USBS Future Leaders Dinner 2026

On Wednesday 18 March, the University of Southampton Business School hosted the annual Future Leaders Dinner at the prestigious Harbour Hotel Southampton.

The event brought together USBS staff, University of Southampton alumni, students, and distinguished industry partners and collaborators. This annual gathering provides an invaluable opportunity for our students to broaden their professional networks and gain deeper insight into the skills and attributes employers are seeking in today’s competitive job market, ultimately enhancing their employability and career readiness.

The event opened with remarks from the USBS Dean, Professor Laura Costanzo, who emphasised the importance of creating spaces where students can engage directly with industry and highlighted how effectively the Business School equips them for their future careers. The MBA Director, Professor Behzad Hezarkhani, followed with further reflections on how events like this inspire and motivate all our students, including those on our flagship MBA programme.

The USBS Associate Dean of Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise, Professor Jeni Giambona also spoke, recognising the outstanding work of our Careers, Employability, Placements and Alumni Relations Team (CEPAR), who consistently create enriching opportunities for students to connect with leading organisations and influential professionals. Professor Giambona concluded the opening remarks by underlining that the Business School’s extensive knowledge‑exchange activities demonstrate our strong commitment to the University’s Triple Helix Approach, where education, research, knowledge exchange, and entrepreneurship are tightly interwoven to create maximum impact.

The evening culminated in an inspiring keynote address from alumna Sara Davison, who shared valuable, practical advice for students preparing to enter the workforce.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all our industry partners, collaborators and mentors who generously dedicated their time and expertise to join us for the evening. Their continued support and engagement play a vital role in enriching the student experience and strengthening the bridge between education and industry.

Gatherings of this kind significantly strengthen our employability agenda, giving students the chance to engage with industry experts, ask questions, and develop the confidence and professional awareness that employers look for. We look forward to the future with optimism, confident in the opportunities it holds for our students and strategic partners. Together, we will continue to foster a vibrant community where innovation and collaboration thrive.