College of Charleston Hosts German-American Business Summit
The summit has stimulated collaboration between the German industry and the College since 2017.
On Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, business leaders, students and faculty will meet at the Francis Marion Hotel in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, for the ninth annual German-American Business Summit.
Organized by the College of Charleston School of Business, German program and School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs, this event continues to bring together education and the industry, while strengthening South Carolina’s role as a hub for German-American business. The summit features a Job & Internship Expo, panel discussions and a networking reception while highlighting South Carolina’s role as home to over 200 German companies supporting thousands of jobs statewide.
“Since we launched the event nine years ago, the summit has aimed to highlight German industry’s impact in the state, strengthen job and internship pipelines, and foster dialogue between industry leaders and educators on workforce needs,” says Morgan Koerner, associate professor of German and program director of German studies at the College of Charleston. “This year, as German industry continues to grow, the conference will explore key challenges, including the rising demand for soft skills in the AI era and the evolving landscape of German-American industry.”
The summit begins with a Job & Internship Expo from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., where representatives from German-American businesses will connect and discuss important industry topics.
Nathan King of King Strategic Consulting will moderate the panel, “Soft Skills, Hard Results: The Human Advantage in the AI Era,” with panelists Fabian Grimm (Mankiewicz Coatings), Lee Murray (Robert Bosch) and Stephanie Rhodes (Further). Elizabeth Gibbes of Parker Poe will moderate the panel, “Trends and Challenges in Manufacturing: How to Navigate the Current Market,” with panelists Daniel Schlegel (KION), Mitch Belsley (GPX Intelligence), Samuel Schwarzer (Ingenics) and Megan Anderson (Charleston Regional Development Alliance).
The summit ends with a networking reception from 4:30–6 p.m., providing attendees the chance to make meaningful connections with professionals and industry leaders.
The summit is made possible by sponsors Mercedes-Benz Vans, BMW Plant Spartanburg, IFA Group, Ingenics Consulting, Mankiewicz Coatings, P3, SPC (Software Projects Consulting) and Parker Poe.
Registration is $25 for individual attendees, with free admission for College of Charleston faculty and staff. For more information, visit https://go.charleston.edu/GABS or email GABS@cofc.edu.
