London alumni event: From Clay Tablets to Chatbots: Stories of Trust, Value, and Influence Across Time

Explore how influence has evolved from ancient Pompeii to today’s AI‑driven ads with Professor Alessandro Biraglia, and discover what this means for modern business practice.

Register for our London alumni event.

Join us for an engaging and insightful alumni event in London on Thursday 14 May 2026, as Professor Alessandro Biraglia explores how influence and persuasion have evolved from ancient Pompeii to the age of AI‑generated advertising, revealing what these patterns mean for modern business and management practice. Alongside thought‑provoking discussion, the evening offers valuable networking opportunities designed to inspire new ideas and foster meaningful connections.

In this interactive session, Professor Alessandro Biraglia, Professor of Marketing and Behavioural Science at Leeds University Business School, will draw on vivid examples from history - from election slogans painted on Roman walls to the medieval trade of relics — to show how the core challenges of trust, belief, and decision‑making have remained remarkably consistent across time. Rather than focusing on technical tools, he will explore why people believe, buy, and follow, and how these longstanding dynamics can help organisations navigate influence more effectively in today’s fast‑paced environment shaped by digital media and AI.

The session will be followed by networking and refreshments, where you will have the opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, share your memories of Leeds, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. You will also have the opportunity to network with Anna Wellard, Olivia Blythman and Yi Li from the Leeds University Business School Alumni Team, during the event.

Event Schedule
18:30 – Registration
19:00 – Interactive session: From Clay Tablets to Chatbots: Stories of Trust, Value, and Influence Across Time with Professor Alessandro Biraglia
20:00 – Networking and refreshments
21:00 – Close

This event is exclusively for Leeds University Business School alumni, and we’d love for you to join us. There is no charge to attend, but places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that registration for this event closes at 5pm on Wednesday 13 May 2026.

If you would like any more information about the event or have any questions, please contact the Leeds University Business School Alumni Team (alumni@lubs.leeds.ac.uk).

Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights, expand your professional network, and reconnect with the Business School alumni community.

We look forward to seeing you there!