World Business Forum

I served as Marketing Director & Business Manager of the Italian branch of HSM Group (now WOBI) based in Milan between 2003 and 2008.

As the first employee in Italy, I managed the local office, coordinating activities with other countries. My responsibilities ranged from company startup operations—securing office space, banking and accounting services—to venue selection, audiovisual requirements, catering partnerships and media partnerships. The team eventually grew to approximately 16 members.

We organised international conferences showcasing ideas from leading business minds, bringing together CEOs, entrepreneurs, innovators, thinkers, artists and sport leaders. Our flagship event was the World Business Forum, which continues to run in several countries today. We also organised the World Marketing Forum and World Innovation Forum as separate themed events within our portfolio.

We launched the World Business Forum globally in 2004, beginning with New York at Radio City Music Hall, followed by Frankfurt at the Alte Oper, Milan at Fiera Milano and Chicago at Navy Pier. Our sister event, Expomanagement, ran in Buenos Aires, Madrid, Mexico City and Sao Paulo.

The format was innovative for its time, uniting the business community with each event attracting over 3,000 attendees. Speakers included international political figures such as Al Gore, Bill Clinton, Colin Powell, Madeleine Albright; CEOs like Jack Welch and Richard Branson; and management experts including Michael Porter, Philip Kotler, Renée Mauborgne, Stephen Covey and Tom Peters.