Midwest Meets Germany - Delegation Trip for Manufacturing Ecosystem Stakeholders from the Middle of the US

Event Details:

• Event Start: The trip will take place from July 19 – 23, 2026.
• Location: Bavaria & Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Language: English

While Germany’s awareness of the U.S. market is strong, the American Midwest is still less well known than coastal regions, despite its remarkable similarities to Germany’s leading industrial regions. A strong manufacturing base, a dense network of small and medium-sized businesses, applied research, innovation-driven companies, and close cooperation between industry, academia, and regional stakeholders make the Midwest a natural and highly attractive partner for German companies and organizations.  

In July, a delegation of leading representatives from the U.S. Midwest, with a strong focus on economic and industrial development from a regional and local perspective, will visit Germany to explore opportunities for cooperation and exchange. 

The trip offers a unique opportunity for a bilateral exchange between German and U.S. organizations to actively discuss mutual growth opportunities, highlight their industrial strengths, build long-lasting German-American partnerships between organizations and associations, engaging in meaningful dialogue with international stakeholders.

The program includes:

• Meetings and roundtable discussions with leading German industry associations and federations
• Company visits to major industrial players and advanced manufacturers
• Exchanges with applied research institutions and innovation hubs
• Dialogues with regional economic development agencies and cluster organizations
• Opportunities to experience German culture, history, and local life

Thematic focus areas include manufacturing and advanced industry, with particular emphasis on Smart Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, Green Technologies, internationalization strategies, and workforce development.

If you are interested in still joining please reach out to Melanie Reiner, reiner@gaccmidwest.org

Highlights of the trip:

• A week of thoughtfully curated programming, led by the GACC Midwest team - your trusted experts in German‑American business and culture -  to help you build lasting transatlantic connections 
• Discussions & networking with key manufacturing ecosystem stakeholders, regional economic development agencies and cluster organizations  
• Company visits to major industrial players and advanced manufacturers  
• Exchanges with applied research institutions and innovation hubs  
• Experience German culture, history, and local life 
   

About the region: 

The German states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are internationally recognized for their industrial excellence and share many structural similarities with the Midwest / Middle of the US. Both regions are home to strong manufacturing ecosystems characterized by highly specialized small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and global industry leaders. Key sectors include automotive, mechanical and plant engineering, aerospace, packaging, environmental technologies, biotechnology and life sciences and renewable energy. 

The Stuttgart region, in particular, is part of the rapidly emerging “Silicon Valley on the Neckar”, where traditional industrial strengths are converging with cutting-edge innovation. Supported by significant public and private investment, the region is developing a dynamic ecosystem focused on artificial intelligence, software, and robotics, making it one of Europe’s most exciting innovation hubs.