Wharton Global Business Forum 2000

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Return to the 2001 Wharton European Conference

The 5th Annual Wharton European Conference
Theme: New Europe, New Economy
Saturday November 17, 2000, 9:00am to 5:30pm
At The Double Tree Hotel, Center City, Philadelphia

Opening Keynote

The Entrepreneur Across Borders

Description: With double-digit internet penetration growth rates, availability of seed capital and a global focus on Europe as the next new economy, entrepreneurs in Europe face a window of opportunities. Who are these players? What are they doing? How are they different from their US counterparts? Are they global players facing a unified European market, or local players tailoring their products and services to local needs?

Lunch

European Telecoms, Forging the Global Industry

Description: The deregulation of the telecommunication sector in Europe has triggered fierce competition among European giants and paved the way for a host of new players all vying for a share of worldwide consumer wallets. With mobile telephone penetration above 50% in many EU countries, the giants are pouring billions of dollars into capturing third generation telephone technologies in Europe, while striving to be leading players oversees.

Focus on Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union

Description: As the effects of the 1998 financial crisis begin to fade and prospects of growth return to the Eastern European marketplace, major Western investors and service-providers are once again turning toward these emerging marketplaces. This panel will discuss the current state of the Russian and Eastern European equity markets, investment climates and political/economic environments, as well as the major business sectors that will ultimately determine the future of this important region.

The critical success factors in this revolve around both politics and economics. During this hour, senior representatives from leading companies such as Salomon Smith Barney, Boston Consulting Group, Troika Dialog and Sovlink, as well as the Philadelphia community active in the Eastern European marketplace, will lend their views to this important and timely topic.

European M&A’s, The Challenges of Creating Shareholder Value

Description: Since the unification of the EU monetary currency, M&A’s in the region have ballooned as the continent’s businesses challenge US global leadership in sectors such as media and entertainment, internet services, consumer goods, telecommunication and investment banking. European domestic M&A’s skyrocketed to an unprecedented $1.2 trillion last year, while capital outflows reached $180 billion in the first half of 2000 alone. Are these mergers and acquisitions creating share holder value?

Closing Keynote

Wine Tasting
Co-hosted by the Wharton Wine Club

Description: Join us to celebrate European Culture through our two most famous imports: wine and cheese. This evening event will close out our day of European discussions in a fun and social setting. Network with other Europhiles while drinking a good Bordeaux and tasting some fabulous Stilton.