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