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It is my pleasure to welcome you to Rio de Janeiro for Babson Connect Worldwide 2026, a city celebrated for its energy, resilience, and spirit of possibility. This year, we come together at a time when entrepreneurial leadership is more vital than ever.
Around the world, business leaders are navigating shifting geopolitical landscapes, economic uncertainty, and the challenges of a rapidly changing environment. The rise of artificial intelligence and other transformative technologies is reshaping industries and creating new opportunities, while also demanding adaptability and thoughtful leadership. In the face of complexity and unpredictability, entrepreneurial leaders are uniquely equipped to turn uncertainty into opportunity, to lead with agility, and to drive progress for their organizations and communities.
Babson College has long championed the belief that entrepreneurship is not just a discipline but a mindset—one that empowers us to thrive amid change and to shape the future with creativity and courage. As the world’s leading institution for entrepreneurship education, we remain steadfast in our commitment to developing action-oriented entrepreneurial leaders who make a difference wherever they go.
Babson Connect Worldwide is more than a gathering; it is a catalyst for new ideas, meaningful connections, and bold action. Here in Rio, you are surrounded by a global community of alumni, students, faculty, and friends—visionaries who embrace lifelong learning and who are ready to shape the future together.
Your participation in Babson Connect Worldwide 2026 adds value to our community and to the ongoing Babson story. I am confident that the conversations, insights, and collaborations sparked here will inspire us all to navigate the next chapter with resilience and purpose.
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey. Welcome to Rio, and welcome to Babson Connect Worldwide 2026.
Com os melhores cumprimentos,
Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD President, Babson College
Babson Connect Worldwide (BCW) stands as a pivotal event in the realm of entrepreneurship education, proudly hosted by Babson College, a leading institution renowned for its commitment to excellence.
BCW transcends the typical conference experience, immersing participants in a celebration of entrepreneurship, leadership, and collaboration. Since its inception in 2015, BCW has been a catalyzing force, bringing together Babson’s global community of 45,000 alumni and friends from 128 countries.
As BCW annually changes its location, it consistently unites this expansive network of entrepreneurial minds, fostering meaningful connections and collaborations that transcend borders, sparking innovation globally.
Aligned with Babson College’s core values, BCW is a testament to the institution’s commitment to shaping the global landscape of entrepreneurship education. Its significance extends beyond borders, contributing to the ongoing evolution and enhancement of entrepreneurship education and practice.
Embark on a captivating journey into our host city’s rich history, cultural heritage, and vibrant traditions through an exciting program of engaging tours, social events, and authentic local entertainment.
Join a vibrant community of entrepreneurial minds, where diverse ideas and backgrounds converge to foster a dynamic environment of creativity, innovation, and collaborative spirit.
Immerse yourself in interactive learning experiences that nurture your entrepreneurial spirit while equipping you with the essential tools for success in today’s highly competitive landscape.
Engage in transformative conversations with the world’s brightest minds as they demonstrate the power of entrepreneurship in driving change across business and society.
We extend our warmest greetings as we gather for BCW 2026 in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. Your presence adds to the energy of this global event, and we are thrilled to share in the collective spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and connection.
With its iconic beaches, dynamic culture, and rich traditions, Rio provides an inspiring backdrop for our time together. The BCW 2026 Advisory Committee has curated an engaging program, and we invite you to immerse yourselves in insightful sessions, cultivate meaningful connections, and embrace the collaborative spirit that defines the Babson community.
This event is a celebration of our global network—a space to exchange ideas and an opportunity to explore new possibilities for innovation and collaboration. Thank you for being part of this transformative experience. We look forward to the valuable insights and relationships that will undoubtedly emerge from our time together in Rio.
Bem-vindo ao Rio de Janeiro!
May this be an extraordinary experience for all.
Enjoy the conference and the beauty of Rio!
Bettina Beckhoff de Longinotti-Buitoni P’11’14’19, GAB
Ricardo Caporal ’00
Claudia Colaferro P’20
Fabio Colaferro P’20
Suzane De Azevedo P’28
Edward Flammia P’27
Alberto Gavazzi P’23’25
Fernanda Gavazzi P’23’25
Ana Laura Guimarães MBA’21, P’25’28
Cássio Guimarães P’25’28
Heidi Henriquez P’18’23, GAB
Sinesia Karol MP’19
Emilia Lastra Larrea P’28
Domingo Lastra P’28
Federika Longinotti-Buitoni ’11
Greice Zaffari P’27
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
WITH SUPPORT FROM: MEDIA PARTNER:
A Need-Based Scholarship Program for International Students
Sponsorship of BCW helps strengthen the Global Scholars Program, which provides talented students from around the world with access to Babson’s world-class entrepreneurial education.
The Global Scholars Program offers four-year, full-tuition scholarships to exceptional students, ensuring they have the resources to thrive. Additionally, those with greater financial need receive supplemental grant funding to assist with room and board, books and supplies, health insurance, and travel expenses.
Being a Global Scholar has granted me access to some of the highest-quality education in the world and an entrepreneurial environment that fosters cultural exchange, intellectual growth, and personal development.”
Paloma Ovelar Oviedo ’27, Paraguay GLOBAL SCHOLAR
Copacabana Palace
Avenida Atlântica, 1702 - Copacabana Rio de Janeiro 22021-001, Brazil
+55 21 2545 8787
(available by telephone and WhatsApp)
Check-in: 3 p.m. | Check-out: Noon
All on-property events take place on the Saloons Level (SA), one floor above the hotel lobby.
Discover the Copacabana Palace, a luxurious five-star hotel that stands as an iconic symbol of Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant culture and elegance.
Situated along the famous Copacabana Beach, this historic hotel combines timeless charm with modern luxury, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Copacabana Palace is a testament to Brazil’s rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit, featuring world-class amenities including gourmet dining, a botanical spa, and exquisite event spaces.
Here, the entrepreneurial spirit of Babson meets the dynamic energy of Rio de Janeiro, creating the perfect backdrop for learning, networking, and relaxation. Through our partnership with the Copacabana Palace, attendees will benefit from specially discounted rates, ensuring an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most captivating cities.
Network: Copacabana Palace
No password required
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
2 – 6 p.m.
Noble Room (Nobre) | Copacabana Palace
Please collect your official BCW name badge and swag bag at your leisure.
Invitation Only
6 – 9 p.m. | Depart Copacabana Palace at 5:30 pm
Assador | Rio de Janeiro
Attire: Cocktail
With gratitude, we celebrate BCW Advisory Committee members, speakers, sponsors, and Babson leadership for their dedication and contributions to BCW 2026.
THURSDAY, MARCH 26
BREAKFAST AT LEISURE
Restaurante Pérgula | Copacabana Palace
For Copacabana Palace Guests Only
REGISTRATION
7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Noble Room (Nobre) | Copacabana Palace
Please collect your official BCW name badge and swag bag at your leisure.
Advance registration is required for all Thursday workshops and cultural treks. You must check in and pick up your BCW name badge prior to the cultural trek.
Meet your guide at least 15 minutes before departure. Tours will leave promptly.
Departs from Copacabana Palace
Attire: Comfortable walking shoes, light layers, and sun protection (hat/sunglasses). A compact umbrella or light rain jacket is also recommended, as treks will run rain or shine.
CARNIVAL MORNING
7:45 a.m. meet in Noble Room (Nobre)
8 a.m. departure 12 p.m. return
CARNIVAL AFTERNOON
1:15 p.m. meet in Noble Room (Nobre)
1:30 p.m. departure 5:30 p.m. return
JEEP TOUR MORNING
7:45 a.m. meet in Noble Room (Nobre)
8 a.m. departure 12 p.m. return
JEEP TOUR AFTERNOON
1:15 p.m. meet in Noble Room (Nobre)
1:30 p.m. departure 5:30 p.m. return
SELARÓN STAIRS MORNING
7:45 a.m. meet in Noble Room (Nobre)
8 a.m. departure 12 p.m. return
SELARÓN STAIRS AFTERNOON
1:15 p.m. meet in Noble Room (Nobre)
1:30 p.m. departure 5:30 p.m. return
Due to limited capacity and pre-arranged group logistics, walk-ins and late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
Groups will depart on time.
Carnival marketing specialist Fabiana Amorim will welcome the group to Casa Carnaval, a venue that celebrates the legacy of Samba Schools through exhibitions and interactive activities. The visit includes a behind-the-scenes presentation, followed by a lively samba and percussion workshop. Afterwards, the group will transfer to Cidade do Samba—home to many of Rio de Janeiro’s Samba Schools—for a 30-minute guided tour of a samba school warehouse.
Aboard a jeep, fully open and without a roof, this tour will head out to experience a unique sense of freedom and connection with the city. On Corcovado Hill, located in the Tijuca Atlantic Forest, the largest urban forest in the world, stands the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, one of Rio de Janeiro’s most famous landmarks. The trip to Corcovado is a must for its natural beauty and panoramic views. From there, you can see the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the Botanical Garden, Maracanã Stadium, Guanabara Bay, and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Discover the artistic soul of Rio de Janeiro through a tour of Santa Teresa, a historic neighborhood known for its winding hilltop streets, colonial architecture, and bohemian atmosphere. The area is also home to iconic landmarks such as the Bondinho, a historic tram that offers unparalleled vistas of the city, and the world-famous kaleidoscopic tiles of the Selarón Stairs, a vibrant symbol of creativity and community.
Morning Session: 9 a.m. – Noon | Afternoon Session: 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Attire: Business Casual
Rio de Janeiro Room | Copacabana Palace
As we navigate a changing world with increased deglobalization, organizations may need to pivot their plans for growth and scale. In this session, we will examine how organizations align their strategic goals with their operations to drive scaling within a complex environmental context. We will also discuss the ongoing need to actively adapt business process experimentation techniques to support such changes, with a deeper dive on an interactive case example.
Wiljeana Jackson Glover, PhD
Kletjian Distinguished Professor of Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Associate Professor of Operations and Information Management, Babson College
Blue Room (Azul) | Copacabana Palace
As the intensity of competition and collaboration continue to escalate, the entrepreneurial leader must become more strategic in the quality of their relationships and source of their connections. In this session we will develop our collaborative skills for a changing workplace and world. We will also discuss how lifelong learners across a range of experience and different comfort levels with networking can find and execute on synergies in their ecosystem.
Alia Crocker, PhD
Associate Professor of Strategy, Management Division, Babson College
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Reading + Drawing + Visitor Rooms | Copacabana Palace
Open to All Attendees
This is the perfect time to relax, recharge, and connect with fellow attendees at your own pace.
7 – 11 p.m.
Balcony | Copacabana Palace Enter via the Drawing Room
Set against the vibrant backdrop of one of Brazil’s most iconic cities, this evening promises a celebration of connection and community as we kick off Babson Connect Worldwide!
Attire: Cocktail
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
BREAKFAST AT LEISURE
Restaurante Pérgula | Copacabana Palace
For Copacabana Palace Guests Only
REGISTRATION
7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Noble Room (Nobre) | Copacabana Palace
9 – 9:20 a.m.
Noble Room (Nobre) | Copacabana Palace
Attire: Business Casual
The doors to the Golden Room will open at 8:45 a.m.
Andrea Iorio Emcee
Seating Guidelines
Reserved Seating: For Speakers and VIPs
General Seating: Classroom-style chairs available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD President, Babson College
About Our Emcee
Speaker, best-selling author, and professor at the Dom Cabral Foundation, Andrea Iorio is one of the world’s leading authorities on leadership, innovation, and soft skills in the context of digital transformation.
Tamojunto (We’re in This Together)
9:20 – 10:10 a.m.
Golden Room | Copacabana Palace
In this keynote, Edu Lyra shares his life story and the history of the creation of Gerando Falcões, a social organization that has become a benchmark in the fight against poverty in Brazilian favelas. In an inspiring way, Edu recounts how he was born and raised in a peripheral community and how this experience shaped his worldview and his commitment to social transformation. Throughout the keynote, he presents the lessons learned from this journey and the paths that led to the construction of a social development ecosystem that today impacts thousands of families.
Edu Lyra
Founder and CEO, Gerando Falcões
Edu Lyra is the Founder and CEO of Gerando Falcões, one of Brazil’s most impactful social entrepreneurship organizations, dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in favelas and underserved communities across the country. Raised in a favela in São Paulo, Edu transformed early life challenges into a purpose-driven career in social innovation. After publishing his book Jovens Falcões and selling it door to door, he used the proceeds to launch Gerando Falcões in 2013. Under his leadership, the organization has evolved into a nationwide ecosystem recognized for applying business discipline and scalable solutions to complex social problems. Named one of the Young Global Leaders by the World Economic Forum, Edu Lyra represents a new generation of entrepreneurs driving systemic change through innovation, leadership, and measurable social impact.
10:15 – 11 a.m.
Golden Room | Copacabana Palace
Featuring alumni of the Global Scholars Program, this panel showcases the power of access, opportunity, and global education. Through personal reflections, panelists will discuss how the experience influenced their academic paths, leadership growth, resilience, and sense of global citizenship.
Wander Damasceno ’20
Commercial Director, Metrix
Larissa Moreira ’20
Vocational Education Director, São Paulo State Department of Education
Debora Queiroz Sena ’19
Product & Sales Strategy Lead - EMEA, Incode
MODERATOR
Ariel Armony, PhD
Provost and Executive Vice President, Babson College
MORNING BREAK
11 – 11:15 a.m.
Noble Room (Nobre) | Copacabana Palace
Open to All Attendees
Enjoy refreshments and light bites in a dedicated space designed for quick refueling and high-level connections.
Scaling Fitness and Wellness Globally:
Lessons from Smart Fit and Planet Fitness
11:15 – 11:55 a.m.
Golden Room | Copacabana Palace
This discussion explores how industry leaders have successfully scaled their brands across vastly different markets. From Smart Fit’s rapid expansion throughout Latin America to Planet Fitness’s rise as a dominant force in North America, the conversation examines operational strategies, cultural adaptations, and technological innovations that enable fitness companies to thrive globally.
Diogo Corona CEO, Smart Fit Group
Colleen Keating CEO, Planet Fitness
MODERATOR
Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD President, Babson College
NETWORKING LUNCH
11:55 a.m. – 1:25 p.m.
Reading + Drawing + Visitor Rooms | Copacabana Palace
Open to All Attendees
Enjoy a buffet-style lunch featuring seasonal local flavors. This is a great opportunity to recharge with fellow attendees before the afternoon sessions begin.
Please return to the Golden Room by 1:20 p.m. as the next session begins promptly.
Entrepreneurial Leadership in the Age of Constant Change
1:25 – 2:05 p.m.
Golden Room | Copacabana Palace
The conversation will focus on the qualities entrepreneurial leaders need to thrive amid volatility – vision, adaptability, and courage. The panelists will explore how to inspire teams, make bold decisions, and turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Rony Meisler Co-Founder, Reserva
MODERATOR
Nizan Guanaes CEO, N.ideias
The Impact Imperative:
Sustainability as a Core Strategy for Entrepreneurial Leaders
2:10 – 2:50 p.m.
Golden Room | Copacabana Palace
This session explores why environmental responsibility is no longer optional and why entrepreneurial leaders must bridge the gap between ambitious climate goals and economic realities. Through real-world examples, the panel will show how sustainability can drive innovation, resilience, and competitive advantage – rather than acting as a constraint on growth.
Andréa Álvares
Board Chair, Instituto
Ethos and FamaGaia
Sociobioeconomy Fund Leader
MODERATOR
Lucianne Carneiro Reporter
Valor Econômico
Gustavo Janer
Partner, Co-CEO, and CFO, Oakberry
AFTERNOON BREAK
2:55 – 3:15 p.m.
Noble Room (Nobre) | Copacabana Palace
Open to All Attendees
From Product to Icon:
Enjoy refreshments and light bites in a dedicated space designed for quick refueling and high-level connections.
Leadership Lessons in Global Brand Building
3:15 – 3:45 p.m.
Golden Room | Copacabana Palace
How does a product transcend utility to become a cultural symbol?
This conversation explores the strategic and emotional elements of brand-building, and the entrepreneurial mindset required to turn consumer insight into global cultural resonance.
Liel Miranda
Global CEO, Alpargatas
Liel Miranda holds a degree in Business Administration from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul and an MBA in the same field from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Originally from Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, he began his career in administration at the age of 16. He worked for 27 years at Souza Cruz, where he rose from trainee to president, strengthening ties to international business. In 2019, he started leading the Brazilian business unit of Mondelez International, and in February 2024, he embraced a new challenge: becoming Global CEO of Alpargatas, owner of the iconic Havaianas flip-flop brand.
Since then, he has led a series of initiatives and implemented strategies focused on the company’s recovery, efficiency, and sustainable growth. Upon his arrival, he committed to streamlining processes, portfolios, and markets to achieve greater business efficiency. The strategy has been guided by two main pillars: focus and competitiveness, and sustainable growth.
MODERATOR
Paula Martini
Reporter
Valor Econômico
7 – 11 p.m.
Mansão Alvite | Rio de Janeiro
6:15 p.m. Meet in Noble Room (Nobre)
6:30 p.m. Departure from Copacabana Palace
Surrounded by timeless architecture, natural beauty, and sweeping views, this evening invites you to experience Brazilian culture at its most vibrant. Be swept away by the rhythms of samba, savor local flavors, and feel the magic of Rio in every moment. It’s an experience you’ll carry with you long after the evening ends.
Attire: Cocktail
BCW name tags will be required.
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
BREAKFAST AT LEISURE
Restaurante Pérgula| Copacabana Palace
For Copacabana Palace Guests Only
REGISTRATION
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Noble Room (Nobre) | Copacabana Palace
Attire: Business Casual
The doors to the Golden Room will open at 9:15 a.m.
Seating Guidelines
Reserved Seating: For Speakers and VIPs
General Seating: Classroom-style chairs available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Opening Remarks
9:30 – 9:35 a.m.
Golden Room | Copacabana Palace
Andrea Iorio Emcee
Building BTG Pactual: Vision, Strategy, and Resilience
9:35 – 10:05 a.m.
Golden Room | Copacabana Palace
This conversation delves into the remarkable journey of BTG Pactual, from its early days to becoming one of the most influential investment banks in Latin America. André Esteves will share the strategic decisions, entrepreneurial mindset, and leadership principles that shaped the firm’s growth. The conversation will also explore how innovation and adaptability have been central to BTG’s success, offering lessons for aspiring leaders on building institutions that endure through cycles of change.
André Esteves
Chairman and Senior Partner, BTG Pactual
André Esteves is Chairman and controlling shareholder of BTG Pactual, Latin America’s largest investment bank. He began his career at Pactual in 1989, later serving as CEO and Chairman after its sale to UBS. In 2008 he founded BTG Investments, which repurchased Pactual to form BTG Pactual. A dedicated philanthropist, he serves on the boards of Conservation International, Inteli, and CFR, and co-founded Inteli, a nonprofit Brazilian university.
MODERATOR
John M. Malloy Jr. P’20
Portfolio
Manager and Co-Head of Emerging &
Frontier Markets Team, Redwheel
State of the College
10:05 – 10:25 a.m.
Golden Room | Copacabana Palace
Join President Spinelli as he shares Babson’s vision for the future, focusing on key initiatives and the College’s mission to develop entrepreneurial leaders who create lasting economic and social impact.
Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD President, Babson College
Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, Ph.D., a lifelong entrepreneur and 14th president of Babson College has spent his career at the intersection of academia, business, and philanthropy.
Under his leadership, Babson was named the No. 2 best college in the United States by The Wall Street Journal and has retained its long-standing place atop U.S. News & World Report’s undergraduate and graduate entrepreneurship rankings for more than three decades.
Scan to read: “Connecting Continents: How Babson’s President Builds Bridges Around the World
MORNING BREAK
10:25 – 10:40 a.m.
Noble Room (Nobre) | Copacabana Palace
Open to All Attendees
Enjoy refreshments and light bites in a dedicated space designed for quick refueling and high-level connections.
From Farm to Fintech: Unlocking Capital for Agricultural Innovation
10:40 – 11:25 a.m.
Golden Room | Copacabana Palace
This session highlights how digital platforms are improving access to credit, insurance, and investment for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs. The panel will explore how fintech is being integrated into agtech ecosystems to drive inclusive growth.
Alexandre Borges Silva
Co-Founder, Grão Direto
Matheus Ganem
Co-Founder and CEO, SEEDZ
Domingo Lastra P’28
President, Latin America, ADM
MODERATOR
Giovana Araújo
Lead Partner for Agribusiness, KPMG
Beyond the Pitch: What Today’s Investors Look for in Entrepreneurial Leaders
11:25 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.
Golden Room | Copacabana Palace
Great ideas are plentiful; exceptional leadership is not. This conversation goes beyond pitch decks to explore the qualities investors seek in entrepreneurs when the world feels unpredictable. Panelists will reflect on judgment, self-awareness, and the ability to lead teams through ambiguity as decisive investment factors.
Camila Farani
Tech Investor, Entrepreneur, and Founder, Farani Escola de Negócios (FEN)
Amelia Vicini Partner, INICIA Ltd.
MODERATOR
Ettore V. Biagioni ’80, GAB, former Trustee, former GAB Chair Managing Partner and Founder, ALOTHON
12:05 – 1:35 p.m.
Reading + Drawing + Visitor Rooms | Copacabana Palace
Open to All Attendees
Enjoy a buffet-style lunch featuring seasonal local flavors. This is a great opportunity to recharge with fellow attendees before the afternoon sessions begin.
Please return to the Golden Room by 1:20 p.m. as the next session begins promptly.
Reinventing Live Sports: When Creators Become the New Broadcasters
1:35 – 2:20 p.m.
Golden Room | Copacabana Palace
In an era where younger audiences have drifted away from traditional television, live sports needed a new voice – one that speaks their language, lives on their platforms, and feels authentic. CazéTV, created by LiveMode in partnership with Brazilian creator Casimiro, redefined how sports are distributed and experienced by placing creators at the center of live broadcasting. This session explores how this model has reconnected an entire generation with sports – not by bypassing TV, but by complementing it with a new kind of energy, tone, and community. It will discuss what brands, rights holders, and global organizations can learn from this cultural phenomenon, and how creator-led channels are reshaping fan engagement, monetization, and long-term IP value in sports.
Leonardo Lenz Cesar MBA’98 Senior Partner & Board Member, LiveMode | CazéTV
Victor Machado Head of TV, Film and Sports, YouTube Brazil
MODERATOR
João Pedro “JP” Thompson ’11 Founder, Z1
The Invisible Engine: Power the Age of AI
2:20 – 2:50 p.m.
Golden Room | Copacabana Palace
Artificial Intelligence may feel intangible, but its growth depends on very real infrastructure. This conversation explores how data centers have become the silent enablers of intelligence at scale – and what it takes to power an AI-driven economy responsibly. The discussion will connect innovation, energy, and long-term resilience in a world that runs on data.
Alessandro Lombardi
Chairman and Founder Elea Data Centers
With over 20 years of experience in private equity, corporate finance, and digital infrastructure, Alessandro Lombardi is the Founder and Chairman of Elea Data Centers, partnering with global institutions including Goldman Sachs, UBS, and BTG Pactual. A recognized industry leader, he serves on the Americas Regional Advisory Council of Infrastructure Masons and was named an iMasons IM100 honoree in 2024. He is the driving force behind Rio AI City, one of the world’s largest AI-focused data center hubs, positioning Brazil and Latin America at the forefront of digital transformation.
MODERATOR
Alexander Thomson-Payan ’06 President, TGI
AFTERNOON BREAK
2:50 – 3:00 p.m.
Noble Room (Nobre) | Copacabana Palace
Open to All Attendees
Enjoy refreshments and light bites in a dedicated space designed for quick refueling and high-level connections.
Entrepreneurial Leaders and the Art of Succession: Balancing Legacy and Innovation
3:05 – 3:45 p.m.
Golden Room | Copacabana Palace
Panelists will explore how family enterprises can navigate leadership transitions without losing their founding vision. The discussion will highlight strategies for balancing tradition with innovation and ensuring continuity across generations.
Roberto Marinho Neto CEO, Globo Ventures
Christian Telles ’15 Managing Partner, Expanding Capital
MODERATOR
Cyril Camus ’92, P’26, Trustee, GAB Chair President, CAMUS Group
BCW Closing Program Theatre (Teatro) | Copacabana Palace
6 – 7 p.m. Cocktail Reception and Live Music
7 – 7:45 p.m. BCW Closing Program
Join us for the Babson Connect Worldwide 2026 Closing Program as we celebrate three unforgettable days together and reflect on the connections and momentum built in Rio. We will proudly present two distinguished honors: the 2026 Parent Leadership Award, recognizing extraordinary commitment and advocacy for the Babson community, and the 2026 Babson-Camus Global Family Entrepreneurship Award, honoring the Luksic Family for their global impact and enduring entrepreneurial legacy – along with a very special announcement you won’t want to miss.
A Grand Finale in Rio de Janeiro
8 – 11 p.m.
Crystal Ballroom | Copacabana Palace
Attire: Formal/Black Tie optional
Men: Dark suit or tuxedo | Women: Evening gown or formal dress
Optional: Incorporate a touch of green to show Babson pride
This formal affair is the pinnacle of Babson Connect Worldwide – an evening where Babson’s global community comes together in style. Set in the grandeur of one of Rio’s most historic landmarks, the event will bring guests together to reflect, honor meaningful connections, celebrate achievements, and raise a toast to the future!
Entrepreneurial leadership encourages proactive, innovative, and risk-taking behavior, making it essential for both startups and established organizations aiming to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
–– Scott Taylor, Babson professor of organizational behavior
Groundbreaking research from Babson College proposes entrepreneurial leadership as a game-changing solution that could have a long-term impact for businesses and organizations of all kinds.
Scan the code to read the article or visit babson.edu/ELresearch
Redwheel is a specialist, independent investment manager with an active investment heritage built on a foundation of innovation, original thought, and high conviction.
The business was established in 2000 with the ambition to create an environment in which exceptional fund managers can operate with a high degree of investment autonomy and maximise the benefits of their skills over the long-term. The eight investment teams specialise in Emerging Markets, Active Engagement, Value & Income, Convertible Bonds and Sustainable & Thematic Equities.
Redwheel is committed to facilitating and delivering responsible investment in practice.
For professional investors and advisors only. Redwheel ® is a registered trademark of RWC Partners Limited (“RWC”). The term “Redwheel” may include any one or more Redwheel
Floor, 10 Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DH. Registration No (03517613).
Babson ELevates, the campaign for the second century, raises critical funds to extend Babson’s position in Entrepreneurial Leadership. With your support, we will continue to invest in our students, faculty, programs, and facilities, enabling Babson to elevate our student-centered approach to entrepreneurship education.
As the No. 1 college for entrepreneurship education and the No. 2 college in the US, Babson is uniquely positioned to thrive in a changing world. We strive for new levels of greatness through educating Entrepreneurial Leaders with the mindset and skills needed to take action, build positive relationships, solve problems, and create social and economic value globally.
To our campaign supporters—know that you are forever part of Babson’s history and legacy, and that future Entrepreneurial Leaders thank you. Scan this QR code to learn more:
Whether you are an experienced investor or someone planning to invest in Brazil, Valor International is your trusted resource for a comprehensive understanding of the country’s economic and political environment. valorinternational.com.br Inscreva-se agora na newsletter do Valor International e fique sempre bem-informado! valorinternational.com.br Sign up for the Valor International newsletter and stay always informed!
Seja você um investidor experiente ou alguém que pretende investir no Brasil, o Valor International é a referência para entender o cenário econômico e político do país de forma clara e aprofundada.
Valor utilizes generative AI to translate its content, with oversight from the editorial team to ensure accuracy. In accordance with Grupo Globo’s Editorial Principles, the texts contain notices indicating the use of AI under human supervision.
O Valor utiliza IA generativa na tradução dos conteúdos, sempre supervisionados pela equipe editorial para garantir precisão. Em conformidade com os Princípios Editoriais do Grupo Globo, os textos incluem avisos indicando o uso de IA sob supervisão humana.
Mezzanine Level – Floor Plan
Reading
Crystal Ballroom
