Impressive Lineup of Speakers Set for Babson Connect Worldwide in Tuscany

March 24, 2025

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Prominent entrepreneurial leaders will highlight the ninth edition of Babson Connect Worldwide (BCW) on March 27–29 in the heart of Tuscany. BCW, the premier global entrepreneurship summit, will be hosted by Castelfalfi, a five-star luxury resort in Tuscany owned by Prakash Lohia P’98, the father of Babson alumna Shruti Lohia Hora ’98.

With the theme of “Decoding the Medici: Pioneering the Digital Renaissance,” the summit features keynote speakers and panel discussions with prominent leaders, as well as interactive executive education workshops and networking sessions focused on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurial leaders today.

SESSIONS AND SPEAKERS: See the full Babson Connect Worldwide agenda.

Topics will explore some of the most compelling forces shaping global business today, including sustainable entrepreneurship, evolving consumer behavior, and the future of luxury, fashion, and culinary ventures. Sessions will also examine the growing influence of technology and AI, and how family enterprises are adapting—balancing tradition with bold reinvention..

Discussions will be led by a distinguished roster of speakers representing some of the most iconic names in global business and innovation. Featured voices include Carlo Cracco (Cracco Investimenti), Giovanni Colavita (Colavita USA), Paolo Barilla (Barilla Group), and Albiera Antinori (Marchesi Antinori); James Ferragamo (Salvatore Ferragamo); Marco Bizzarri (former CEO, Gucci); Filippo Ricci (Stefano Ricci); and Babson Trustee Audrey McLoghlin (Frank & Eileen); as well as Veronica Berti Bocelli and Laura Biancalani of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation.

Additional speakers include Nerio Alessandri (Technogym) and Michele Uva (UEFA). Italian civic leaders—including Sara Funaro, mayor of Florence, and Paolo Pomponi, mayor of Montaione—round out a program that spans sectors, generations, and global perspectives. With contributions from government officials, family enterprise founders, and sustainability champions, BCW 2025 reflects the full spectrum of entrepreneurial leadership shaping the future of business and society.

“Babson Connect Worldwide is a vital component in our global programming aimed at supporting and inspiring entrepreneurial leaders to impact communities around the world,” said Babson College President Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD, who will deliver the State of the College address March 29. “Babson alumni and friends around the world make us an everywhere institution, and BCW provides them with an opportunity to recommit themselves to lifelong learning in their quest to make the world a better place while forging new and meaningful connections. The timeless beauty of the Tuscan countryside, with its breathtaking vistas and rich history, sets the stage for what will be a memorable gathering.”

Since its inception in 2015, BCW has served as a catalyst for bringing together Babson’s global community of alumni and friends from 129 countries. This year’s summit will draw more than 300 entrepreneurial leaders, alumni, and friends of the College from more than 30 countries around the world.

Posted in Babson Briefs

Tagged Alumni, Global, Faculty