IAESTE Annual Review 2018 - 70 years of international understanding

Annual
Conference
2018
Berlin, Germany
Bruce Wicks and
Alessandra Zaugg
Opposite: Representatives from IAESTE countries at the 2018 Annual
Conference in Berlin, Germany
This year, the IAESTE Annual Conference in Berlin was very special as we
celebrated our 70th anniversary. This meant that we had a host of special
guests, including former General Secretaries, as well as events recognising
employers and looking back at our history. Around 350 people from more
than 80 countries participated in the conference. It was truly a special,
once in a lifetime event!
Of course, the important business of exchanging traineeship opportunities
was also taking place during the conference and in all, 5657 traineeship
offers were exchanged, leading to life-changing experiences for young
people around the world.
In parallel to the exchange sessions, the conference sessions were held on
the international level, with one representative of each member country
participating. As part of the conference sessions, various topics such as
marketing, budget and the new, international exchange platform were
discussed. The conference sessions further held elections of the board
members as well as the Annual Conference host country 2020. The next
conference will be held in Cyprus and in two years’ time we will be hosted
by Slovakia.
Other events surrounding the Annual Conference were mainly shaped
by the 70th anniversary of IAESTE International. As part of the Welcome
Dinner, the former General Secretaries of IAESTE International were
honoured. Likewise, the International Evening, the colourful, lively
evening, during which all countries present their local culinary specialties,
was designed a little more special this year. Each country was asked to
perform a 2-minute, country-specific performance on the stage provided.
Throughout the evening, we were entertained with all kinds of dances,
songs, quizzes and plays.
Prof. Dr. Margret Wintermantel, DAAD President and Honorary President of the
Conference speaking at the 2018 Annual Conference in Berlin
The conference was rounded off with the traditional Gala Dinner. We
enjoyed excellent food, an interesting accompanying programme,
as well as live music. In addition, a variety of awards were bestowed,
including one to the United Arab Emirates for the most creative celebration
of the IAESTE Day on October 20th. With a full stomach and a wealth
of inspiration, the round was dissolved and while some rushed into the
turbulent Berlin nightlife, others said their goodbyes to catch their early
return flight the next morning.
We would like to sincerely thank DAAD for hosting the conference and
making it such a memorable event.
IAESTE Annual Review 2018
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