IE Alumni Gather in Valencia for Annual Christmas Cocktail

More than 60 IE University alumni gathered at BarX by renowned chef Ricard Camarena for the IE Alumni Valencia Club Christmas Cocktail, marking one of the Club’s strongest turnouts to date and closing the year with renewed energy for the growing Valencian community.

The event brought together graduates from a wide range of industries, programs, and generations, emphasizing the dynamism and diversity of the IE network in the region. It also highlighted the strategic role of Global Alumni Relations in strengthening regional engagement across IE’s worldwide community, as members reconnected, forged new relationships, and celebrated the momentum built over the past year.

Participants described the atmosphere as warm, sophisticated, and exceptionally well organized. Hosted at BarX in the historic Mercado de Colón, the event offered an elevated gastronomic experience curated by Ricard Camarena, contributing to the evening’s warm yet refined atmosphere. Attendees highlighted the quality of the venue, the speakers, and the overall organization as key reasons for the event’s high satisfaction levels. As well as, many noted that the mix of profiles and ages allowed for meaningful conversations and new opportunities.

The evening featured two distinguished keynote speakers, Sara Lindgren and Mariana Luciano, who delivered thought-provoking insights that strongly resonated with attendees. "IE alumni bring innovation and resilience to every field. Strengthening our local communities helps amplify that impact and keeps us learning from one another," said Sara Lindgren, Head of Global Alumni Relations.

The evening featured keynote remarks by Lindgren and Mariana Luciano, Head of Accreditations, whose messages resonated strongly with attendees. Luciano emphasized the value of globally connected communities, noting: “Spaces like this remind us of the power of international networks. When we connect with intention, we create opportunities that go far beyond a single event.” Alumni later shared that both speeches reinforced their sense of belonging and their desire to remain engaged with the IE ecosystem.

The Christmas Cocktail also served as the public presentation of the Club’s newly renovated management board, composed of Jaime Riera, Ana Raimundo, Abel Fernández, Rafael Aguado, and Sergio Vázquez. Speaking on behalf of the team, Riera outlined a renewed vision for the chapter’s future. "Our goal is to build a more connected, active, and supportive community in Valencia," he said. "This Club has enormous potential, and together we can create meaningful opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and impact."

The cocktail ultimately strengthened bonds across the Valencian alumni ecosystem while sparking new connections among first-time participants. With momentum building and a refreshed leadership team in place, the IE Alumni Valencia Club is preparing a new cycle of initiatives for 2026 aimed at expanding networking opportunities, fostering professional development, and deepening engagement among alumni across generations.