NETWORK OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOLS

NIBS Annual Conference 2026

Business Education for a Changing World.
Exploring collaboration, innovation and global impact.

The IBA is proud to host the NIBS Annual Conference 2026.

Here you can find more information about the conference and scheduele.

Join the Conference

5th – 8th May 2026
IBA International Business Academy, Havneparken 1, 6000 Kolding
Join the Conference (link coming soon)

The IBA International Business Academy in Kolding is proud to host the NIBS Annual Conference 2026. Join us and be part of a vibrant global community shaping the future of business education.

Over three inspiring days, delegates will share ideas, build networks, and explore new years to collaborate and innovate in a rapidly changing world. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, contribute and celebrate excellence in international business education.

Time and Place

Date: 5th – 8th May 2026
Place: IBA International Business Academy
Address: Havneparken 1, 6000 Kolding

If you are arriving by car, you can find the parking overview here >> (only in Danish)

Participation & Registration

More information and link coming soon.

Conference Programme

Tuesday, 5 May 2026 – Arrival & Welcome Reception

Time

Session

Details / Venue

12:00 – 17:00

Pre-conference event: China Business Forum (free event, separate registration needed)

Sing up here

19:00 – 21:00

Informal Welcome Reception

Please drop-in to say hello and meet everyone informally prior to the start of the conference.

Venue to be confirmed.

Wednesday, 6 May 2026 – Conference Day 1

Time	Session	Details / Venue
09:00 – 09:20	Welcome	Welcome from the IBA Denmark and the NIBS Board.
09:20 – 10:20	Keynote Address	Provisional title: World-Centred Business Education in a Changing Global Landscape.
10:20 – 10:40	Introduction to New Members	Introductions and networking activity for new NIBS members and first-time delegates.
10:40 – 10:55	NIBS Accreditation Awards	Presentation of NIBS accreditation certificates to member institutions demonstrating excellence in international business education.
10:55 – 11:25	Coffee Break
11:25 – 12:30	Members’ Opportunities Session	Members are invited to share international collaboration ideas, exchange programs, and partnership opportunities across universities. Call for Contribution: Submissions are invited from NIBS members who wish to share their university opportunities.
12:30 – 13:30	Lunch
13:30 – 15:00	NIBS Research Session	Presentations of current research, projects, and collaborations among NIBS members. Call for Contribution: Research submissions are invited from NIBS members.
15:00 – 15:30	Coffee Break
15:30 – 17:00	Workshops	1️) What’s in Erasmus for Non-Members — exploring Erasmus+ opportunities and partnerships beyond existing membership frameworks. 2) Incorporating Data Analytics Teaching into the Business Curriculum, exploring innovative pedagogical approaches to integrating analytics and digital literacy in business programmes.
Evening	Networking Dinner	Venue to be confirmed.

Thursday, 7 May 2026 – Conference Day 2

Time	Session	Details / Venue
09:00 – 10:00	Keynote Session (2)	Provisional title: Expectations from Students and Global Stakeholders.
10:00 – 10:30	Coffee Break
10:30 – 12:00	Roundtable Discussions	Industry–Academia Collaboration.
12:00 – 13:00	The David Gillingham Awards	Sharing of excellence in international business education, collaboration, and innovation. Call for Contribution: Award submissions are invited from NIBS members demonstrating excellence and innovation in business education.
13:00 – 14:00	Lunch
14:00 – 15:30	Closing Plenary	Competences for the Future Workforce — Key focus areas: 1) Critical Thinking and Creativity 2️) Communication and Collaboration 3️) Digital Literacy 4️) Resilience and Adaptability 5️) Ethical and Global AwarenessCall for Contribution: Participants are invited to share proposals, research, and initiatives aligned with these competencies for future NIBS collaboration and dissemination.
15:30 – 16:00	Coffee Break
16:00 – 16:30	NIBS Annual General Meeting (AGM)	Updates from the NIBS Executive Committee and plans for the year ahead.
16:30 – 16:45	Conference Closing
Evening	Gala Dinner	Venue to be confirmed.

Friday, 8 May 2026 – Conference Day 3 – Industry visits

Details of the industry day are still to be confirmed, but the return times are confirmed as dropping off those delegates flying from Billund Airport at 16:00hrs and returning back to Kolding for 17:00 hrs.

Time	Details / Venue
09:00	Departure from the IBA.
16:00	Drop-off at Billund Airport.
17:00	Drop-off at the IBA, Kolding.

NIBS Worldwide Case Competition

The NIBS Worldwide Case Competition is one of the world’s most established student case competitions. Teams of four students analyse real-life business challenges and present their solutions to an international jury of academics and industry experts.

After a qualifying round, the 16 best teams from across the globe are invited to the championship round, making it a unique opportunity to test skills, gain international experience, and build a global network.

After a three-year break, the IBA is once again competing in the NIBS Case Competition, fielding one or two student teams.

Case Competitions