Organisationsforum Wirtschaftskongress
| non-profit company with limited liability | |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Cologne, Germany |
Key people |
Ann-Christin Klein Linda Simon Thomas Lebzelter Philipp Pauquet |
| Website | www.ofw.de |
The Organisationsforum Wirtschaftskongress (OFW) is a student-run, non-profit initiative that affords "high-performance students" (Spiegel Magazine) the opportunity to turn their theoretical business knowledge into entrepreneurial actions. For this puropose, the members organise the annual (World Business Dialogue) which unites 400 international students with companies and young leaders as well as top-class Speakers. The headquarter of the company is located in Cologne, Germany.
History
Since 1984, the company which is run by students only puts emphasis rather on practical experience than the theoretical aspects which the students are confronted with in university day by day. This is why Christian Rast initiated the World Business Dialogue. In addition to the entrepreneurial responsibility on behalf of the students who are in charge for the organisation of the event, another goal of the conference is to offer a platform for fundamental discussion about important economical issues as seen from the perspective of the currently studying generation. The organisation of this event that originally took place every two years, but now occurs annually and the option to take part in training opportunities shall provide the students with the greatest measure of experience in business management.
The project OFW is counselled and looked after by committees so that a certain continuity and sustainability is ensured. These committees consist of a broad range of German companies.
In 1992 the OSCAR OFW Student Consulting and Research GmbH, a student business consultancy, emerged from the former association Organisationsforum Wirtschaftskongress. Since 2012 both corporations act out as fellow subsidiaries.
Organisation
The company is divided into seven independently working departments: Trends & Speakers, Human Resources, International Relations, Corporate Relations, Marketing & PR, Eventmanagement und Finance & Controlling.
Besides, there is the chairmanship which guides the students and advises the executive board when it comes to strategic questions. At the same time, it is superior to the board of trustees, a counselling organ of the OFW. In order to ensure professionalism, the seats of the board of trustees are divided between leading figures of the business management.
Another sponsor of the association is the advisory board which consists of former members and supports the work regarding the conference.
World Business Dialogue
Every two years and since 2009 annually, the World Business Dialogue takes place. It is an international conference that invites approximately 400 international students, speakers and entrepreneurial participants to the University of Cologne. Its goal is the dialogue about urgent and up to date economical issues between companies, scientists and students. The event distinguishes itself especially in presenting famous speakers such as Bill Gates.