Center for Emerging Markets annual conference

The 2026 Cañizares Center for Emerging Markets Annual Conference,themed “The Emerging Markets Age: Growth in a Transforming World,” will explore how emerging-market economies and companies are navigating global disruption while creating new opportunities for growth.

Building on lessons from the past while looking toward the future, the conference will examine how emerging markets and their multinationals are reshaping the global business landscape. Discussions will explore how AI, financial innovation, and shifting geopolitical dynamics are transforming competitive advantage, investment, and trade. Together, we will consider the strategies needed to navigate evolving regulations, reconfigured supply chains, and new global partnerships.

Bringing together global leaders, industry pioneers, policymakers, scholars, and distinguished Cornell alumni, the conference will offer fresh perspectives and practical insights into how emerging markets are adapting and thriving in a rapidly changing world.

Please note: You may attend the conference in person or online. Chartered buses will be available on November 6 (Friday) for transportation between Cornell’s Ithaca campus and Weill Cornell Medicine. Please clearly indicate your attendance and transportation preferences on the registration form. Registration will close on 23 October 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST)

Our two conference competitions

Annually, the Cañizares Center for Emerging Markets holds within the conference the Corning Case Competition and the Mark Mobius Pitch Competition.

Corning Case Competition

The Corning Case Competition is a key event in the conference. It boosts collaboration among universities and strengthens Johnson’s ties with other academic institutions. Moreover, it speaks to the center’s focus on international and inter-institutional collaboration.

Mark Mobius Pitch Competition

This pitch competition is hosted by the Center for Emerging Markets with assistance from Cornell Big Red Ventures in selecting regional finalists. Started in 2021 with generous sponsorship from Mark Mobius, student entrepreneurs learn to improve their pitch skills.

Sponsors

Nell Cady-Kruse BS ‘84, MBA ‘85

Henry Renard BS ’54, MBA ’55 & The Ada Howe Kent Foundation

Gail & Rob Cañizares BS ‘72, MBA ‘74

Watch last year’s conference

On November 7, 2025, at the Cornell Tech campus in NYC, the center celebrated its 15th anniversary with a significant announcement: EMI is now the Cañizares Center for Emerging Markets.

The 2025 Annual Conference came at a pivotal moment for emerging markets as global trade dynamics, capital flows and technological shifts reshape economic opportunities. New Rules, New Opportunities explored how businesses, investors and policymakers can navigate this evolving landscape. The focus was on the intersection of finance, technology and emerging global trends — and analyzing the strategies needed to thrive amid shifting regulatory frameworks, supply chains and global partnerships. Attendees gained exclusive insights from world leaders, industry pioneers and distinguished alumni shaping the future of emerging markets.

• Find and download pictures (November 6, November 7)
• Online session recordings

Hear from past participants

“I participated in the organizing committee. I was able to learn about the end-to-end process, the guest speakers, topics in ESG and overall innovation in emerging markets.”
— Yashodhara Neerukonda, MBA ‘22

“The EMI conference was the highlight of our year, and engaging with impactful startups from different was inspiring — it challenged us to think about how we can bring positive, lasting impact in our own communities and countries.”
— Sharwari Pandit, MBA ‘23, Emerging Markets Fellow