The format of the Annual MBA Conference includes a focused presentation and several virtual breakouts around interdisciplinary real-world problems or a contemporary business topic, with an in-depth debriefing hosted by a regional organization. The overall idea of this reoccurring event is to (1) focus on business trends and special interest topics, (2) learn from and connect with regional business leaders, and (3) to get all of ˿Ƶ's business masters students together as one group. The Annual MBA Conference will be held in-person or virtually.
2023 Conference Highlights
The 2023 event featured , a nonprofit venture development organization in Buffalo that provides pro bono mentoring and access to risk capital for high-growth startups. The program speakers/event moderators were , President and CEO, and co-founder, and , Investment Associate. Together, they provided students with an overview of entrepreneurs and venture capital. Five students from our Economics of New Ventures class, taught by Professor Dan Shanahan, pitched their ideas during the event. Students who delivered their pitches were , , , and . Dr. Lavigne and Mr. Katz guided the attendees in an evaluation of each pitch for viability for venture capital funding.
41 ˿Ƶ Alfiero School of Business students and 5 faculty attended. We are grateful for the time and enthusiasm of Dr. Lavigne and Mr. Katz. It was a wonderful experience for everyone.
2022 Conference Highlights
Synopsis
Timeless leadership principles established by one of the greatest female entrepreneurs in American history, Mary Kay Ash, have remained relevant despite changing business environments, including the tumultuous changes since March of 2020. An Independent Senior Sales Director with will discuss the principles of organizational leadership, “The Mary Kay Way.”
Presenter Bio
Corrina Langworthy is an Independent Senior Sales Director with Mary Kay. She coaches, trains, and mentors a team of 100 women while also working her own Independent Beauty Consultant Business. Corrina also has experience in leadership as the co-owner of a manufacturing facility in downtown Buffalo for 13 years.
2021 Conference Highlights
Synopsis
The DataSure24 hosts discussed factors that organizations should take into account when it comes to cybersecurity. In October 24th's conference, the topics ranged from industry-specific compliance requirements, legal ramifications, and financial considerations that can adversely impact businesses. Real-world case study examples, including details on how individual companies were affected by a cybersecurity breach, were analyzed.
Presenter Bios
Mark Musone is the Chief Technology Officer at DataSure24, where he is responsible for the oversight of and direction of all technical teams and services. Mark has extensive security experience in performing CISO or equivalent activities for the federal government. For over 18 years, Mark has performed independent IV&V for the Department of Labor to ensure compliance and best technical practices. Max Winterburn is the Director of Business Operations at DataSure24. Max graduated in 2018 with an M.S. International Business from ˿Ƶ College, after graduating with a B.S. in Business Administration and a B.A. in Sustainability
Tony Carducci
"I liked that we broke out into groups and solved real problems. It was cool to apply what was learned with an example."