In an era defined by rapid transformation and uncertainty, the 33rd CEEMAN Annual Conference, held from September 24–26, 2025, at the Mövenpick Hotel Lalez Durrës in Albania, brought together global thought leaders to answer a vital question:
What is the role of business schools in tomorrow’s world?
Organized by Gazmend Haxhia, Vice President of CEEMAN Albania, and Danica Purg, President of CEEMAN, this milestone event welcomed more than 150 participants from over 40 countries, uniting educators, deans, corporate leaders, policymakers, and innovators under one roof.
The theme — “The Role of Business Schools in the New World Order” — reflected the growing pressure on institutions of management education to evolve in the face of global disruption, digital acceleration, and shifting economic and geopolitical power dynamics.
About CEEMAN
CEEMAN (The International Association for Management Development in Dynamic Societies) is a global network of institutions dedicated to advancing the quality and relevance of management education, particularly in fast-changing and emerging economies.
Founded in 1993, CEEMAN connects universities, business schools, corporate partners, and development institutions across more than 40 countries. Its mission is to accelerate innovation, promote responsible leadership, and bridge the gap between education and practice in dynamic environments. The annual CEEMAN conference is a flagship event for the network, offering members a space for thought leadership, collaboration, and community building.
Why This Conference Mattered
Now in its 33rd edition, CEEMAN’s annual conference has consistently served as a hub for cutting-edge thinking, strategic foresight, and purposeful collaboration. However, this year felt particularly urgent — and deeply significant. Business schools are no longer merely academic institutions; they are critical players in shaping ethical, resilient, and forward-looking leadership.
From AI and automation to the climate crisis, from social inequality to global instability, the conference urged participants to consider:
How can we prepare future leaders for challenges we can’t yet define?
What must business schools unlearn in order to truly innovate?
And what values should drive curriculum development, institutional partnerships, and leadership models?
A Thoughtfully Curated Three-Day Experience
Hosted in the serene yet sophisticated setting of the Mövenpick Hotel overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the conference was as logistically smooth as it was intellectually rigorous. Across three days — with two full days dedicated to the core conference program — the event featured:
Keynote Addresses & Plenary Sessions
Distinguished voices explored how management education must shift from traditional models toward systems thinking, sustainability, and societal impact.
Expert Panels & Interactive Workshops
Sessions covered critical topics such as:
- The impact of geopolitics on management education
- The integration of AI, technology, and future skills
- Fostering ethical leadership in emerging markets
- The institutional agility needed to survive and thrive
Networking & Partnership Building
Participants connected across institutions and continents — developing new projects, research collaborations, and academic exchange opportunities.
A Distinguished Voice from the Albanian Government
The conference also had the honor of welcoming Dr. Olta Manjani, Deputy Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation of Albania, who participated in a high-level panel discussion. Joining her on stage was Sean Meehan, a distinguished academic from IMD Business School, with Gazmend Haxhia serving as moderator.
Dr. Manjani shared the Albanian government’s perspective on innovation, education reform, and economic development, offering critical insights into how policy and academia can work together to foster inclusive growth. Her presence highlighted Albania’s commitment to international dialogue and strategic investment in education as a driver for national progress.
Partners Who Powered the Experience
AVIS – Official Transportation Sponsor
AVIS ensured that every delegate traveled in comfort and style, providing:
- Private airport transfers
- Shuttles between venues and accommodations
- Custom transportation scheduling throughout the event
Their professionalism and reliability elevated the entire guest experience — ensuring smooth arrivals, timely transfers, and stress-free logistics.
Landways – Logistics & Hospitality Partner
Landways served as the event’s key organizational partner and main sponsor, managing all behind-the-scenes operations, including:
- Audio/Visual services for all sessions
- Delegate accommodations and hotel bookings
- Welcome kits and gift sets curated with cultural care
- Restaurant reservations and evening event planning
- General logistics, from signage to session coordination
Thanks to Landways’ expert management, the event unfolded seamlessly — with every detail contributing to a world-class experience.
Leadership at the Helm
The driving forces behind this milestone event were Danica Purg, President of CEEMAN, and Gazmend Haxhia, Vice President of CEEMAN Albania.
Purg emphasized the moral and social responsibilities of business schools in her opening remarks, calling for a new generation of educational institutions that act as agents of transformation, not just information.
Haxhia, who also moderated several sessions, brought a regional lens to global discussions and helped bridge international expertise with local relevance, especially in the context of Albania’s growing role in the academic and business ecosystem of Southeast Europe.
Cultural Anchors & Memorable Moments
True to CEEMAN’s tradition of blending intellectual rigor with cultural immersion, participants also enjoyed:
- A vibrant welcome reception with Albanian cuisine and music
- Group dinners at handpicked local venues, organized by Landways
- Free time to explore Durrës and its historical and coastal charm
These experiences fostered deeper connections among participants and highlighted Albania’s warmth and hospitality.
In the Media: Conference Coverage
The event drew significant attention from both CEEMAN’s communication channels and Albanian media:
CEEMAN.org published a detailed summary:
“CEEMAN’s 33rd Annual Conference Nears Conclusion in Durrës, Albania – Global Leaders Examine the Future of Business Schools in a Changing World,” highlighting keynote sessions and the involvement of senior policymakers such as Deputy Minister Olta Manjani.
Read the article →
BalkanWeb (News24 Albania) covered the event in Albanian under the title:
“Eventi mblodhi liderë nga akademia, biznesi dhe politika / Mbahet në Durrës konferenca e 33-të Vjetore e CEEMAN-it”, noting that over 150 leaders from 40+ countries participated.
Read the article →
Conclusion: A Pivotal Step Forward
The 33rd CEEMAN Annual Conference was more than an academic gathering — it was a strategic convening of minds ready to shape the next chapter of business education. It challenged institutions to be braver, bolder, and more deeply connected to the real-world problems that graduates will face.
As we look to the future, one message was clear:
Business schools must not only prepare students for tomorrow’s jobs — they must prepare them to shape tomorrow’s world.
With the support of dedicated partners like AVIS and Landways, and under the leadership of Gazmend Haxhia and Danica Purg, the conference marked a turning point for CEEMAN and the broader academic community it serves.