50th Alfred L. Edwards Conference
Join us for the 50th Anniversary Alfred L. Edwards (ALE) Conference, presented by the Black Business Student Association (BBSA) at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business on February 20–21, 2026. As the longest-running student-led conference at Michigan, ALE is a dedicated weekend to celebrating excellence, fostering connection, and sparking meaningful conversations about leadership and innovation.
This milestone year’s theme — Enterprise Innovation — honors half a century of impact and the strong foundation built by students and alumni while looking ahead to the future of business leadership.
The weekend will feature an inspiring lineup of fireside chats, panels, industry breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, culminating with the annual ALE Gala. Connect with students, alumni, industry leaders, and community members while reflecting on ALE’s enduring legacy and envisioning its future.
Students and guests of all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to attend.
ALE50 Conference Schedule:
Friday, February 20, 2026
2:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Registration Open
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM | ALE50 Case Competition
4:00 PM – 4:50 PM | ALE50 Kickoff
4:50 PM – 5:00 PM | Welcome from the Dean
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Fireside Chat: Dane Mathews, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Taco Bell
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Networking Reception
Saturday, February 21, 2026
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration, Coffee, & Snacks
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Fireside Chat: Courtney & Jonathan Dunn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cerbo
10:15 AM – 11:05 AM | Industry Breakout Sessions – Round I
• From Vision to Venture
• The Business of Fashion & Retail
• Powering the Future: Technology Across Industries
11:15 AM – 12:05 PM | Industry Breakout Sessions – Round II
• Cultural Capital: Building Influence Through Creativity and Innovation
• Beyond the Balance Sheet: Redefining the Business of Investing
• Shaping Where We Live, Work, and Belong
12:15 PM – 1:45 PM | Lunch & Professional Development Workshop / Alumni Townhall
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Fireside Chat: André Branch, Chief Executive Officer, R.E.M. Beauty
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Closing Keynote: Martin Nance, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Minnesota Vikings
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Gala