Austria Connect
North America 2022
North America 2022
December 8-11, 2022 | Denver, CO
USA - Newcomers Workshop
Navigating and Overcoming the Hurdles to U.S. Market Entry
Are you thinking about setting up shop in the U.S.? Having a business presence in the U.S. does indeed come with many perks and attractive advantages. The process, however is less than straightforward and - for good reasons - can be quite intimidating. You will have to figure out what type of entity to establish and matters concerning jurisdiction and immigration should also not be taken lightly. Even though these might be exciting times for you, the process is not easy to navigate and you pretty much only have one chance to get it right.
So, you're still up for it? Then fear no more, our legal eagle Tony has you covered.
So, you're still up for it? Then fear no more, our legal eagle Tony has you covered.
Location
McNichols Civic Center Building
144 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80202
144 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80202
Date
December 8, 2022
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Welcome Cocktail Reception
Mix, Mingle, Have a Bite and Some Drinks
Whether your head is spinning from your excursion into the legal domain or if you have just arrived in Denver, please make sure you join us for the Welcome Cocktail Reception to kick-off the Austria Connect North America 2022.
Meet, greet, and mingle with VIPs in business and politics and distinguished guests.
Meet, greet, and mingle with VIPs in business and politics and distinguished guests.
Location
McNichols Civic Center Building
144 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80202
144 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80202
Date
December 8, 2022
6 pm - 9 pm
6 pm - 9 pm
Austria Connect
North America 2022
North America 2022
Join Us for the Most Important Event for Austrian Business Executives in the U.S.
Austria Connect North America is THE event where Austrian and North American business executives come together to exchange ideas and discuss mutual matters of economic concern and interest. We are living in uncertain economic times with various sources of disruption affecting literally each and every aspect of business and decision making. How do we make decision in a volatile economy? How do we navigate and lead effectively through change and uncertainty? Let's stick our heads together, let's brainstorm, collaborate, and communicate and come up with extraordinary ideas and visions.
Location
McNichols Civic Center Building
144 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80202
144 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80202
Date
December 9, 2022
8 am - 5 pm
8 am - 5 pm
Skiing Weekend in Vail
Come with Us to Vail for Some Well-Deserved Downtime
With more than 5000 acres of skiable terrain, 346 inches of snowfall annually, and roughly 190 trails, Vail is a prime location for all things wintery and snowy. Join us for a weekend of skiing and snowboarding in one of the most renown ski resorts. Even if you are not up for snow sports, Vail has something to offer for everyone. And what could possibly be wrong with coming just for the après skiing? Don't miss out on this fun event. Pre-Christmas time in Vail is an unbeatable experience.
Location
The Hythe Vail
715 West Lionshead Circle
Vail, CO 81657
715 West Lionshead Circle
Vail, CO 81657
Date
December 9-11, 2022
Accommodation
We have arranged for preferred rates at two conference hotels in Denver. Please click on the links below to make your reservation.
Denver
The Brown Palace
321 17th Street
Denver, CO 80202
p. +1 303.297.3111
www.brownpalace.com
Price: $199+tax/night
Cut-off date: November 17, 2022
Reservation Link
Austria Connect_Group Rate Reservation_Brown Palace
Denver
Holiday Inn Express Downtown
1715 Tremont Place
Denver, CO 80202
p. +1 303.296.0400
www.holidayinnexpress.com
Price: $149+tax/night
Cut-off date: November 17, 2022
Reservation Link
Austria Connect_Group Rate Reservation_Holiday Inn Express
Vail
Ski Pass, Ski Rental, and Shuttle
To book your ski pass for Vail, please go to epicpass.com.
For ski and snowboard rentals, please refer to Vail Ski Rentals.
To book your shuttle from Vail to Denver, please go to Vail Mountain Shuttle.
For ski and snowboard rentals, please refer to Vail Ski Rentals.
To book your shuttle from Vail to Denver, please go to Vail Mountain Shuttle.
Speakers
We are extremely excited to showcase the lineup of this year's impressive speakers.
Martin Keller
DIRECTOR | NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY
Martin has served as director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory since 2015. In this capacity, he has developed a three-pronged strategy for NREL that has led to game-changing scientific outcomes.
Robyn O'Brien
CO-FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR | REPLANT CAPITAL
Robyn is the co-founder of rePlant Capital, a financial; services firm that aims at transitioning farmland to regenerative and organic agriculture. Robyn is a trusted and sought after food industry advisor, strategist, and public speaker.
Sean Ness
Institute for the Future
Sean has a demonstrated history of working in the research industry and has been with the Institute for the Future since 2004. The Institute for the Future is the world’s leading foresight and futures organization.
Ernesto Sirolli
FOUNDER & CEO | SIROLLI INSTITUTE
Ernesto Sirolli is the founder of the Sirolli Institute, an author and a highly sought after speaker. Ernesto is also a leading consultant in the field of economic development.
Surprise Guest
Hint: Specialist in overcoming adversity.
Preliminary Schedule
Thursday, December 8, 2022
Newcomers USA 2022
Workshop for New Exporters and Investors
Workshop for New Exporters and Investors
Learn everything you need to know for establishing a business presence in the USA.
Location: McNichols Civic Center Building | 144 W Colefax Avenue | Denver, CO 80202
Location: McNichols Civic Center Building | 144 W Colefax Avenue | Denver, CO 80202
10:30aM
Welcome and Introduction
Volker R. Ammann | Austrian Trade Commissioner Los Angeles
10:40aM
Welcome Note U.S. Embassy Vienna
Hanley Jones | Commercial Counselor, U.S. Embassy Vienna
10:50aM
Panel - Doing Business in the United States
Moderator: Tony Emsenhuber | Deputy Trade Commissioner Los Angeles
Gregor Vogrin | Managing Partner, Syngroup Management Consulting LLC
Tycho Stahl | Partner, Arnall Golden Gregroy
Moritz Schumann | Partner, Schumann Burghard LLP
Christian Trost | Manager Business Development, Cargo Partner
Michael Crandall | VP Sales, Gebrueder Weiss
Stefan Groessbacher | Associate Partner, Roedl & Partner
Tycho Stahl | Partner, Arnall Golden Gregroy
Moritz Schumann | Partner, Schumann Burghard LLP
Christian Trost | Manager Business Development, Cargo Partner
Michael Crandall | VP Sales, Gebrueder Weiss
Stefan Groessbacher | Associate Partner, Roedl & Partner
12:00 PM
Company Site Visit
Topics: Geotech, Robotics, Cybersecurity, AI
light lunch included, transfer back to McNichols Civic Center Building
light lunch included, transfer back to McNichols Civic Center Building
3:00pM
Investment & Growth Opportunities in the U.S. and the Metro Denver Region
Moderator: Daniel Zawarczynski | Austrian Trade Commissioner San Francisco
In this panel, we will highlight the attractiveness of both the U.S. market in general, and the Denver region in particular for investors. It is stacked with prominent representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Vienna and two Denver economic development organizations.
Hanley Jones | Commercial Counselor, U.S. Embassy Vienna
Stephanie Garnica | Director Global Business Development, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity
Morgan B. ALU | Director International Business Development, Metro Denver EDC
Hanley Jones | Commercial Counselor, U.S. Embassy Vienna
Stephanie Garnica | Director Global Business Development, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity
Morgan B. ALU | Director International Business Development, Metro Denver EDC
3:50pM
Coffee Break
4:00pM
Learning from Successful Subsidiaries
Discussion with representatives from successful US subsidiaries of Austrian companies. Meet experienced leaders and take a deep dive into the world of U.S. subsidiaries. Learn from the best about their success, tips and lessons learned.
Moderator: Irene Lack-Hageneder | Austrian Trade Commissioner Washington, D.C.
Leo Frei | COO, Aerocompact
Dieter Eier | VP Business Development, Frequentis USA Inc.
Wolfgang Kueng | Executive VP and CFO, Blum America Inc.
Michael Haas | VP Americas, Ferrobotics
Moderator: Irene Lack-Hageneder | Austrian Trade Commissioner Washington, D.C.
Leo Frei | COO, Aerocompact
Dieter Eier | VP Business Development, Frequentis USA Inc.
Wolfgang Kueng | Executive VP and CFO, Blum America Inc.
Michael Haas | VP Americas, Ferrobotics
4:55pM
5:00PM
5:00PM
Wrap-Up and Conclusion
Volker R. Ammann | Austrian Trade Commissioner Los Angeles
Grand Opening Austria Connect North America 2022
Location: McNichols Civic Center Building | 144 W Colefax Avenue | Denver, CO 80204
5:30pM
Check-In & Registration
6:00pM
Welcome Remarks & Introduction of the Host
Volker R. Ammann | Austrian Trade Commissioner Los Angeles
6:10pM
Welcoming by Host
Grand opening by our hosts Dr. Nayantara Ghosh-Ersek and Hikmet Ersek and this year's VIPs.
Hikmet ERSEK | Fortune 500 Top CEO and former President (CEO) of Western Union, Board Member Erste Group and Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Austria in Denver for Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming
Hikmet ERSEK | Fortune 500 Top CEO and former President (CEO) of Western Union, Board Member Erste Group and Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Austria in Denver for Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming
6:15pM
9:00pm
9:00pm
Cocktail Reception
Meet, greet, and mingle with VIPs in business and politics and distinguished guests.
Friday, December 9, 2022
Austria Connect North America 2022
Location: McNichols Civic Center Building | 144 W Colefax Avenue | Denver, CO 80204
Location: McNichols Civic Center Building | 144 W Colefax Avenue | Denver, CO 80204
8:00 AM
Registration & Breakfast
9:00 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Volker R. Ammann | Austrian Trade Commissioner Los Angeles
Michael Postl | Consul General of the Republic of Austria in Los Angeles
Michael Postl | Consul General of the Republic of Austria in Los Angeles
9:30 AM
Boundary Riders - A New Approach to Intrapreneurship and Corporate Innovation
Ernesto Sirolli | The Sirolli Institute
Some years ago Ernesto silenced his audience with his remark: 'Shut up and listen!' Today, with all the noise around us, uncertainty and rapidly shifting tectonic plates in society, business and politics - does this strategy still apply? Are we on the right path or do we need new strategies?
Some years ago Ernesto silenced his audience with his remark: 'Shut up and listen!' Today, with all the noise around us, uncertainty and rapidly shifting tectonic plates in society, business and politics - does this strategy still apply? Are we on the right path or do we need new strategies?
10:30 AM
Foresight Tools for Leaders
Sean Ness | The Institute for the Future
The future is not something that just happens to us. The future is something we create.
The future is not something that just happens to us. The future is something we create.
11:30 AM
A Decarbonized Economy by 2050?
Martin Keller | National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Some believe the planet turned dark and one could respond: “So what? - Turn on the light!” This strategy only works if and as long as you believe that energy comes right out of the socket.
Energy – nothing moves without energy! We all depend on it. Lately, we have been talking about energy more than ever before. Before the Ukraine conflict, we were more focused on how to make energy greener and how to decarbonize our planet. History, however, seems to be setting us back quite a bit, and we once again focus on how and where from to obtain our energy and at what cost. What will hit us next and what do companies have to prepare for?
Some believe the planet turned dark and one could respond: “So what? - Turn on the light!” This strategy only works if and as long as you believe that energy comes right out of the socket.
Energy – nothing moves without energy! We all depend on it. Lately, we have been talking about energy more than ever before. Before the Ukraine conflict, we were more focused on how to make energy greener and how to decarbonize our planet. History, however, seems to be setting us back quite a bit, and we once again focus on how and where from to obtain our energy and at what cost. What will hit us next and what do companies have to prepare for?
12:30 pM
Lunch Break & Networking Opportunity
1:30 pM
Courage and Collaboration: The Enormous Opportunities in Fixing Our Broken Food System
Robyn O'Brien | rePlant Capital
2:30 pM
Surprise Guest
That much we can reveal: Who knows better than a top athlete how to manage difficult times, setbacks, or sudden performance slumps? There are so many lessons for businesses to be learned, pieces of advice to be obtained, strategies to follow...
3:30 pM
Wrap-up & Conclusion
Volker R. Ammann | Austrian Trade Commissioner Los Angeles
4:00 pM
End of Official Program
Please Join Us for the Weekend Skiing Opportunity in Vail.
5:00 pM
Departure for Vail
Charter departs from the Brown Palace
9:00 pM
Welcome Cocktail
Saturday, December 10, 2022
8:00 AM
Sporting & Leisure Events
This year, we will go skiing and snowboarding. So yes, you will definitely need your winter gear. For those who don’t fare too well in the cold weather, Vail offers ample opportunity to gather and pick up on unfinished conversations and discussions from the previous days.
3:00 pM
Relax & Recharge
5:00 pM
Fireside Chat with Hikmet Ersek, Board Member Erste Group and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Austria
Hikmet ERSEK | Board Member Erste Group and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Austria in Denver for Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming, Fortune 500 Top CEO and former President (CEO) of Western Union
The Hythe Vail
715 West Lionshead Circle | Vail, CO 81657
www.thehythe.com
The Hythe Vail
715 West Lionshead Circle | Vail, CO 81657
www.thehythe.com
6:00 pM
End of Official Program
Conference Location
Sponsors
We would like to thank our sponsors for their generous contribution and continued support.
Don't miss out.
Make sure to register by November 2, 2022. We look forward to seeing you in Denver.
Testimonials & Past Events
Having taken part of Austria Connect since the very first event (only having missed two times) I would like to express my gratitude and extend my compliments to all of you! Informative, Inspiring are the two words that come to mind. The best Austria Connect ever!
Roland, Z. | Austria Connect North America 2019
Roland, Z. | Austria Connect North America 2019
Congratulations on such a successful event – it was outstanding!
Sandra, P. | Austria Connect North America 2020
Sandra, P. | Austria Connect North America 2020
A huge congratulations on your very successful FastTrackUSA and Austria Connect conferences last Thursday. From the excellent speaker program to impressive audience and dynamic technology with engaging interactive features, we all found it to be a top notch event.
Julia, R. | Austria Connect North America 2020
Julia, R. | Austria Connect North America 2020
Thank you for this interesting event, Austria really connected to North America today!
Oswin, L. | Austria Connect North America 2020
Oswin, L. | Austria Connect North America 2020
Austria Connect North America 2019 in New York
In 2019, our office in New York hosted the 12th edition of the Austria Connect North America. The conference theme was 'Making decisions where there is so much noise'. Speaking of noise, distraction, and confusion, which place other than vibrant and buzzy New York would be worthy of hosting our flagship event? We started the conference off at the prestigious New York Academy of Sciences, before we headed down to the Lower East Side for drinks, food, and an awesome time. Check out for yourself!
Austria Connect North America 2016 in Atlanta
On the 20th anniversary of the Centennial Olympic Games held in Atlanta, our office there hosted the 9th edition of the Austria Connect North America at the stunning High Museum of Art. In line with the conference motto 'Staying Relevant in Rapidly Changing Times', the speakers and presentations featured a broad range of topics around social, economic, and technological change. Yes, we partied a wee bit too, enjoyed great food and networked the heck out of ACNA 2016.
Austria Connect North America 2013 in Los Angeles
Business in the front, party in the back? No, we didn't bring back the mullet for the 2013 Austria Connect North America. Though some of our guests wished they had ditched their dress shoes for a comfy pair of flip-flops, as our motto was 'business on top, party on the bottom'. The formal part of the conference culminated in a beach party at the Jonathan Club in Santa Monica. Good times, great company, and yummy food at the beach!