From June 14 to 15, CEMS White Nights conference was held at GSOM SPbU. This is an annual meeting of CEMS programs students and graduates from around the world. This year participants discussed innovation, corporate transformation and diversity. The meeting was attended by representatives of Microsoft, Hilti, VKontakte, L’Oréal, Google, BCG, Mars and Wrike. The event ended with the boat-trip by the Neva river.

 

 On the first day a discussion with Hilti and Microsoft representatives on transformation of companies was organized, as well as a workshop by Hilti and a lecture about the job of product manager by VKontakte.

 

The second day began with a discussion on gender equality and inclusivity in corporations. Google, BCG, L’Oréal and Mars representatives discussed this topic. Moreover, on the second day there was a lecture by Wrike on Product management of mobile apps in B2Band Google workshop "I am Remarkable". Also, on this day, a workshop by L’Oréal "Maison Martin Margiela Fragrances: how to build brand awareness through alternative marketing mechanics" took place.

 

“The topic of the conference was corporate transformation and diversity. We chose it because we believe that these trends are changing entire industries and it is important for young professionals to get information about it from professionals of leading international companies,” explained Daria Schurik, a 2-year Master student and a member of organizing committee.

 

Daria was engaged in interaction with corporate partners. According to her, the most difficult was to cope with unexpected situations. “Participants confused arrival dates, canceled speeches, changed presentation format on the go, and we had to respond very quickly to all of this,” she said.

 

According to Daria, she enjoyed most of all the Google workshop “I am Remarkable” and L'Oreal's business game on marketing the fashion house Maison Martin Margeila. “The best feeling was to meet partners that I found, invited and was talking to for several months to find the best way for participation. It was very nice to receive positive feedback from the participants. Everyone liked our workshops and panel sessions,” said Daria.

 

Conference CEMS White Nights 2018 took place in St. Petersburg from June 8 to 9. CEMS is a global alliance of academic and corporate institutions dedicated to educating future generations of international business leaders.