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Alumni Conference

For all Berkeley Haas alumni, students, and friends

Where:

Haas School of Business
UC Berkeley

When:

Saturday
April 25, 2026

Registration:

Will open in late February 2026.

Conference Highlights

JOIN THE BERKELEY HAAS COMMUNITY
AND BE A STUDENT ALWAYS!

Come back to campus, reconnect with fellow alumni, and experience the teaching and research of inspiring leaders and accomplished experts in AI & Healthcare, Economic Outlook, Leadership, Sustainability, and the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem at UC Berkeley. This annual, day-long conference is open to all Berkeley Haas alumni, students, and friends.

View the 2025 Alumni Conference schedule below. Next year’s lineup of speakers will be announced in early 2026 when registration opens.

Schedule

April 25, 2025

Concurrent morning and afternoon sessions

  • Saturday, April 26, 2025 - Alumni Conference


  • Pick up your registration materials and enjoy light breakfast offerings in the courtyard with your fellow attendees.
    Where
    O’Donnell Courtyard & Bank of America Forum

  • Our Defining Leadership Principles (DLPs) have served as our moral compass and are deeply rooted in the fabric of our community. In honor of the 15th anniversary of codifying the Haas School’s culture, Chancellor Rich Lyons, BS 82, and Interim Dean Jenny Chatman, PhD 88, will engage in a fireside chat to share their perspectives on leadership and the enduring importance of culture in business today. Reflect on your leadership journey and explore how the DLPs have shaped your life and career. Through this engaging discussion, you’ll gain insights into the leadership challenges of today, uncover themes relevant to personal and professional growth, and see how alumni are embodying the DLPs in their successful lives and careers. Join us as Rich and Jenny bring us together for an inspiring start to our annual Alumni Conference.

    View Bios: Richard K. Lyons, BS 82 | Jennifer A. Chatman, PhD 88


    Where
    Andersen Auditorium

  • Morning break will take place in the O’Donnell Courtyard & Bank of America Forum.
    Where
    O’Donnell Courtyard & Bank of America Forum

  • Choose from four concurrent conference sessions. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
    Where
    Various

  • Prepare to be uncomfortable during this experiential workshop, which is aimed at empowering Haas alumni to navigate difficult conversations in the workplace based on role playing real world examples of workplace conflict. This workshop will include self-reflection and discussions on why we find conflict so challenging and offers key tools and strategies to reframe it as an opportunity to build trust. This workshop, introduced by Élida Bautista, PhD, is based on the Center for Social Sector Leadership elective Difficult Conversations: Conflict Lab, which is offered for MBA students at Berkeley Haas and was featured in the Wall Street Journal.

    View Bios: Élida Bautista, PhD, Bree Jenkins, MBA 19 & Francesca LeBaron, MBA 19
    Where
    N500, Level 5, Chou Hall

  • UC Berkeley’s commitment to nurturing tomorrow’s leaders and empowering innovators is supported by a robust, interconnected ecosystem designed to cultivate entrepreneurial talent, commercialize cutting-edge research, and accelerate the growth of startups.

    The Berkeley Haas Entrepreneurship Hub (eHub), the new and dynamic startup incubator, is central to making entrepreneurship accessible and empowering for all members of the campus community. Physically set within the newly renovated, elegant Julia Morgan-designed building, this space is poised to become a sanctuary for creativity, collaboration, and discovery. It’s here that some of the most disruptive ideas will take root, guided by expert faculty, researchers, and student innovators from across UC Berkeley and the Haas School of Business.

    This interactive session will provide examples of how the eHub is helping students navigate the wealth of innovation and entrepreneurship resources across the campus. With a focus on fostering collaboration and connecting students with the right opportunities, we are building micro-communities around students' interests and their entrepreneurial stages. Through targeted events and data-driven matchmaking, we’re creating a vibrant ecosystem that supports entrepreneurial growth and nurtures community building.

    Join us to learn how we’re reshaping the future of entrepreneurship and providing students with the tools, mentorship, and connections they need to turn their ideas into impactful ventures - and how you can help.

    View Bios: Saikat Chaudhuri | Dawn McGee


    Where
    Spieker Forum, Level 6, Chou Hall

  • Artificial intelligence is set to transform the future of healthcare. By using advanced technology in a field that requires deep human knowledge and personal interactions, we face some exciting challenges. This interactive session will explore how we can blend cutting-edge tools with a rich understanding of human behavior and healthcare policies in the U.S. Professor Kolstad will share insights from his research on improving health insurance choices for consumers and how mental strain affects doctors’ decision-making, using unique data from UCSF. We'll also look ahead at our vision for the next generation of AI in medicine, known as the Large Behavioral Model (LBM).

    All of this work is taking place at Haas, within the new Center for Healthcare Marketplace Innovation (CHMI), where we’re combining top-notch computer science with innovative data and insights from behavioral economics to reshape the healthcare landscape.

    Attending this lecture will provide you with a unique opportunity to explore the future of AI in healthcare, gain valuable insights into improving health insurance decisions, and understand the impact of mental strain on healthcare professionals, all while discovering groundbreaking research at the intersection of technology, human behavior, and policy.

    View Bio: Jonathan Kolstad, PhD


    Where
    Andersen Auditorium, Level 2, Faculty Building

  • Are you curious about how business can help tackle global challenges like climate change and inequality? Join us for the thought-provoking lecture and explore the powerful impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting. Learn how transparent and honest financial disclosures can not only improve corporate responsibility but also drive sustainable development and contribute to the urgent need for environmental and social change. Don't miss this opportunity to discover how the world of accounting is shaping a better, more sustainable future!

    View Bio: Omri Even-Tov
    Where
    N300, Level 3, Chou Hall

  • Enjoy lunch in the courtyard with fellow attendees and conference speakers. Over lunch, visit tables in the Courtyard to learn more about your alumni benefits with representatives from the Career Management Group, Berkeley Executive Education, Haas Alumni Chapter & Affinity Groups, and more!
    Where
    O’Donnell Courtyard

  • Choose from four concurrent conference sessions. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis
    Where
    Various

  • In this lecture, we'll explore the key economic and macro trends shaping both the national and Bay Area economies. We will dive into critical topics such as inflation, interest rates, and the evolving labor market. We'll discuss the lasting impact of tax policies under the Trump administration and what their influence on business growth and investment could be. Looking ahead, we'll examine the future of the tech industry, with a particular focus on emerging technologies like AI and the growing demand for data centers. Finally, we'll analyze the Bay Area real estate market, with shifts in housing and office spaces, as well as the Los Angeles area, with the impact of the most recent fires - and talk about what these changes mean for businesses and residents alike. Whether you're a business leader, investor, or policymaker, this session will provide valuable insights to help you navigate the rapidly changing economic landscape.

    View Bio: Kenneth Rosen


    Where
    Andersen Auditorium, Level 2, Faculty Building

  • In 2024, UC Berkeley was ranked #1 worldwide by PitchBook for producing the most venture-backed founders, startups, and female entrepreneurs. Berkeley SkyDeck, one of the largest global accelerators, has been a driving force behind this success. With a dedicated investment fund and over $2 billion raised by its alumni, SkyDeck stands out as a leader in entrepreneurship and combines hands-on mentorship, a network of 800+ advisors, 70 industry partners, and the power of the UC Berkeley ecosystem. Join Executive Director Caroline Winnett, MBA 90, and other alumni panelists to learn how Haas alumni can engage as advisors or leverage SkyDeck’s resources as founders to amplify their entrepreneurial journeys.

    Featured Alumni:


    View Bio: Caroline Winnett, MBA 90


    Where
    Wells Fargo Room, Level 4, Cheit Hall

  • Seize this time to reflect on your career, what might be next for you, and how Haas can help. This interactive workshop facilitated by Dr. Nora Silver, Haas faculty and founder of the Center for Social Sector Leadership, will feature alumni leaders sharing their experiences and tips on changing careers and incorporating purpose. Discuss pivots, second act or “encore” career moves, board or public service, and new ways of incorporating purpose-driven work in your life.

    Featured Alumni:

    Where
    Spieker Forum, Level 6, Chou Hall

  • The biggest impediment to devising, curating and implementing game-changing improvements and innovations is recognizing and combating our own narrow-mindedness. This session describes why we are wired from birth to be narrow-minded, what huge benefits in business and life it provides us and also the massive mistakes that can occur by being hostage to this way of thinking and action. It will teach participants a three-step method for overcoming their narrowmindedness and becoming a disruptive innovator.

    View Bio: Maura O'Neill, BCEMBA 04
    Where
    N500, Level 5, Chou Hall

  • Afternoon break will take place in the O’Donnell Courtyard & Bank of America Forum.
    Where
    O’Donnell Courtyard & Bank of America Forum

  • The pace will be fast! The ideas will fly! Emceed by Professor Kellie McElhaney, join an extraordinary group of Berkeley Haas alumni who will conclude the day with personal stories that inspire, engage, and provoke conversations that matter.

    Featured Alumni:



    Where
    Andersen Auditorium

  • Conclude your day on campus with invigorating conversation and a cold drink. Meet fellow alumni and featured speakers.
    Where
    O'Donnell Courtyard


Speakers

Thank you to this year's speakers

Élida Bautista, PhD

Élida Bautista, PhD

Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, UC Berkeley Haas
Jennifer A. Chatman, PhD 88

Jennifer A. Chatman, PhD 88

Bank of America Dean | Dean, UC Berkeley Haas School of Business | Paul J. Cortese Distinguished Professor of Management | Co-Director, Berkeley Center for Workplace Culture and Innovation
Saikat Chaudhuri

Saikat Chaudhuri

Faculty Director of the M.E.T. Program and Berkeley Haas Entrepreneurship Hub | Grimes M.E.T. Chancellor's Chair | Teaching Professor
John C. Dwyer, BS 84

John C. Dwyer, BS 84

Retired Partner, Cooley LLP
Omri Even-Tov

Omri Even-Tov

Associate Professor | Distinguished Teaching Fellow, Haas School of Business
Christopher Fong, BCEMBA 10

Christopher Fong, BCEMBA 10

CEO & Co-Founder of Key
Bree Jenkins, FTMBA 19

Bree Jenkins, FTMBA 19

Faculty, Haas School of Business
Charles "Chappie" Jones, Jr., FTMBA 1990

Charles “Chappie” Jones, Jr., FTMBA 1990

Director - Lighthouse Public Affairs, Former Vice Mayor, City of San Jose
Zach Knight, FTMBA 15

Zach Knight, FTMBA 15

Co-Founder and the CEO of Blue Forest
Jonathan Kolstad, PhD

Jonathan Kolstad, PhD

Professor | Henry J. Kaiser Chair, Haas School of Business | Faculty Director, Center for Healthcare Marketplace Innovation
Francesca LeBaron, FTMBA 19

Francesca LeBaron, FTMBA 19

Faculty, Haas School of Business
Richard K. Lyons, BS 82

Richard K. Lyons, BS 82

Chancellor, UC Berkeley | Professor & Former Dean, Haas School of Business | William & Janet Cronk Chair in Innovative Leadership
Kellie McElhaney

Kellie McElhaney

Founding Director, Center for Equity, Gender, and Leadership & Professor, Haas School of Business
Dawn McGee

Dawn McGee

Executive Director, Berkeley Haas Entrepreneurship Hub (eHub)
Maura O'Neill, BCEMBA 04

Maura O’Neill, BCEMBA 04

Lecturer | Distinguished Teaching Fellow, Haas School of Business
Bhavin Parikh, FTMBA 10

Bhavin Parikh, FTMBA 10

Co-Founder, Magoosh, Inc.
Marcy Porus-Gottlieb, FTMBA 95

Marcy Porus-Gottlieb, FTMBA 95

Executive Coach | Leadership Performance and Transition, Marcy Porus-Gottlieb Consulting
Charlene Son Rigby, FTMBA 00

Charlene Son Rigby, FTMBA 00

Chief Executive Officer of Global Genes
Kenneth Rosen

Kenneth Rosen

Chairman, Rosen Consulting Group and Chairman of the Fisher Center for Real Estate + Urban Economics, Haas School of Business

Conference Tickets

Prices include all sessions, breakfast, lunch, reception and parking (on a first-come, first-served basis.)

SATURDAY
April 25, 2026		PRICE PER PERSON
Current Student & Guests$50
GOLD* Reunion Year Alumni (2016, 2021, 2025) & Guests$90
GOLD* Alumni (2016-2025) & Guests$115
Reunion Year Alumni & Guests$125
Alumni & Guests$150
Friend of Berkeley Haas & Guests$175
Certificate Holder & Guests$175

 

Special Conference Pricing Information

*GOLD Alumni & Guests (2016-2025)
Alumni and guests from the last 10 years receive an exclusive discount on the Alumni Conference price, a benefit of their status as Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD alumni). Discount already reflected in price above. No code required. GOLD alumni in their Reunion Year (2016, 2021, and 2025) receive an additional discount.

 

Questions?

About Alumni Conference

The Alumni Conference is an annual, day-long conference on the Haas School campus open to all alumni, students, and friends of Berkeley Haas. Participants experience the teaching and research of innovative leaders and accomplished practitioners through concurrent conference sessions, a keynote address, Alumni Story Salon talks, and more.

Saturday, April 25, 2026

The 2026 Alumni Conference lineup will be announced when registration opens in late February. View the Alumni Conference schedule from 2025 to get a sense of our sessions and speakers.

All alumni, students, certificate holders, and friends of Berkeley Haas are invited to attend.

All conference sessions will be held on the UC Berkeley Haas campus.

Partner with Berkeley Executive Education for access to Haas School of Business Faculty to create a learning solution to tackle your organization’s specific challenges. Choose from a versatile selection of program alternatives to shape an experience that perfectly suits your preferences. Berkeley Haas alumni are always eligible for a 30% discount on qualifying UC Berkeley Executive Education (BEE) Open Enrollment programs. You can also partner with BEE on a custom program learning solution to tackle your organization’s specific challenges, maximize your impact, and prepare you for whatever the future holds.

Alumni Conference  Logistics

Visit the pricing information above on this page for Alumni Conference fees. Cost includes sessions, parking, breakfast, lunch, and reception.

Yes! Advance registration is required once it opens in February. Cancellations and refunds will be honored through 4/13/26 at 11:59 pm.

Yes! The Alumni Conference is open to all alumni, students, and their guests.

Attire is business casual or casual.

Looking for other things to do while back on campus? Visit UC Berkeley events & attractions.

Yes, refunds will be honored through 4/13/26 at 11:59 pm. Tickets are not transferable.

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