Providence College Hosts the Academy of International Business US Northeast Chapter
The Academy of International Business US Northeast (AIBNE) hosted its annual conference at Providence College in the Ryan Center for Business Studies on October 21 and 22.
Nearly 120 attendees flocked to the Ryan Center from over 30 countries. This year’s conference theme was Business Value and Social Impact in Changing Local and Global Contexts. Throughout the two-day conference, 26 individual sessions were held on topics ranging from Wellness and Happiness in International Business to Innovation and Technology Management to Women in Academia among many other topics.
Liu Wang, assistant professor of finance, was the main driver to having the Providence College School of Business host this year’s conference. Dr. Wang shared, “The conference was a great success and attendees from all over the world were thoroughly impressed and enjoyed their time at PC, noting that this is such a ‘memorable’ and ‘incredible’ experience. The conference theme of business value and social impact aligned well with the mission of PCSB and will only further amplify our growth and national recognition.”
The conference also welcomed an industry panel that focused on corporate social responsibility, societal impact, and ESG. Moderated by Paul Scanlon, director of Providence College School of Business’ Finance Lab, the panel explored best practices for organizations and what the future looks like for organizations and society as a whole. Panelists included Alex Hammer Duca, senior director, private sector lead at Purpose, Tom Giordano, executive director at Partnership for RI and Gary Levante, senior vice president, corporate responsibility and communications at Berkshire Bank.
On Sunday, business school leaders from Bryant University, Johnson & Wales University, Providence College, and Roger Williams University came together for a panel discussion to highlight how their respective institutions approach societal impact and preparing future business leaders. Panelists discussed the importance of partnerships and collaboration with industry, community-based organizations, and non-profits. The key takeaway being that business schools can and should act as a catalyst for societal good.
The conference peaked with a formal gala held in the Ryan Center for Business Studies with a performance from Providence College student band, The Hopeless Romantics. They serenaded conference attendees with a sampling of their favorite tunes.
Sylvia Maxfield, Providence College School of Business’ dean reflected, “We were pleased to welcome such a diverse group of scholars for exciting conversations about international business and social impact. The theme of the conference aligned well with the PCSB’s emphasis on business as a force for good in society. I was struck hearing one of the attendees speak of our school as a ‘hidden gem,’ because while we are a gem we aspire to be nationally recognized!”
