FAWCO REGION 5 MEETING in Heidelberg
The FAWCO Region 5 Meeting took place from 7–9 November 2025 at the Marriott Hotel in Heidelberg, and it was truly an honour to host this year’s gathering in our hometown. Welcoming Region 5 members to Heidelberg made the weekend especially meaningful, and the program was filled with connection, inspiration, and memorable shared experiences.
We kicked off the R5 weekend on Friday, 7 November, by welcoming our guests with a late-morning “Welcome to Heidelberg” tour, offering a first glimpse of the city’s charm and history. The afternoon continued with a delightful wine tasting at Wehweck Winery in Schriesheim, where good conversation flowed just as easily as the wine. Everyone returned in time to get ready for our Gala Dinner, which turned out to be a truly unforgettable evening—featuring delicious food, great music, inspiring stories, heartfelt moments, and plenty of laughter that set the tone for the days ahead.
Saturday began bright and early with a refreshing 7:00 a.m. walk along the Neckar, a peaceful way to start a full and energetic day. After a hearty breakfast, we launched into a program filled with inspiration, creativity, and meaningful connection. The day included insightful presentations, a hands-on art workshop, and even a few joyful dance moments that brought extra energy to the room. A heartfelt thank-you goes to everyone who shared their knowledge, ideas, and enthusiasm. We are especially grateful to our Deputy Mayor, @stefanie_jansen_hd, for her inspiring keynote, “Shaping a Better Future Together,” which resonated deeply with all attendees.
In the late afternoon, participants enjoyed guided tours through Heidelberg’s charming Old Town and the world-famous Heidelberg Castle, before gathering for a wonderful dinner at Zum Roten Ochsen in the Old Town—an evening filled with great food and even better conversation.
We began Sunday morning once again with a refreshing walk, setting a positive tone for the final day of the meeting. After breakfast, the sessions opened with engaging presentations on Artificial Intelligence—many thanks to @just_houdah for sharing valuable perspectives on this timely and exciting topic. This was followed by an insightful presentation on Simplifying Club Management by our HIWC Club President, @juliahraismorres. The program continued with inspiring exchanges of ideas, collaborative discussions, and a thought-provoking panel session. A special thank-you goes to Bonka von Bredow, Director of the @interkulturelleszentrum, for joining the panel and contributing thoughtful insights that sparked lively discussion and meaningful dialogue among participants.
We concluded the meeting with reflections and closing remarks from our approximately 55 attendees, followed by the announcement of the Silent Auction results, bringing a warm and celebratory close to a truly enriching weekend. The FAWCO Region 5 Meeting in Heidelberg was a wonderful reminder of the power of community, collaboration, and shared purpose—and we are grateful to everyone who made it such a success.