IE University brings together more than 1,000 graduates from 70 countries at the Global Alumni Weekend 2026 in Madrid

This weekend, IE University brought together more than 1,000 graduates from Bachelor's, Master's and Executive Education programs from 70 countries at the Global Alumni Weekend 2026, the institution's annual alumni meeting. Leadership, AI, economic transformation, creativity and geopolitics were the focus of the debates and masterclasses held at IE Tower, IE University's technological and sustainable campus in Madrid.

For three days, the alumni, who hold positions of responsibility in companies and institutions in 185 countries, participated in an academic and networking agenda designed to strengthen the bonds of IE University's global community and discuss the main trends that are transforming the business environment and the geopolitical context in a world transformed by technology.

Participants attended masterclasses taught by IE University professors and researchers on issues such as global economic and geopolitical trends, the evolution of financial markets, the impact of algorithms on business strategies, the challenges of leadership, and decision-making in high-performance teams.

The Global Alumni Weekend 2026 has also hosted a new edition of 'Research in Motion', highlighting projects developed by the institution's researchers. Attendees were able to learn about analyses related to AI and neuroscience, the impact of geopolitical events on public opinion, biotechnological solutions for resource management or scientific methodologies applied to decision-making in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As Sara Lindgren, IE University’s Head of Alumni, explains, the IE Global Alumni team organizes more than 400 international events every year: "The Global Alumni Weekend reflects the truly international character of IE University and the strong bond we maintain with our alumni around the world. This meeting allows us to continue promoting a global community based on continuous learning, innovation and connections between generations of graduates." 

The meeting also included the celebration of the annual EPIC Awards, recognizing the talent, leadership and impact of members of the IE community in different professional and social categories. These include the Entrepreneurship Award, aimed at entrepreneurs and founders who have promoted high-impact innovative projects; the Impact Award, which recognizes initiatives with social and environmental impact; the Community Award, focused on alumni who actively strengthen the IE community through mentoring and professional support; and the Emerging Leader Award, aimed at young graduates under 30 years of age with a promising leadership trajectory.

In addition, IE University has recently reinforced its commitment to the global graduate community with the inauguration of IE Alumni House, a new space on the institution's campus in Madrid’s Salamanca district, conceived as a headquarters and meeting point for its international alumni network.