news December 4, 202470 years BDU

F&P NewsInsights and impressions from the German Consultants’ Day in Berlin with a journey through time from 1954 to 2024

As in previous years, our CEO Bernd Fischer was on site at the German Consultants’ Day 2024. The gala dinner the evening before in the beautiful Kongresshotel am Kudamm on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Federal Association of German Management Consultants (BDU) e. V. offered the opportunity to intensify our network in the consulting scene in a festive setting. The handover of the presidency from Mr. Ralf Strehlau to the new BDU President after 2931 days in office was one of the highlights. Congratulations to Iris Grewe and good luck in her new role.

The dinner kicked off with a fantastic keynote speech by the former Mayor of Berlin and current Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, Franziska Giffey. She was proud to report that Berlin has grown economically even in the recession year 2024. The festive ceremony was a journey through time over 7 decades of BDU. The latest Facts & Figures forecast that the consulting industry will exceed the €50 billion turnover threshold in the 70th year of the BDU’s existence.

Under the motto “Embracing Change – successfully shaping change”, everything revolved around the question of how sustainable transformation can succeed – viewed from a political, economic and advisory perspective.

A special highlight: the panel discussion “Germany as a business location – how to move forward?” Experts such as Prof. Dr. Stefan Kooths (IfW), Christian Bogatu (SPRIND), Dr. Anna Weber (BabyOne) and Cihan Sügür provided exciting insights into Germany’s progress and innovative strength and plenty of food for thought and action.

Some key takeaways from the day:
– Innovation and competitiveness are essential to strengthen Germany as a business location.
– Quo Vadis AI. In an inspiring presentation, Prof. Dr. Sabina Jeschke points out that AI will and must significantly change the consulting business.
– Sustainable corporate governance belongs on every agenda – for more responsibility and success in the future.
– Thanks to Gerrit Aufderheide and Roland Ehlies from Bearingpoint for the latest tips on how companies can protect themselves against cyberattacks.

Our consulting and interim management firm thrives on exchange. The people business brings people together and this is where our CEO was able to make outstanding new contacts. The German Consultants’ Day 2024 was more than just a conference – it was a meeting place for inspiring personalities to share perspectives and solutions and shape change together. Thanks to the organizers, to new enriching contacts and excellent discussions!