the Curated Literary Exchange Dinner 2026

Event open to alumni and non alumni.

Limited to 20 participants (max room capacity).

Too many books to read, and too little time to spare? How often do “must-read” books fail to deliver a return on effort invested? From leadership and strategy to careers and transformation, business literature is abundant, but uneven in quality.

The Curated Literary Exchange Dinner (CLED) offers a valuable alternative to trial-and-error reading: peer-curated recommendations from a community trained to think critically.

Bring one book worth defending; leave with one worth reading.

Concept

An evening devoted to discovery, inspiration, and meaningful encounters.

Each participant brings one book: a work that shaped you, a recommendation you stand behind, or a perspective that still resonates.

This year’s theme, Outstanding Journeys, is interpreted broadly: travel, transformation, challenge, reinvention, or personal evolution.

A shared journey, one book at a time.

How the Evening Works

Seated dinner in a refined setting that encourages thoughtful conversation.

Each guest has 3 minutes total to present their book and take quick questions.

At the end of the evening, we hold a random draw: everyone goes home with someone else’s book.

A journey for a journey.

Book Requirements

• English-language
• Loosely resonating with the theme (interpreted broadly)
• New or excellent condition

Souvenir

A custom, high-quality CLED bookmark (because good books deserve proper equipment).

Menu

An Italian-inspired culinary journey (select during registration):

Standard menu

• Aperitif reception
• Starter - Chiffonnade di Bresaola (Bresaola, ricotta citronnée, roquette, fenouil & gressins maison)
• Main - Tagliata di Filetto di Manzo & Rigatoni Pomodori e Ricotta (Fines tranches de bœuf grillé, sauce au jus corsé, accompagné de pâtes maison aux tomates Datterino & ricotta fraîche)
• Dessert - Tiramisù della Casa (Tiramisù au café & éclats de caramel soufflé)
• Coffee or tea
• Wine selection

Vegetarian alternative

• Aperitif reception
• Starter - Verdure Invernali (Légumes d’hiver rôtis au romarin & à l’ail, focaccia & pousses d’épinards)
• Main - Rigatoni ai Funghi (Pâtes maison aux champignons façon bourguignonne, parmesan)
  
• Dessert - Tiramisù della Casa (Tiramisù au café & éclats de caramel soufflé)
• Coffee or tea
• Wine selection

73.50 € - includes meal & drinks

Registration closes on Monday 2 February 2026 at 23:59 p.m.

Until the FAC is formally constituted as an association, event costs must be fronted personally by the organiser. Previous events were partly or entirely subsidised out of pocket; this event is not subsidised and is priced to break even via ticket sales. Any surplus funds, if any (not expected), will be allocated to the funding and development of the upcoming association. Thank you for your understanding & your cooperation.

Menu is non-contractual and subject to change without notice. Menu option cannot be changed after purchase.

Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.

Tickets are transferable (you must find the replacement attendee) subject to a €35 manual handling fee, if requested no later than Monday 2 February 2026 23:59 p.m.