General Assembly in Berlin
March 21/22, 2013, Berlin. To kick-off the Members’ Conference, Dr. Guido Westerwelle spoke on the topic “Success Stories in Germany – Middle Class, Education and Europe”. The middle class, which can quickly react in an exact, customised and flexible way to new demands in the world; education and training that lead directly to creativity; and one Europe, which must stand together in the new world – and not only to defend intellectual property. There were creative processes and sources of inspiration in an entertaining discussion between Professor Günther Ücker and Dr. Marion Ackermann, artistic director of the Kunstsammlung NRW, moderated by the chief editor of ZEITmagazin, Christoph Amend. Conference topics this time: “Digital” and “Intellectual Property”. Speakers included Philip Beil, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, “Luxury Online – What customers want, what companies are doing”, Prof. Klaus Heine, University Shanghai, “No Ying Without Yang: High-End and Creativity in China”, Thorsten Lind, Global Blue, “Tax Free: Shopping trends in Europe and Germany” and Dr. Andreas Lubberger, IP expert, “The Exploitation of Luxury Brands in the Shadow of German Jurisdiction”. There was time before, during and after the talks for members to exchange experience and develop common ideas and collaboration. “The results of the working groups will follow in April, with the China Compendium from Working Group Asia, an exchange programme from Working Group Education and a digital app from Working Group Digital. New additions included the Working Group Meisterkreis, headed by Markus Benz of Walter Knoll as well as the CEO-Breakfast format, which will take place at the airports in Berlin and Frankfurt. The Future Masters Award was presented for the first time: Dr. Jürgen Geßler from Porsche Design awarded the certificate to Thomas Bentz and Oliver Lühr of Achtland. The young fashion company received a one-year membership to the Meisterkreis as well as a mentor programme with coaching and workshops with the jurors who are also the mentors – Susanne Rumbler (BPI), Moritz von Laffert (Condé Nast Verlag), Philip Beil (Roland Berger Strategy Consultants) and Clemens Pflanz (Meisterkreis). All presentations, speeches and discussions from the conference can be found in the internal member’s area.