The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak organised its Management Conference 2026 on October 24th, bringing together more than 50 industry leaders, business executives and academic experts to discuss the changing business environment.
Held under the theme “The New Rules of Business: Bridging Academia and Industry in an Age of Constant Reinvention”, the conference explored how organisations and management education can respond to technological developments, changing markets and evolving workplace expectations.
More than 600 postgraduate management students participated in the event, gaining an opportunity to interact with professionals and understand the challenges facing modern businesses.
Business Leaders Discuss Changing Market Conditions
The conference featured senior representatives from organisations including the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), HDFC Pension Fund Management and Kokuyo Camlin. Speakers discussed leadership, innovation and the importance of responding to changing customer expectations.
IIM Rohtak Director Professor Dheeraj Sharma highlighted the need to balance stability with adaptability. He encouraged students to recognise when change is necessary and to develop accountability, discipline and commitment in their professional lives.
The event also provided a platform for students to learn from the experiences of business leaders and understand how organisations approach strategic decisions.
Four Major Discussions at the Conference
The conference featured four panel discussions covering important developments in business, finance, technology and employment.
Business strategy: Panellists discussed how companies are moving beyond traditional product-focused models towards business ecosystems built around partnerships, customer needs and shared value creation
Financial resilience: Discussions focused on risk management, flexible planning and the role of finance in helping businesses respond to economic uncertainty
Artificial intelligence and work: Speakers examined how AI can complement human capabilities, with continuous learning, adaptability and collaborative leadership emerging as important priorities
Emerging career opportunities: The discussions highlighted problem-solving, curiosity and continuous learning as essential qualities for professionals entering the changing digital economy
Representatives from companies such as Johnson & Johnson, 3M, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, Network18, Merck Healthcare, Omaxe, Niva Bupa Health Insurance, Mitsubishi Electric India and Thomson Reuters also participated in the panel discussions.
The sessions examined how businesses can prepare for changing customer expectations, technological developments and new workforce requirements.
Connecting Management Education with Industry
One of the conference's central objectives was to strengthen interaction between academic institutions and industry. The discussions highlighted how engagement with business professionals can help students understand the practical application of management concepts.
For students, such interactions offer insights into how organisations handle financial challenges, introduce new technologies, and make decisions in changing market conditions. They also provide opportunities to understand the skills and knowledge employers expect from future managers.
The conference further highlighted the importance of adapting management education to changing professional requirements. As businesses increasingly integrate technology into their operations, students need to develop analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills alongside their academic qualifications.
Conference Findings to Be Compiled into a Concept Paper
IIM Rohtak announced that the discussions from the four panels would be compiled into a concept paper. The document will contain recommendations for industry professionals, policymakers and academic institutions.
The initiative is intended to preserve the insights shared during the conference and provide a reference for future discussions on business and management education.
The event also offered students an opportunity to hear directly from experienced professionals about leadership, workplace expectations and the changing nature of business.
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