/About

The World's Main Educational Business Forum

In 2025, NEXT MBA is organizing large-scale business forums around the world. In April Istanbul will become the epicenter of global business education! This leading educational business forum brings together world-class experts, successful entrepreneurs, and visionaries from across the globe.

Organized by the NEXT MBA team, this extraordinary event promises to be unforgettable. Attendees will learn about cutting-edge technologies, modern marketing strategies, innovative management models, and personal development tools.

Technologies and AI for Business

Skills of an Efficient Leader

The Future of Marketing

Effective Management in 2025

/SPEAKERS

Meet Your Teachers

Philip Kotler

Known as the "Father of Modern Marketing," Philip Kotler has shaped the field for over 60 years. His book "Marketing Management" is a cornerstone of marketing education.

Jordan Belfort

Jordan Belfort, famously known as The Wolf of Wall Street, is a global icon in sales, entrepreneurship, and personal transformation. With an inspiring journey from Wall Street to becoming one of the world’s most sought-after speakers, Jordan shares insights on ethical persuasion, leadership, and achieving extraordinary results. His Straight Line Persuasion System has transformed countless businesses, making him a perfect fit for the forum’s focus on modern marketing and leadership.

Asawari Moon

Asawari Moon is a seasoned marketing leader with over 15 years of experience, currently heading product marketing at Google. Previously, she held leadership roles at iconic brands such as Nivea, L'Oréal, Uber and Meta, driving global brand and growth strategies. At the forum, she will discuss how AI will impact the future of marketing and the creator economy.

Jeff Hoffman

Jeff has been co-founder of a number of well-known successful startups, including Booking.com/Priceline.com, uBid.com and more. Jeff Hoffman is an award-winning global entrepreneur, proven CEO, worldwide motivational speaker, bestselling author, Hollywood film producer, a producer of a Grammy Award winning jazz album, and executive producer of an Emmy Award winning television show. In his career, he has been the founder of multiple startups, he has been the CEO of both public and private companies, and he has served as a senior executive in many capacities.

Raquel Yam

Executive Director of the Interactive Technology Institute, specializing in human-computer interaction. She has more than 20 years of experience in the media industry, including Viacom, Daily Motion and Barnes & Noble.

Fabiana Santana

Founder of FS Consulting, specializing in premium and luxury businesses. Holds a master’s in management, a bachelor’s in Public Relations, and a certification in Disruptive Strategy from Harvard Business School. Trusted by iconic brands like Gucci, Chanel, Printemps, Harvey Nichols, and Levi’s. Creator of Transformational Marketing, aligning business goals with purpose and leadership. Now helping businesses and leaders thrive through innovation and growth.

Lars Silberbauer

Chief Marketing Officer Nokia Mobiles and HMD Global International Speaker. Ex-Olympics, Ex-LEGO, Ex-MTV. Recognized at Cannes Lions 2017, he's a Top 25 Marketing Innovator in EMEA, inspiring innovative strategies globally.

Dr. Gennady Polonsky

Chancellor of Next MBA, Ph.D. in Economics, Reader in Intl. Economics at a top UK university. 30+ years managing 60M+ Euros in projects across 30 countries. Renowned speaker, author in multiple countries. Honorary Rotary Club member.

Brendan Yam

Senior Vice President and General Manager of ViacomCBS Digital Studios International. He leads global digital-first content strategies across diverse markets and has held leadership roles at MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central. He also spearheaded digital business development for ViacomCBS Networks International and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Ambreena Budaly

Digital advertising leader with 15+ years of experience, currently heading Digital and Media Planning at Zurich Insurance. Led global strategies for adidas Originals, LEGO, and top brands like Tesco, Pepsi, and Virgin. Specializes in creative, tech-driven content and brand-building across digital platforms.

Alev Gökçe

Global Brand Builder, Strategic Innovator, Expert in Emerging Trends, Consultant with Collaborative Style, Skilled in Talent Development, founder of A. GOKCE CONSULTING, former Global Innovation Director at The Coca-Cola Company, with a record of successful marketing initiatives and recognized achievements in product innovation.

Brian Tracy

CEO of Brian Tracy International, author, and expert in personal and business development. He has delivered seminars to millions in 75 countries and authored over 100 books.

Matt McKie

Consumer Marketing Director at Manchester United, leading direct-to-consumer strategies. Former Head of Marketing at the International Olympic Committee and Brand Director at Nike Football. Previously, Global Brand Director at EA Sports FIFA, driving significant growth and innovative campaigns.

Fritha Hookway

Chief Strategy Officer at Initiative, leading global strategies for major brands like Nike, Amazon, and LEGO. With over 15 years of experience in digital advertising, she has held senior roles at Vidsy, Snap Inc., and TOPSHOP.

Will Scougal

Dynamic innovator with a career defined by shaping the digital frontier. He was a Head of Brand Strategy at Twitter UK and later moving to Snap Inc. Will's instrumental role in revolutionizing Snap's creative strategy speaks volumes about his visionary prowess. Today, his legacy inspires the fusion of technology and creativity across industries.

09:00 - 10:00

Registration. Coffee

Participants will receive event materials and badges. A great opportunity to network with colleagues and explore the venue.

/ Program

10:00 - 11:00

Explosive Growth - taking your business to the next level

Jeff has been co-founder of a number of well-known successful startups, including Booking.com/Priceline.com, uBid.com and more. Jeff Hoffman is an award-winning global entrepreneur, proven CEO, worldwide motivational speaker, bestselling author, Hollywood film producer, a producer of a Grammy Award winning jazz album, and executive producer of an Emmy Award winning television show. In his career, he has been the founder of multiple startups, he has been the CEO of both public and private companies, and he has served as a senior executive in many capacities.

11:00 - 12:00

How to Create Rapid Brand Transformations. Lessons from LEGO, the Olympics, MTV and Nokia

Discover the secrets behind rapid brand transformations from industry leader Lars Silberbauer, who has driven success at global giants like LEGO, MTV, the Olympics, and Nokia. Lars will share proven strategies for revitalizing brands, fostering innovation, and navigating complex markets to achieve extraordinary growth.

12:00 - 13:00

How AI will impact the future of marketing and the creator economy

Asawari Moon is a seasoned marketing leader with over 15 years of experience, currently heading product marketing at Google. Previously, she held leadership roles at iconic brands such as Nivea, L'Oréal, Uber and Meta, driving global brand and growth strategies. At the forum, she will discuss how AI will impact the future of marketing and the creator economy.

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch. Closed VIP Sessions

Join exclusive lunch sessions with Jeff Hoffman, Lars Silberbauer and Ekaterina. Ask your questions and get unique insights directly from Jeff, Lars and Ekaterina.

14:00 - 15:00

Creating Unbreakable Bonds in Sports: What Other Industries Can Learn

Matt McKee will share how companies can stay competitive in the era of digital transformation. Discover cutting-edge strategies for driving innovation and developing leaders who can adapt to new technologies and rapidly changing market conditions.

15:00 - 16:00

Reinventing Brand Engagement in the Digital Age

Will Scougal, an expert in creative strategies with experience at Snapchat and Twitter, will reveal key insights on how brands can stay relevant in today’s fast-changing digital environment. Learn how to leverage innovative digital strategies—from immersive content to platform-specific marketing—to engage audiences and enhance brand loyalty.

16:00 - 17:00

Rebalancing Creativity and Performance: Building Brands for Lasting Impact

Fritha Hookway will discuss the shift in marketing towards short-term performance goals, which often leads brands to step back from emotionally driven, creative advertising. She will outline frameworks that support impactful, relevant ads proven to enhance brand strength over time.

17:00 - 18:00

Unlocking human potential: the science and the art of high-performing teams

Founder of FS Consulting, specializing in premium and luxury businesses. Holds a master’s in management, a bachelor’s in Public Relations, and a certification in Disruptive Strategy from Harvard Business School. Trusted by iconic brands like Gucci, Chanel, Printemps, Harvey Nichols, and Levi’s. Creator of Transformational Marketing, aligning business goals with purpose and leadership. Now helping businesses and leaders thrive through innovation and growth.

09:00 - 10:00

Welcome Coffee

A great opportunity to connect with colleagues, enjoy a cup of coffee, and get the day to a productive start.

10:00 - 11:00

Guide to leading the launch of breakthrough next generation services in media, commerce and Al

Former Senior Vice-President and General Manager, Paramount/ViacomCBS International Digital Studio, Brendan has led development of new digital businesses and brands for large and growth stage media & tech companies for 20 plus years, and is currently building at the intersection of content, commerce and AI.

11:00 - 12:00

Navigating the Future: Key Technology Trends Shaping Our World

Raquel Yam is the Executive Director of the Institute of Interactive Technologies, a research institute in Human-Computer Interaction affiliated with Carnegie Mellon University and Instituto Superior Técnico. She oversees the research unit, ensures financial sustainability, and leads the staff team. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry at companies like Viacom, Daily Motion, and Barnes & Noble, Raquel has a strong background in leading innovative projects in digital media and digital technologies.

12:00 - 13:00

Building Strong Corporate Culture for Sustainable Leadership

Explore how a strong corporate culture and effective leadership serve as pillars for sustainable business growth. Drawing from his extensive global experience, Gennady will share practical strategies for fostering a culture that drives innovation, supports leadership, and creates long-term competitive advantages.

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch. Closed VIP Sessions

Join exclusive lunch sessions with Dr. Gennady Polonsky, Brendan, and Raquel Yam. Ask your questions and gain unique insights directly from Gennady, Brendan, and Raquel.

14:00 - 15:00

5 Trends Shaping 2025

Ambreena Budaly will explore how modern technologies and data analytics are transforming marketing approaches. Discover how to use data to create personalized strategies and enhance business efficiency in the digital era.

15:00 - 16:00

Brand Development and Marketing Strategy

Alev Gokce will reveal the core elements of building a strong brand and developing effective marketing strategies. In this session, Alev will share practical approaches to aligning product offerings, market positioning, and communication strategies to drive growth and achieve long-term success in a highly competitive landscape.

16:00 - 17:00

International Marketing

Recognized as the "Father of Modern Marketing," he has been shaping the field for over 60 years. His book Marketing Management has become the cornerstone of marketing education.

17:00 - 18:00

Entrepreneurship

A globally renowned expert in success and business strategy, Brian Tracy has spent decades studying what makes entrepreneurs thrive. His Entrepreneurship module distills years of experience into actionable insights, providing a roadmap for building, growing, and scaling a successful business in any industry.

18:00 - 19:00

The Wolf of Wall Street

Jordan Belfort is a living legend, globally known as The Wolf of Wall Street. His name is synonymous with sales mastery, leadership, and success. Having journeyed from the heights of the financial world to becoming one of the most sought-after business speakers, he continues to inspire millions.
At the forum, Jordan will share his battle-tested techniques to help you master the art of persuasion and achieve outstanding business results

19:00 - 20:00

VIP Dinner: Exclusive Sessions

Join private sessions with Jordan Belfort and other Day 2 speakers. Gain fresh insights and enjoy top-tier networking in an exclusive setting!

/ venue

Ora Arena İstanbul

/ about us

next mba

NEXT MBA delivers affordable, practical, and innovative education from the world’s top business professionals. With over 50,000 students from 120 countries, our program offers courses led by industry experts and business leaders.

Our speaker lineup features industry legends like Philip Kotler, the "Father of Modern Marketing," Seth Godin, Brian Tracy, James Clear (author of Atomic Habits) and Marshall Goldsmith. They are joined by professionals from leading global companies like Meta, Apple, Lego, Adidas, Pixar, SpaceX, Paramount, NVIDIA, and Beats by Dre.

For the first time in Central Asia, this exceptional group of experts will share their knowledge. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from the best and accelerate your business and innovation journey.

/ Istanbul

Why Istanbul?

Istanbul is a captivating city that bridges Europe and Asia, offering a unique combination of ancient heritage and modern sophistication. As Türkiye's largest metropolis and a global hub for trade, culture, and innovation, Istanbul is a thriving center for business and creativity. With its world-class event venues, stunning historical landmarks, and a dynamic cosmopolitan atmosphere, the city provides an ideal environment for fostering collaboration, sharing ideas, and shaping the future of industries.

Visa Information

Citizens of many countries can enter Türkiye visa-free or with an e-visa, making Istanbul highly accessible for international participants. Check your visa requirements and enjoy a seamless journey to this iconic destination.

Choose Istanbul, the city where continents meet, and explore limitless possibilities for growth and success in one of the world's most vibrant regions.

$990

VIP

$299

Business

$69

Basic

$99

Standard

/ hall layout

Get your certificate from top managers of Lego, Adidas, Snapchat, Paramount and others

!

Limited offer

/ special offer

Buy any NEXT MBA Istanbul ticket before [month2] [day2] 2025 and get full access to NEXT MBA

Buy any access to the forum in Istanbul and get access to the NEXT MBA platform for 3 months for free.

NEXT MBA speakers are industry giants: Philip Kotler, Seth Godin, Brian Tracy, James Clear (Atomic Habits), Marshall Goldsmith and other professionals from world-renowned companies.

Full access will be available until April 14, 2025.

Basic

General seating

2-day access (May 29-30)

General registration desk

Simultaneous interpretation in Turkish

Standard

Standard sector seating

2-day access (May 29-30)

General registration desk

Speaker presentations

Simultaneous interpretation in Turkish

Business

Business sector seating

2-day access (May 29-30)

Dedicated registration desk

VIP lounge (lunches and coffee breaks)

Speaker presentations

Simultaneous interpretation in Turkish

Participant certificate

VIP

VIP sector seating (front row)

2-day access (May 29-30)

Dedicated registration desk

VIP lounge (lunches and coffee breaks)

Speaker presentations

Simultaneous interpretation in Turkish

Access to private sessions (Jordan Belfort, Lars Silberbauer and others)

Access to private after-party (VIP dinner with speakers on April 15

$990

If you pay before [month2] [day2]:

If you pay before [month2] [day2]:

$299

$99

If you pay before [month2] [day2]:

/ price

If you pay before [month2] [day2]:

$69