Inspiring Minds,
Creating Impact
In Madrid, where leading Italian minds meet the next generation.
Italian Symposium Madrid Edition 2026
The Italian Symposium 2026 in Madrid brings together some of the most exciting Italian minds across private equity, tech, entrepreneurship, and family business for a series of open and engaging conversations with students.
Through five panels, you’ll get a closer look at how these industries really work; from the impact of AI and data infrastructure to building global companies and scaling family businesses.
More than just talks, this is a chance to connect. You’ll be able to meet the speakers, ask questions, and have real conversations with people working at the highest level. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, clarity on your career path, or simply to expand your network, the Symposium is designed to bring you closer to the people and ideas shaping the future.

Distinguished Guests
The most compelling Italian voices shaping Italy’s future across the globe.

Marco Belletti
CEO, Azimut Libera Impresa

Fabio Corsico
Director of Institutional Affairs & Group Development, Caltagirone Group

Guido Maria Brera
Co-Founder, Kairos Group; Founder, Be Water

Patrizio Messina
Country Managing Partner, Hogan Lovells

Mirja Cartia D’Asero
Chair, Clessidra Holding & Clessidra Private Equity SGR

Raffaele Coriglione
Host, Black Box Podcast; Former Executive

Matteo Danieli
Co-Founder & CPO, Bending Spoons

Alessandro Folio
Co-Founder & President, Lasatec Industrial Holding
Program Schedule
Join the panels hosted at IE University.
Day 1
Capital With Vision - A Conversation With Marco Belletti
Join us for an exclusive conversation with Marco Belletti, CEO of Azimut Libera Impresa, exploring the role of capital, vision, and private markets in shaping the future of global investments. This event also represents a unique networking and recruiting opportunity for all IE students to connect directly with a top industry leader, gain first-hand insights, and build valuable relationships in a highly interactive setting.
Speakers:
- Marco Belletti
Day 2
Powering The AI Era
Join us for a dynamic conversation with leading industry figures on the role of data centers and infrastructure in powering the AI revolution and shaping the next wave of technological growth. This event is also a unique networking and recruiting opportunity for IE students to engage directly with top professionals, gain real-world insights, and build meaningful connections in an interactive setting.
Speakers:
- Fabio Corsico
- Guido Maria Brera
- Patrizio Messina
The Black Box
Join us for an exclusive and immersive experience along the lines of The Black Box Podcast. Explore the intricate decision-making processes embedded in high-stakes environments.
Speakers:
- Mirja Cartia D’Asero
- Guido Maria Brera
- Raffaele Coriglione
Day 3
Family Business, Global Play
Join us for a conversation with Alessandro Folio on how family businesses evolve beyond borders, exploring the challenges and opportunities of scaling internationally while preserving identity and long-term vision. This event also offers a unique networking and recruiting opportunity for IE students to engage directly with an experienced entrepreneur, gain practical insights, and build meaningful connections in an interactive setting.
Speakers:
- Alessandro Folio
Building At Scale
Join us for a conversation with Matteo Danieli, Co-Founder of Bending Spoons, as he shares the journey behind building one of Europe’s leading tech companies and the key decisions that shaped its growth. This event also offers a unique networking and recruiting opportunity for IE students to connect directly with a top entrepreneur, gain first-hand insights, and build meaningful relationships in an interactive setting.
Speakers:
- Matteo Danieli
Symposium Gallery
Glimpses from our vibrant community events.


In Collaboration With
Partnering with leading Italian student societies in Spain.
Meet the Team
The volunteers who made this symposium possible.
Alessandro Acatti
Head of Symposium
Carlo Zacutti
Symposium Officer
Davide De Michele
Symposium Officer
Giulia Tenderini
Symposium Officer
Ginevra Guarnerio
Head of Communications
Martina Cason
Country Manager



