‘Canada Meets Germany’ is an international conference with an objective to foster professional and interpersonal networks between Canada and Germany as well as to increase awareness of, and insight into, the similarities and differences between the German – Canadian professional and economic environments. Through this conference, you are provided with opportunities to collaborate transnationally, and to learn the intricacies of the business operations of a European business powerhouse.
Dear Canada Meets Germany prospective applicants,
I attended Canada Meets Germany in Munich and Berlin in 2009 (the German portion of the multi-annual conference). The conference involved attending workshops and presentations hosted by professionals from various industries. In order to gauge Canadian involvement in German industry, conference participants visited the Ontario and Quebec government offices in Germany, where we contrasted energy policies and the socio-economic situation between Germany and Canada. We then visited the BMW head office in Germany, where the VP of BMW Americas and CEO of BMW Canada spoke about BMW’s position during and after the 2008 economic crisis, the new car models being produced and BMW’s stance on energy efficient vehicles. We also visited the Bavarian chancellery and learned about the types of Bavarian exports (i.e. Puma, Adidas, Audi, BMW, Alliance Insurance, etc.). We then visited the Quebec and German Consulates, and the German Foreign Office, where we learned about German politics, economics and environment. Finally, we visited Deutsche Welle, a German television media network (linked to the BBC), and engaged in an interactive presentation on journalism in Germany while touring their studio. At night, we socialized over fantastic beer and food. In fact, in true German style, we were even served beer at lunch during a site visit at a law office in Berlin! “Prost!”
The Telfer School of Management supported my attendance at Canada Meets Germany, and will host some of this year’s Canada Meets Germany presentations in the Desmarais Building of the Telfer School of Management.
I encourage anyone who reads this note to apply for the tour. Canada Meets Germany provides an unforgettable experience that will foster a multitude of prosperous professional and personal relationships, and will broaden your perspective on Canadian and German relations.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Emmons,
Telfer School of Management MBA 2010
The application deadline is March 17, 2011
