Archive for category: EVENT REVIEW

The Annual Ambassador’s Dinner was held on Wednesday 10^th June at the newly renovated Holzhausenschlösschen in Frankfurt. We were delighted to be joined by the Australian Ambassador, H.E. Mr David Ritchie AO. We were also delighted to see so many of our members in attendance along with some of their corporate guests.

The evening commenced with pre-dinner drinks and canapés in the downstairs foyer area. We then moved to the main reception room upstairs for the dinner and speeches. Sabine Pittrof, Chair of the Board welcomed the attendees and his Excellency David Ritchie to the event.

The Ambassador’s address focused on the new German Australian Advisory Group that was established by the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel and the Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott following the G20 Meeting in Brisbane in 2014. Mr Ritchie outlined the current status of the trade relationship between Germany and Australia, the joint benefits that can be pursued and new initiatives that may be undertaken. Mr Ritchie appealed to those in attendance to submit their thoughts and ideas to the committee before its next meeting in July 2015.

The evening was accompanied by the musical talent of Ms Kristin Voigt on the Holzhausenchlösschen’s magnificent Bösendorfer grand piano.

Events such as the Ambassador’s Dinner would not be possible without the generous support of our Corporate Members. Sonic Healthcare (Gold Sponsor), the Australian Trade Commission (Bronze Sponsor) and our further sponsors; Forum Rechtsanwälte, the Melbourne Business School and Adina Apartment Hotels who all supported this event. The German Australian Business Council would like to thank them once again for their ongoing support.

                              

On Tuesday 21^st April, members of the German Australian Business Council were invited to attend a celebration of the Qantas / Emirates partnership at the Emirates office.  Following a warm welcome from Volker Greiner, Vice President North and Central Europe for Emirates and Stefan Augustin from the German Australian Business Council, Johannes Falck from Emirates and Jane Duncan from Qantas gave an entertaining and enlightening update on the progress of the partnership to date, it’s positioning in the market place, achievements both external and internal and a hint of future developments.  While there have been many challenges along the way, the message from both Qantas and Emirates was united and unequivocal – the partnership is helping both airlines achieve their goals and is here to stay.

There was some lively discussion and networking amongst members both before and after the presentation. Special thanks to Bob Gogan from Bob’s Fine Wines and Gogan Wine Imports for supplying the wine to enable us to toast the partnership reaching its 2^nd Anniversary and to Qantas and Emirates for arranging the catering.

 

The Annual General Meeting of the German Australian Business Council e.V. was held at the offices of King & Wood Mallesons on Monday 13^th April. The mild weather allowed us to start the evening with light refreshments on the balcony with views over the Alte Oper and An der Welle.

The Chair of the Board, Sabine Pittrof gave an overview of 2014 and an outlook of what is to come in 2015. The presentation focused on the rebranding from Australian Business in Europe (Germany) to the German Australian Business Council, the changes in the office administrators and events. Sabine thanked Susanne Schnack for her contribution to setting up the office and wished her well in her new employment. Eleanor Stephen is currently holding the seat in the office. Sabine also provided an overview of the global organisation and upcoming events for the combined “ABIE’s”.

Eberhard Goihl, Treasurer of the German Australian Business Council, outlined the current financial status and highlighted some of the challenges we have been facing with invoicing, event payments and the data base. There has been improvement over the past twelve months due to the work of the office administrator. Eberhard also thanked Werner Waldner for his time in checking the books and approving the work completed over the past 12 months.

Discussion did take place regarding invoicing and payment methods, the ongoing ties between the parent group Australian Business in Europe and the German Australian Business Council, Event funding and payments and the use of social media to grow and promote the organisation.

The evening concluded with networking over drinks and refreshments.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to King & Wood Mallesons for providing an excellent venue for the event and their warm and generous welcome and hospitality.