sandy Huang (BA '94, MBA '99) Principal Product Manager, Amazon
Moderator: Heather Felix (MS '92, MBA '94) Program Director, UCLA Anderson’s Easton Technology Management Center
Sandy Huang (’94, ’99), who is developing Amazon Alexa’s next generation of discovery and engagement experiences, joined Heather Felix (’92, ’94) in conversation to explore how technology has shaped the evolution of how we communicate and connect.
Driving Global Impact through Community Building
Malik Ducard '00 VP, Content Partnerships, YouTube
Al Osborne Interim Dean, Professor, Global Economics and Management Faculty Director, Price Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Hear how Malik Ducard ‘00, who oversees YouTube’s Learning, Social Impact, Family, Film & TV partnership area, is leading efforts to amplify voices, democratize access and curate programming that is globally minded and locally relevant.
Access to this video will require an alumni login.
State of the School
Al Osborne Interim Dean, Professor, Global Economics and Management Faculty Director, Price Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. | Registration + Breakfast | Marion Anderson Courtyard |
8:15 - 9:00 a.m. | UCLA Anderson Alumni Network Board Meeting |
9:00 - 10:15 a.m. |
Morning Breakout Sessions
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10:20 - 10:30 a.m. |
Welcome Remarks | Korn Convocation Hall Jill Baldauf (BA '79, MBA '81) Associate Dean, Alumni Relations |
10:30 - 11:00 a.m. |
State of the School | Korn Convocation Hall Al Osborne Interim Dean, Professor, Global Economics and Management Faculty Director, Price Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation |
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Commercialization of Space: The New Space Race | Korn Convocation Hall Moderator: Van Espahbodi Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Starburst Accelerator Over the last decade, barriers to entry in the space sector have lowered, with a wave of entrepreneurs raising capital from non-traditional investors, creating new products, spinning-out technology from labs—with incredible business plans to match. Who are these new generation of innovators and what are the newest trends in space, communications and intelligence? Find out from entrepreneurs, strategists and venture capitalists leading the charge. Learn about immense opportunities and challenges that come with democratizing access to space that will propel humanity into the next. |
12:00 - 12:30 p.m. |
UCLA Anderson Alumni Awards Presentation | Korn Convocation Hall Outstanding Alumni Service Award John E. Anderson Distinguished Alumni Award |
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. | Networking Lunch | Wilson Plaza |
1:45 - 3:00 p.m. |
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
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3:00 - 3:20 p.m. | Networking Break | Korn Convocation Hall Foyer |
3:20 - 4:00 p.m. |
Discovering What's Possible: Technology & Our Connected World | Korn Convocation Hall Sandy Huang (BA '94, MBA '99) Principal Product Manager, Amazon When it comes to technology, the possibilities are vast and ever changing. One thing is certain—technology is driving a more connected world. It’s transforming interpersonal communications, human connections and even our present-day concept of community. Drawn from her experience at Shutterfly, Jive Software and Amazon—where she is developing Alexa’s next generation of discovery and engagement experiences—Sandy will explore how technology has shaped the evolution of how we communicate and connect. Then, discover the opportunities and challenges on the horizon for our more connected world. |
4:00 - 4:40 p.m. |
Building a Buzz: From Alfred Coffee to Calidad Beer | Korn Convocation Hall Josh Zad '06 Founder & CEO, Alfred Inc. Powered by his desire for a more approachable (and stronger!) cup of coffee in his neighborhood, Josh (Akhtarzad) Zad ’06 launched Alfred Coffee in in 2013 on chic, tree-lined Melrose Place in West Hollywood. Known as the premier Los Angeles coffee destination to see and be seen for celebrities, influencers, tourists and the Instagram-obsessed alike, Alfred has quickly established itself as a hip, California lifestyle brand offering cool vibes, friendly service and innovative products. A real estate developer turned serial entrepreneur, Josh will share lessons from starting a brick and mortar business in a competitive coffee market, adding a sister concept in Alfred Tea Room, and taking Alfred global to 15+ locations in LA, Austin and Japan. He will share insights on how Alfred leveraged social media, strategic partnerships and its famous trademarked “BUT FIRST, COFFEE.” phrase to turn Alfred into the standard bearer on how to successfully marry a brick and mortar offering with an enduring digital presence and thus generate a buzz worldwide — and how Josh is using the same brand tenets to develop his newest venture: Calidad Beer. |
4:40 - 5:30 p.m. |
Driving Global Impact through Community Building | Korn Convocation Hall Malik Ducard '00 VP, Content Partnerships, YouTube With a global reach of 1.9 billion+ users, local versions in 91+ countries, and content in 80 languages, YouTube provides a community to give everyone a voice and show them the world. Leading business development for family entertainment and educational content at YouTube, Malik Ducard drives efforts to amplify voices, democratize access and curate programming that is globally minded and locally relevant. Learn about the great opportunities, critical impact—as well as evolving challenges—that come with a global, story sharing platform. As a board member of several Los Angeles based nonprofits, Malik will also discuss how he is cultivating the next generation of change makers through championing diversity efforts in science and technology. Interim Dean Al Osborne will join Malik in a Q&A session following Malik’s presentation. |
5:30 - 8:00 pm |
Networking Reception | Marion Anderson Courtyard Make new connections and reconnect with friends and faculty at the largest alumni networking event of the year. International food stations, beer, and wine will be served. |