HBSAAA 50th Anniversary Leadership Summit

Overview

The Harvard Business School African-American Alumni Association (HBSAAA) celebrated its 50th Anniversary Leadership Summit on October 10–12, 2025. This was a milestone honoring five decades of leadership, community, and impact among HBS’s Black alums. Bringing together alums, students, authors, and industry leaders on the HBS campus, the Summit blended reflection, celebration, and forward-looking conversations.

Challenge

The BDG team navigated a fast-moving production schedule as the Summit’s content and materials continued to evolve leading up to the event. With input coming from several stakeholder groups and updates arriving on overlapping timelines, the team needed to stay highly organized and maintain clear communication to keep deliverables aligned. Several key print pieces, including brochures, signage, and the program book, were finalized close to the event date, requiring quick coordination and prioritizing to ensure everything was completed on time.

Approach/Solution

BDG responded with a structured, collaborative approach to keep production organized and moving forward. The team established consistent communication touchpoints with HBSAAA, clarified priorities daily, and coordinated real-time updates between stakeholders and designers. By focusing on workflow transparency and efficient version control, BDG ensured each asset aligned with the client’s vision while staying within the event’s tight schedule.

Despite the fast pace, the team delivered a cohesive, polished creative suite that supported a seamless and celebratory 50th Anniversary Summit experience. The final visual identity struck a balance between heritage and modernity, honoring HBSAAA’s legacy while signaling its continued momentum and excellence.

Impact Numbers

• Network reach: HBSAAA50 represents more than 3,000 African American HBS alumni
• Event attendance: Approximately 600+ alums and students