Schedule 2025

Sunday, August 24: Lisbon
3:00 pm – Check-in Pestana Palace
4:30–5:30 pm – Introductions and program presentation (Room Lusitano 1 across from the hotel)
5:30–7:00 pm – Mastering the art of enjoying wine
7:30–10:00 pm – Welcome dinner at Pestana Palace

Monday, August 25: Évora
8:00–9:45 am – Breakfast, Pestana Palace
10:00 am – Departure for Évora
12:15–1:45 pm – Lunch, Convento do Espinheiro, Évora
2:00–5:15 pm – Academic sessions (Sergio Rebelo)
5:15–8:00 pm – Free time
8:00–11:00 pm – Dinner, Convento do Espinheiro, Évora

Tuesday, August 26: Évora
7:30–9:00 am – Breakfast, Convento do Espinheiro
9:00 am–12:30 pm – Academic sessions (Alexander Chernev)
1:00–2:00 pm – Lunch, Convento do Espinheiro, Évora
2:00– 3:30 pm – Academic sessions (Sergio Rebelo)
3:30–5:00 pm – Free time
5:00 pm – Depart for Quinta Dona Maria
6:30–11:30 pm – Tour & Dinner, Quinta Dona Maria

Wednesday, August 27: Évora
7:30–9:00 am – Breakfast, Convento do Espinheiro
9:00 am–12:30 pm – Academic sessions (Alexander Chernev)
1:00–2:00 pm – Lunch, Convento do Espinheiro
2:00–3:30 pm – Academic sessions (Sergio Rebelo)
3:30–5:00 pm – Free time
6:00–7:30 pm – Visit Evora
8:00–11:00pm – Dinner, Pousada de Arraiolos

Thursday, August 28: Évora
7:30– 9:30 am – Breakfast, Convento do Espinheiro
9:30 am – Departure for Monte da Ravasqueira winery, Arraiolos
10:00 am–1:00 pm – Harvesting grapes at the Monte da Ravasqueira winery, Arraiolos
12:30–2:00 pm – Lunch, Monte da Ravasqueira winery, Arraiolos
2:00–6:30 pm – Designing and communicating customer value: experiential learning
7:00–9:00 pm – Celebration dinner, Monte da Ravasqueira winery

Friday, August 29: Lisbon
7:30–10:30 am – Breakfast, Convento do Espinheiro
11:00 am – Departure for Lisbon
1:00 pm – Arrival, Pestana Palace

Saturday, August 30: Lisbon
7:00–10:00 am – Breakfast, Pestana Palace
12:00 pm – checkout

• Gain insights into AI and behavioral science from leading Kellogg professors.
• Reconnect with Kellogg alumni and build new, lasting connections.
• Engage in grape harvesting and winemaking as part of the cultural experience.
• Reignite your passion for lifelong learning in a unique and inspiring setting

Leading with Behavioral Science and AI

The overarching themes of this program are the use of behavioral science and artificial intelligence (AI) to advance managerial decision-making and drive organizational success.

Through an engaging combination of lectures, mini-cases, and practical implementation assignments, participants will discover actionable strategies for using behavioral science and AI. By mastering these two dynamic fields, participants will gain the tools to design effective solutions that harness both human insights and cutting-edge technologies, delivering impactful outcomes for their organizations and society at large.

Sessions 1-2: How AI Works and Why It Matters (Sergio Rebelo)

This lecture explores the evolution and transformative impact of AI, with a focus on foundational algorithms such as supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning. Participants will explore how AI can optimize decision-making and create competitive advantages. The session examines AI’s achievements, methods for evaluating the performance of AI algorithms, and lessons from past missteps. It also addresses key challenges, such as bias and ethical considerations. Designed for business leaders, this session empowers attendees to ask critical questions and implement effective performance measures to fully leverage AI’s potential.

Sessions 3-4: Behavioral Science for Managers (Alexander Chernev)

This session explores how scientific insights into human thinking and behavior can enhance managerial decision-making. It examines how applying behavioral science principles can help managers make more informed, rational decisions while avoiding common cognitive biases. The session also emphasizes the value of evidence-based decision-making in developing strategies that align more effectively with organizational goals and customer expectations.

Sessions 5-6: Creating Breakthrough Customer Experiences (Alexander Chernev)

This session examines how understanding human behavior enables managers to better connect with customers throughout the customer experience—from activating dormant needs and engaging with offerings to creating memorable consumption experiences and fostering lasting loyalty. Drawing on insights from psychology, behavioral economics, and marketing, we will explore the forces shaping customer behavior and introduce a framework for delivering transformative experiences.

Session 7: Managing Talent (Sergio Rebelo)
The success of modern corporations depends critically on their ability to manage talent. This session explores why traditional management approaches developed for manufacturing environments often fail to work in modern enterprises. We then discuss the influence of social comparisons, the importance of flow, and the pivotal role of effective feedback in management practices.

Session 8: Making Customers Happy (Sergio Rebelo)

Happy customers are more likely to remain loyal to a brand and promote it through word of mouth. Drawing on insights from positive psychology, this session explores strategies for making customers happy. Topics include turning products into gateways for meaningful experiences, harnessing anticipation, fostering brand communities, and designing unforgettable experiences.

Sergio Rebelo - Academic Director; MUFG Bank Distinguished Professor of International Finance; Professor of Finance; Faculty Director, EMBA Program

Alexander Chernev - Academic Director; Professor of Marketing

“Mostly strangers a few days ago, Harvest got us together, got us a little learning, a little wine, and most important of all—a chance to connect with each other. Well done Kellogg…truly grateful to you all for the lasting memory.”

“Truly lifetime memories with remarkable people and a flawlessly planned/executed first year program. Thanks to everyone for showing up authentically. The chemistry felt so easy from start to finish. Full of gratitude and feel very fortunate to have had such a terrific opportunity.”

“Really wonderful experience, thoughtfully executed in every sense! Thank you!”

“Great job to the team and faculty for putting this together! Bravo!”

“Overall, I enjoyed the Harvest Experience immensely. I would highly recommend to a fellow alumnus after I had secured my spot!”

“Really terrific group of people who attended. It was also a great mix of academic information to make the learning worthwhile, with social and experiential activities. Flawlessly planned and executed by great staff.”

“I loved all of it. It was great to meet new alumni, enjoyed the curriculum, the fun events and loved that it was all planned. It was nice to just show up and have it all scheduled.”

“It was really such an amazing trip, and all the work that goes on behind the scenes to make things go so smoothly is truly appreciated. I would highly recommend future alumni trips to friends and absolutely consider going on another one, though I’m not sure anything can top this experience.”