If you ever thought finance conferences were just suit-and-tie folks arguing about interest rates…the Investment Management Club (IMC) would like to reimagine your perspective on how finance can be dynamic and universally applicable. And to also inform you all about Bulgaria’s Euro 2026 adoption.
The evening of November 13th saw BAC Auditorium turn into a finance venue all about personal money habits, AI integration with finance, and Bulgaria’s impending currency future. With a bustling auditorium, stacked lineup of renowned figures, and a cocktail reception that became the atmosphere for making ‘that’ networking shot – IMC once again took pride in making finance accessible, no matter the major.
IMC’s board felt that this calendar year was being directed by constantly changing forces, at least within the country, and there was a need for emphasis to clarify on what was next for 2026. “Soon we’ll be paying in euros, Bulgaria is undergoing [a historical transition], and there are still points of discussion and uncertainty around the currency shift,” said Nikola Genev, the Treasurer of IMC.
“Even we [as a student-run club] are affected, legal handling, budgets, sponsorship packages…It’s our goal as a pure finance club to try and shed light on the whole process.”
A Conference That Speaks Practicality
This year’s agenda doubled down on the practicality that every student can employ right away: what investing strategies actually work outside the classroom, which portfolio structure type is best for each individual, how AI technologies aren’t waiting to disrupt the job market, and why Bulgarians should be educated on their switch to a new currency. There was a clear narrative to be followed with the IMC Conference, which was still growing steadily.
“The IMC Conference has grown a lot from a small initiative to a structured event with more speakers, more interest, and more direction,” said Ivaylo Kotsev, President of the Investment Management Club at AUBG.
“Our next goal is to scale it even further and make it as the recognizable go-to, student-organized ‘Finance & Investments’-related conference organized every Fall on the AUBG campus.”
AUBG Meets the Money Gurus
Four guest speakers led the conversations on stage, and each contributed with diverse perspectives all throughout the conference:
Valeri Hadzhiev, entrepreneur and owner of a leading AI-driven tech company, emphasized the importance of innovation and long-term business resilience. In addition to his own retrospection, Valeri presented a thorough walkthrough of AI’s evolution in recent years and its significance for the business.
Tsvetislav Lazarov, an experienced investment professional with a background in major financial hubs, including London and San Diego, discussed market dynamics, valuation, and the skillsets required to succeed in capital markets roles. Lazarov dove into the intricacies of company valuation, broke down complex ratios into simple language, and presented a glimpse of his own daily corporate world.
Plamen Dimitrov, Managing Director in DSK Bank’s Finance Division, shared his valuable insights from leading treasury operations and Bulgaria’s euro adoption program, noting the strategic importance of risk and liquidity management. He further elaborated on common concerns, such as price shocks across goods, rent, and the real estate market.
Iordan Genov (’10), financial coach and founder of Moitepari.bg, focused on enriching the audience’s financial literacy as the foundation for long-term personal and professional success. Genov showcased reviews and analyses of different portfolio benchmarks, as well as the types of securities – and which one should focus on at different life stages. He elaborated on allocating towards growth stocks versus bonds, ETFs, and dividend-paying stocks – all while balancing risk with realistic returns, and still having opportunities in your portfolio for compounding growth.
Panel Discussions: Careers, Chaos, and the AI Job-pocalypse
The panel discussions addressed the ventures of entrepreneurship, the need for rapid adaptability, and the persevering impact of AI on the job market. Students also raised questions about international business expansion, career upskilling, and kickstarting their personal investing path.
The conference closed off with an informal networking reception, which offered direct interaction between the speakers and those eager to leave their personal touch.
IMC is grateful for the generous support of Quicky Burgers, Joshua Bar & Kitchen, Coca-Cola HBC, Roko, and Hrus Hrus Hrusketi for providing delicious meals and refreshments all throughout the conference!
Special thanks to G&D Beauty Salon, Southwest Burgers, Vox, and Vision for their contributions, which helped make our giveaways a reality.
“I hope students leave this conference not just knowing more about finance, but feeling more confident to enter the field – to see it as something accessible, exciting, and within their reach,” Ivaylo contemplated, as seats were emptying fast, and enthusiastic chatter carried on around the speakers’ tables.
