This year’s conference, Facing deglobalization: Views from and for Latin America is an opportunity for us to celebrate and reflect on the first 40 years of BALAS. BALAS is the premier international association fully dedicated to promoting a better understanding of Latin American business. As expressed by Denisse Dimon, BALAS former President (2009): “Emerging out of the 1980s, when Latin American countries were just opening markets and political systems, BALAS began from a small group of academics, residing the United States, to an organization today with a diverse membership from countries across three continents. The traditional goal of networking and sharing ideas across disciplines has always remained. Out of BALAS many friendships and professional partnerships have been created and blossomed to help foster greater linkages and knowledge creation across countries”.

We thank Ricardo Buitrago, BALAS Conference Chair, for hosting and organizing the 40th Anniversary Conference.He wears two hats in BALAS, since he also chairs the Latin American Job Market (LAJM). We also thank the distinguished members of our BALAS Organizing Committee and, no less important, our BALAS Executive Committee, listed below. They are a group of volunteers that shine by themselves and bring a positive vibe to BALAS. A glance at the list will confirm that we are privileged to continue the BALAS tradition with diversity, knowledge creation, blossoming friendship, and a true scholar spirit. You probably know them all for their contribution of leadership in the academic world of the LATAM region and beyond: