Midwest Meets Germany - Multiplier Trip

Event Details:

• Event Start: The trip will take place from July 19 – 23, 2026.
• Location: Bavaria & Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Language: English
• Cost:  $4,900 per participant (GACC Midwest members receive a 3% / $150 discount)
  • The program fee includes full participation in the program, hotel accommodation in Germany from July 19-23, transportation within Germany, facilitation of all meetings and activities, selected meals throughout the program, and a virtual kick off meeting with intercultural insights. 
• Registration Deadline: The trip is planned to proceed upon reaching a minimum of ten (10) registered participants by April 10.  

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 2026, join us for a five-day delegation trip to Germany, designed specifically for Midwestern manufacturing ecosystem stakeholders, including industry associations, economic development organizations, cluster initiatives, research institutions, and regional networks.  

This trip is a unique opportunity to strengthen the Midwest’s visibility in Germany by positioning your states and regions as strategic partners and building direct relationships with key German industry stakeholders in two of Europe's most innovative economic centers. 
 

Key Benefits:

• Position your state or region as a strategic and visible partner for German companies  
• Increase international awareness of the Midwest as a competitive and innovative industrial location 
• Generate momentum for state-level cooperation and foster new interest in transatlantic partnerships 
• Build direct relationships with German associations, industry clusters, companies, and institutions  
• Exchange best practices, lessons learned, and proven models in industrial development and regional economic growth  
• Gain first-hand insights into Germany’s industrial ecosystem, innovation structures, and SME support mechanisms  
• Strengthen intercultural competencies for long-term collaboration  
• Strengthen your organization’s role as a trusted transatlantic partner 
• Create lasting connections with our fellow Midwest delegates, expanding your peer network and creating collaboration opportunities that extend beyond the program

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 
   

Thematic Focus Areas (tailored to participant interests): 

• Advanced manufacturing & Industry 4.0  
• Artificial intelligence, digital technologies & cybersecurity  
• Automotive & future mobility  
• Aerospace & defense   
• Biotechnology & life sciences 
• Energy transition & environmental technologies 

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. 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.