Connection Series

  • Behind-the Scenes Visit to Herrmann Ultrasonics

Rethink the Value of Networking with GACC Midwest

Our Connection Series rethinks the value of networking by offering participants the chance to benefit from the expertise within the German American business community.

We’ve expanded our events in Illinois and Michigan to include networking and behind-the-scenese opportunities with member companies featuring high-profile speakers, special guests, and companies eager to share their knowledge. Learn something new to benefit you and your company, and make new connections while you're at it. 

The Connection series offers unique value to all attending, championing transatlantic business in its purest form!

What makes the Connection Series special?

  • Learning from high-profile special guests and getting to know potential business partners
  • Exploring attractive locations around the Midwest, including going behind the scenes at our member companies
  • Seizing opportunities for both small talk and in-depth discussions

#WednesdayisEventDay at GACC Midwest

Previous Connection Series Events

dSPACE, Inc. | Michigan

Speaker: Peter Waeltermann, CEO

Kuehne + Nagel, Inc. | Illinois

Speaker: William Rooney, Vice President Strategic Development

Dürr Systems, Inc. | Michigan

Speaker: Mike Fenner, Key Account Manager

Plasmatreat USA, Inc. | Illinois

Speakers: Magnus Buske and Lukas Buske

EMO Trans, Inc. | Michigan

Speaker: Stacie Countryman, Corporate Export Compliance Manager

Miele, Inc. | Illinois

“I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to speak to the group and meet everyone. It was pleasure to be part of this. Thank you!” - Jared Costa, Director of National Sales & Product Training, Miele USA

KUKA Robotics Corp. | Michigan

Speaker: Ed Volcic, Chief Technology Officer - North America

HARIBO | Illinois

Speakers: Rick LaBerge, EVP & CCO; Hakan Zor, EVP & COO; Wes Saber, EVP & CFO

RATIONAL USA | Illinois

Speaker: 'Billy' Buck, Vice President of Culinary, Rational USA

Freudenberg | Michigan

Speaker: Sarah O'Hare, Global Head of Human Resources, Freudenberg President and Regional Representative, Freudenberg NA

TRUMPF Smart Factory | Illinois

Speaker: Bob Leahy, Operations Manager at TRUMPF Smart Factory

ATEQ Corp. | Michigan

Speaker: Davy Leboucher, CEO - ATEQ North America

Keynote: Transform Employees Into Brand Advocates | Illinois

Speaker: Joe Quitoni, Founder & CEO, Unify|Align

Fraunhofer USA | Michigan

Speaker: Elliott Sprehe, Corporate Communications & Marketing Manager - Fraunhofer USA

Herrmann Ultrasonics | Illinois

Speaker Uwe Peregi, President/CEO - Herrman Ultrasonics

SW North America | Michigan

Speaker: Mark Reichenbacher, President/CEO - SW North America

Join Us in Illinois

Proudly Sponsored By

March 19 | DHL Americas Innovation Center

Join us for the first 2025 Illinois Connection Series and explore the DHL Innovation Center including a special interactive tour!

The DHL Innovation Centers are a platform for DHL customers, partners and industry thought leaders to collaborate and shape the future of logistics. This session will highlight high how the Innovation Centers stay close to customers, close to operations and close to technology to spark new ideas and leverage emerging trends and solutions to drive meaningful impact.

Register here

June 18 | To Be Announced!

More details coming soon.

September 10 | To Be Announced!

More details coming soon.

November 12 | To Be Announced!

More details coming soon. 

Join Us in Michigan

Proudly Sponsored By

March 20 | To Be Announced!

More details coming soon.

June 25 | To Be Announced!

More details coming soon.

September 17 | To Be Announced!

More details coming soon.

November 19 | To Be Announced!

More details coming soon.

“ [I enjoyed the] diversity of companies represented and [relevant] presentation topics & formats. ”
Connection Series Attendee

Stay in the know!

Sign up for our events newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events in the Midwest. We're hosting the Connection Series monthly in Illinois and Michigan, but be on the lookout for events in your region.