MBA Consulting Club - Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland

The Smith Consulting Forum is the MBA Consulting Club’s signature annual event that facilitates discussion among professional consultants, students, and faculty members on various topics in management consulting. Through panel discussions, a keynote address, and networking reception, forum participants are given the opportunity to learn about evolving trends in the Management Consulting industry. The 2010 Smith Consulting Forum will feature a keynote address by Vivian E. Riefberg, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company's Washington D.C. office. Panel discussions will be facilitated by managers from the following consulting firms:

The theme of this year's forum is "Consulting in an Unpredictable Marketplace" as the industry adapts to today's constantly changing economic and business environment. It is imperative that future consultants understand the evolving dynamics of the industry as they craft their skills for a challenging and exiting career in management consulting.

Forum Agenda

1:30 - 2:00	Registration
2:00 - 2:30	Opening Remarks Dr. G. "Anand" Anandalingam, Dean, Smith School of Business Dr. Hugh Courtney, Vice Dean, Smith School of Business
2:30 - 3:30	Keynote Address Vivian E. Riefberg, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company
3:30 - 3:45	Break
3:45 - 4:45	Break-Out Panel Discussions Panel 1 - Assisting clients with emerging from the "Great Recession" Panel 2 - Consulting skills needed in times of change
5:00 - 6:30	Networking Reception

Panel Topic Descriptions

Panel 1: Assisting clients with emerging from the Great Recession

This panel will focus on how consulting firms have adapted to the new business landscape where clients are facing lackluster demand for their products and services and government regulation is playing a critical role in shaping key industries. Are clients looking to identify game-changing and growth opportunities or are they focusing on restructuring and divesting their non-core businesses. Furthermore, how are consulting firms preparing clients to face the next downturn in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

Panel 2: Consulting skills needed in times of change

This panel will focus on identifying key consulting skills that clients value in times of great uncertainty. How are senior leaders repositioning their firm's services to manage clients that expect both strategic formulation and implementation advice. What frameworks or toolkits are consultants using to help clients identify emerging areas of growth as the global economy recovers from the recent downturn. As competition intensifies for both the public and commercial sectors, what types of skills should consulting firms focus on to stand out and develop their brand.

Location

Frank Auditorium, Van Munching Hall

Robert H. Smith School of Business

University of Maryland

College Park, MD 20742

Registration

The Smith Consulting Forum is open to all MBA students at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Individual invitations have been distributed to MCC members and the Smith MBA community. The cost to attend the forum is $10 for MCC members and $20 for non-members, payable online via credit card.

Sponsored by: MBA Consulting Club and the Office of Career Services