EAST LANSING, Mich. -- As the MBA program at Michigan State University marks its 50th anniversary, the Eli Broad Graduate School of Management is gearing up to host the 2010 BROADLINK Conference.

Held the weekend of Sept. 23-25, it is an educational and networking conference that will bring together a half-century of graduating classes and feature speakers who are proven business professionals at the top of their respective fields.

“The BROADLINK Conference promises MBA alumni an opportunity that is relevant in today's business and career environment with immediate value in their organization and as individuals,” says Karyll Shaw, interim associate dean for MBA and MS Programs at the Broad School.

“Top-notch education sessions, presented by Broad School faculty, alumni and keynote speakers, assure participants of the high-quality, collaborative learning experience that MSU and the Broad Business School are known for,” Shaw added. “The chance to network with alumni from all three of the school’s MBA programs presents attendees with a wealth of professional and personal growth opportunities.”

During the three-day program, attendees will choose from eight education sessions designed to enhance professional skills and knowledge at both the organizational and personal levels. The sessions build greater understanding through engaging dialogue, leading edge information and Q&A. The program is expected to be eligible for continuing education credits.

Education session choices include: Lessons from the Financial Crisis; Leveraging Social Media to Grow Your Business; Decision Making in Uncertain Times; Emerging Market Growth: Success and Failures; The Leadership Development Imperative; Entrepreneurship in Challenging Economic Times; The Global Career Experience: What’s the Up Side?; and Build Your Personal Brand.

In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and hear from four featured speakers. Erik Qualman, MSU graduate and author of the best-selling book, “Socialnomics: How Social Media Transforms the Way We Live and Do Business,” will deliver the welcome breakfast keynote Sept. 25. Qualman also will join faculty and alumni experts to present the education session, “Build Your Personal Brand.”

Mark Hollis, MSU’s director of athletics, will join the BROADLINK program as the luncheon keynote speaker. Hollis will offer insight about the business side of college sports and the critical role that the sports program plays at a Big Ten university.

Stefanie Lenway, the Eli and Edythe L. Broad Dean, and Scott Westerman, associate vice president for Alumni Relations and executive director of the MSU Alumni Association, will each address the group during the dean’s reception and farewell breakfast.

BROADLINK also incorporates an opportunity to socialize with fellow alumni and revisit nostalgic locations, both on and off campus. From the reunion gatherings at the welcome event on Thursday to the Saturday pre-game tailgate and MBA block seating for the football game in Spartan Stadium, attendees will have plenty of chances to relax and unwind.

There also will be several tour options, including a Breslin and Berkowitz Insider Tour, a MSU Museum exhibitions tour, campus walking tours, the GM Delta Plant Tour (a “Green” plant where award-winning cars are created), and the Michigan Capitol Tour (the restored 1873 legislative structure). Group golf lessons will also be available.

MBA alumni who wish to register for BROADLINK, or anyone who wants more information about the program, can visit www.MBAbroadlink.com.