News
Interdisciplinary cooperation and promotion of young talents
02.April 2019, Paris. Meisterkreis participated in the final event of the project Culinary Design "Elémen'terre" in Paris at the invitation of Laurent Scordino - Manzanec, Director of ENSAAMA, Design School Paris.Innovative and culinary creations were presented together with the hotel school Guillaume Tirel. A good approach also for young German hotel trainees, which we will continue to develop further in partnership with the ENSAAMA.
MEISTERKREIS EXECUTIVE KONFERENZ 2019
29.March 2019, Berlin. The conference addressing the topic ”Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence AI are changing the High-End Industry” took place in the Digital Hub Spielfeld in Berlin-Kreuzberg. The principal question “How does the future of commerce look like and what kind of AI applications does the High-End industry require?” was structured into four workshop topics. The conference resulted in concrete approaches for a joint development of the topics and continuous formats.
Culture and Creative Conference Brussels
20.March.2019, Brussels. Building a Stronger Europe Through Creativity and Culture - Following the invitation of EU Parliament President Antonio Tajani and Dr. Christian Ehler, deputy and founder of the Intergroup Creative Industries, MEISTERKREIS attended the Working Lunch in the Parliament building in Brussels and participated subsequently to the conference. The key question: What do we have to do in Europe in order to develop creativity and innovation across the industry and national boundaries?
Oliver Siegelin (Walter Knoll) Stipendiary from the German Academy of Rome Villa Massimo
04. March 2019, Rome. Upholsterer Oliver Siegelin (Walter Knoll) was awarded the stipend 2018/19 of the German Academy of Rome Villa Massimo. The scholarship is aimed at artists who have exceptional qualifications and great talent in the fields of fine arts, architecture, literature and music (composition). For about 12 years, Oliver Siegelin has been working in model making for the MEISTERKREIS member Walter Knoll in Herrenberg. Here Oliver Siegelin shows what he has created from the saddle of a forgotten bicycle.
MEETING WITH MINISTER ALTMAIER IN PARIS
December 17, 2018: Paris. Dr Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, the German Ambassador to France, invited Presidents and CEOs of the High-End Creative Industries to the Palais Beauharnais, the residence of the Ambassador in Paris. The topics “artificial intelligence” and its practical application as well as emerging German-French approaches to collaborations were discussed at the roundtable meeting.
WORKSHOP SINGAPORE-GERMANY
December 14, 2018: Singapore. As a follow-up to the GERMAN CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE exhibition, a workshop for collaboration between Singapore and Germany took place at the residence of the German Ambassador Dr Ulrich Sante.
BRAND AND DESIGN MANAGEMENT CIRCLE
November 30, 2018: Berlin. The kick-off meeting for the creation of a Brand and Design Management Circle took place at the China Club Berlin and was a common initiative of MEISTERKREIS and Oliver Berger, Global Head of Brand & Design Management at Sennheiser.
FOLLOW-UP “GERMAN CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE”
November 16, 2018: Shanghai. A roundtable discussion took place at the residence of German Consul General Dr. Christine Althauser; this was a follow-up to the GERMAN CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE exhibition in 2017 and was held on the occasion of the guest performance of “Der Sandmann” by director Robert Wilson at the China International Arts Festival in the Shanghai Grand Theatre, supported by Leica and Meisterkreis. The participants represented a colourful mixture from the fields of economy, craftsmanship, politics, science, culture and art.
GERMAN CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE IN HONG KONG
November 15, 2018: Hong Kong. The MEISTERKREIS presented its project “German Contemporary Excellence” at the K11" Atelier Victoria Dockside and as an official partner of the BODW Hong Kong 2018 (Business of Design Week). Meisterkreis is also the Cultural Partner of K 11– Make Waves. K11’s innovative concept: “Art & Retail in a museum space –where every brand, product, story and customer journey is curated".
We look forward to continuing working together with K11.
KICK-OFF BTC EVENT SERIES
October 29–30, 2018: Valencia. The MEISTERKREIS invited interested members to the kick-off for the newly designed Business-to-Consumer concept on the Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II cruise ships. The high standards of the consumers unite our members as well. As buying is shifted more and more online, it is in fact becoming more important to experience brands. Brands must be palpable and stay tangible. Recommendation marketing paired with common experience and informational events for clusters of three to four brands each is planned for the beginning of 2019.
GERMAN CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE IN SEOUL
October 5, 2018: Seoul. Ambassador Stephan Auer and his wife Vera Auer invited about 5,000 guests to the Grand Hyatt Seoul to mark the occasion of German Unity Day. The Ambassador underlined in his opening remarks that Germans and Koreans share common interests and values and can depend on each other. Gerhard Steidl led a VIP delegation – consisting of Ambassador Auer, guest of honour Kim Pan-Suk, the Minister of Personnel Management and CEOs – through the GERMAN CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE pop-up exhibition.
GERMAN CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE IN SINGAPORE
September 20, 2018: Singapore. MEISTERKREIS presented its pop-up exhibition GERMAN CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE on the occasion of the “6th Singapore International Photography Festival” in the SOTA (School of the Arts) to a highly select group of guests of honour. The exhibition was opened by Ambassador Dr. Ulrich A. Sante. The speakers were comprised of CEOs Anne Schaal (A. Lange & Söhne), Sunil Kaul (Leica Camera) and Eike Wiesener (Thonet Asia Pacific).
2nd EUROPEAN EXCELLENCE SUMMIT
July 12, 2018: Madrid. The second European Excellence Summit, under the umbrella of the European Culture and Creative Industries Alliance (ECCIA), took place under the patronage of Círculo Fortuny, the Spanish counterparts of the MEISTERKREIS. Michael Ward (Harrods), Paolo Zegna (Zegna) spoke on the topic “Heritage & Future”. Members of the MEISTERKREIS also took to the stage: Dr. Andreas Kaufmann (Leica) spoke on the panel “Creativity, Innovation and Talent – Driver of Excellence” and Frank Marrenbach (Oetker Hotel Collection) on the topic of “Experience Tourism”.
SPANISH ECONOMIC POLICY ROUNDTABLE
July 11, 2018: Madrid. MEISTERKREIS members met at a roundtable meeting at the residence of German Ambassador Wolfgang Dold one day before the second European Excellence Summit. Topics of these lively discussions included the challenges faced by companies, possible collaborative approaches of the Creative High-end Industries and the economic backgrounds in Spain.
GERMAN CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE IN TOKYO
July 6, 2018: Tokyo. The MEISTERKREIS presented GERMAN CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE together with the German Embassy at the Hillside Forum (Hillside Terrace). The exhibition was opened by Ambassador Dr. Hans Carl von Werthern and offered inspiring talks by CEOs Edmond Boussemart (A.Lange & Söhne), Peter Kronschnabel (BMW), Gerhard Steidl (Steidl) und Eike Wiesener (Thonet).
HIGH-LEVEL CONFERENCE AT THE EU PARLIAMENT
June 26, 2018: Brussels. By invitation of EU Parliament president Antonio Tajani, MEISTERKREIS participated in a high-level conference at the European Parliament on the topic “Cultural Heritage in Europe”. The year 2018 is dedicated to the care, protection and restoration of cultural heritage in the European Union. No democracy, no progress, no society can function without its soul, without its craft.
DELEGATION VISIT FROM CHINA
June 18, 2018: Berlin. With the aim of supporting the exchange between MEISTERKREIS members and the Jing'an District in Shanghai, as well as initiating concrete collaboration, a high-ranking delegation from the Shanghai Government were visiting guests at the MEISTERKREIS in Berlin. The programme included visits with members Neumann, Burmester and KPM Berlin.
OPENING OF THE THOMAS MANN HOUSE
June 18, 2018: Los Angeles. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier opened the Thomas Mann House Los Angeles as a new residence of the Federal Republic of Germany for intellectuals in the fields of culture, politics, economy, media and science. Steinmeier, who also wrote the preface for the GERMAN CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE book, signed the MEISTERKREIS book on site; it is now is displayed in the library at the Thomas Mann House. MEISTERKREIS members Jan Kath, KPM Berlin, Occhio, Thonet and Walter Knoll conceptualised the house as a refuge for the free spirit.
10TH PRESTIGE BRANDS FORUM
June 9, 2018: Shanghai. Together with CEIBS Shanghai (China Europe International Business School) and the People's Government of Jin'an District of Shanghai the MEISTERKREIS organized the 10th Prestige Brands Forum. At the Prestige Brands Forum in Shanghai, top managers, scientists and politicians discussed the topic of "Growth of Brands in the New Era - Striking a Balance between Heritage and Innovation". The speakers came from established European brands as well as from Chinese companies and institutions.
GERMAN CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE IN PEKING
June 2, 2018: Peking. MEISTERKREIS presented its GERMAN CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE exhibition at the German Embassy in Peking during its open house, the theme of which was “Craftsmanship and High-tech – Quality Made in Germany”. It was opened by German Ambassador Michael Clauss and attracted more than 3,000 visitors. The exhibition was very helpful in waking the interest for our products and training programmes. Many young guests were very enthusiastic about Germany. MEISTERKREIS members on site included BMW, Dr.
WORKSHOPS WITH MINISTRY FOR ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND ENERGY
May 18, 2018: Berlin. By invitation of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWI), the MEISTERKREIS participated in three workshops on the topic of “Modernising the Control of Abusive Practices”. Lead by Andreas Mundt (Federal Cartel Office), Prof. Achim Wambach (Monopolies Commission / ZEW) and Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Kirchhoff (Federal Court of Justice).
GERMAN-FRENCH MEETING IN PARIS
April 19, 2018: Paris. Presidents and CEOs from the High-end Cultural and Creative Industries accepted the cordial invitation from Dr. Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, German Ambassador to France, and met at the Palais Beauharnais, the Ambassador’s residence in Paris. The motto of this roundtable meeting was “A Common Culture of Excellence” and included the following topics of mutual interest: Creativity (protection of intellectual property), Digital (artificial intelligence) and The Art of Craftsmanship (European excellence).
Parisphoto
November 8–12, 2017: Paris. “German Contemporary Excellence” in the Grand Palais at the ParisPhoto, the worldwide leading trade fair for photography, with 149 galleries and 31 publishing houses from 31 countries as well as approximately 55,000 visitors.
MEMBER MEETING WALPOLE & MEISTERKREIS
October 3–4, 2017: London. At the beginning of October, the Meisterkreis visited its English counterpart Walpole in London, accompanied by over thirty of its member CEOs, including Walter Knoll, Loewe Technologies, Leica, Nymphenburg, and Esteé Lauder to name a few.
9th CEIBS PRESTIGE BRANDS FORUM
June 23/24, 2017: Shanghai
Prestige Brands Forum in cooperation with CEIBS China Europe International Business School Topic: The Digital Challenge – from e-commerce to O2O.
8th CEIBS PRESTIGE BRANDS FORUM
September 24, 2016: Shanghai. Once again, the Meisterkreis is the strategic partner of the Prestige Brands Forum at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS).
Photofairs Shanghai
September 7-10, 2017: Shanghai. From the 7th to the 10th of September 2017: The MEISTERKREIS is presenting the world premiere of the “GERMAN CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE” exhibition on the occasion of the PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai.
First European Excellence Summit
June 29/30, 2017: Berlin. MEISTERKREIS has organized the European Excellence Summit in Berlin. For the first time more than 100 managing directors, leading executives and owners of European enterprises and cultural institutions discussed the High-end Industry Business Model of the future.
"German Contemporary Excellence", Pop-up Exhibition in Berlin
March 2, 2017: Berlin. German Contemporary Excellence, an innovative project created by the Meisterkreis in cooperation with the Office of Foreign Affairs, celebrated the start of its world tour with a pop-up exhibition in the Martin-Gropius-Bau.
Berlin Exhibition
April 28–30, 2016: Berlin. The Meisterkreis and the Berlin University of the Arts received approximately 150 guests in the old library of the university, who marvelled at the work of the German-French student pairs. The exhibition was officially opened by S.E. Ambassador Philippe Etienne and President Prof. Martin Rennert.
Fondazione Altagamma & Meisterkreis Member Meeting
July 7–8, 2016: Rome. 60 entrepreneurs came together from the 7th to the 8th of July for the first German-Italian member meeting in Rome. On the evening of the 7th, all participants were invited to the residence of the German Embassy by German Ambassador Dr. Susanne Wasum-Rainer.
Instéternel Impressions
April 28, 2016: Berlin. What do Sennheiser and Dior or Frédéric Malle perfumes and watches from Glashütte Original have in common? That is just one of the challenging questions grappled with over the last few months by the 40 students from ENSAAMA (Paris) and the Berlin.
ENSAAMA-UdK Finals
January 13, 2016: Paris. The Instéternel Project between the German-French universities ENSAAMA and the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK) celebrated its finals in Paris. The international student pairs presented their results to a jury which was made up of persons responsible for various aspects of design in the member companies. The best projects were selected and received awards. German Ambassador Dr. Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut then cordially invited all participants to his Palais Beauharnais residence.
Prix Franco-Allemand
December 2, 2015. Meisterkreis and Comité Colbert got the Prix Franco-Allemand. This price honored their international cultural and economic comitment. The German Ambassador in Paris, Dr. Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, and the European Commissoner for Digital Economy & Society, Günther Oettinger, took part in the award ceremony.
Members’ Conference
November 25, 2015: Berlin. CEOs and managers met in November at the Hotel Adlon for the Members’ Conference. The conference concluded in the member’s area at the China Club Berlin.
Politicians Talk
August 31, 2015. The Meisterkreis invited Parliamentary State Secretary Uwe Beckmeyer and its members for talks in the Alte Nationalgalerie Berlin. Topics covered selective distribution and digital excellence. Working together, a proposal was compiled and then passed on to the government.
Wunderkammer
August 10, 2015: Berlin. The winners of the “Wunderkammer” competition were announced on Monday at the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK). Students of architecture were asked develop concepts which were as flexible as possible whilst still retaining a high level of sophistication.
September, France & Germany. Exchange of french and german students
September, France & Germany. Students of the french design University ENSAAMA and the german Universität der Künste, Berlin, are taking part in the project with german and french company members.
ImEx: Impressionism – Expressionism
May 22 to September 20, 2015, Berlin. The Alte Nationalgalerie presents a unique exhibition of impressionism and expressionism: ImEx. It is the first time that an exhibition has been dedicated to the comparison of both styles.
ImEx Preview
May 19, 2015, Berlin, IMEX – the Alte Nationalgalerie Berlin presented “ImEx – Impressionism & Expressionism” until the 20th of September, 2015. Never before had these styles been directly contrasted with each other– a world premiere. The Meisterkreis and the Comité Colbert were exclusive partners of this exhibition.
Press Conference
October 22, 2014, Berlin. The MEISTERKREIS has begun the fight against counterfeiting. With a nationwide information campaign (media volume of more than €500,000), this association of cultural and creative world-class companies is campaigning for a change in attitude in the consumers.
Members' Conference
November 20/21, 2013, Berlin. Prof. Dr. Renate Köcher of the Institut für Demoskopie Allensbach spoke to more than 50 members at the British Embassy on the topic of “Improving Quality Awareness in Germany”.
Business Meeting with EU Vice President
November 07, 2013, Berlin. EU Vice President Antonio Tajani met with members of the Comité Colbert as well as the presidents of Altagamma and Meisterkreis for an open exchange of ideas.
MEISTERKREIS & Comité Colbert
October 9/10, 2013, Paris. The Comité Colbert invited the members of the Meisterkreis to a Matinee Digital at the L'Ecole du Louvre in Paris – followed by lunch at the Hotel Le Meurice.
Meisterkreis Ausstellung in Tokio
July 21, 2013, Tokyo. Kick-off of a special world tour. The Meisterkreis presented German brands and culture and was patron of the exhibition “Kunst – Kunsthandwerk – Handwerkskunst”, which opened on the 11th of July in the German Embassy in Tokyo, in the presence of Dr. Volker Stanzel, German Ambassador in Tokyo, and some 160 high-ranking guests.
MEISTERKREIS & Comité Colbert
June 26/27, 2013, Berlin. 50 years of the Élysée Treaty – 50 years of German-French friendship.
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.
Parliamentary Evening in Berlin
September 26, 2012, Berlin. MEISTERKREIS has scheduled a political discussion evening to take place on September 26th 2012. In the framework of this parliamentary evening, we intend to spark a political debate with members of the economic committee that will serve to illuminate the market potential and economic strength of our sector.