Network events

FReiDENKEN

Since November 2019, the network event FReiDENKEN of the Freiburg Convention Bureau of Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH & Co. KG (FWTM) has taken place quarterly and in a wide variety of locations in Freiburg. The industry meet is aimed at managers operating in the MICE industry or as organisers of meetings, incentives, conferences and events. Our aim is to strengthen Freiburg as a MICE location and to raise its national and international standing. Companies that organise events themselves and would like to gain new ideas and meet new partners are also welcome.

FReiDENKEN x Wirtschaftsjunioren & macs – MICE meets Business
“Turning customers into fans – Emotional connection as a growth driver”

📅 February 4, 2026 | Networking event with 156 participants
As part of our FReiDENKEN series, we had the pleasure of experiencing a particularly inspiring networking event on February 4, 2026, together with the Freiburg Junior Chamber and the Marketing Club Südbaden macs. With a total of 156 participants, it once again became clear how great the interest is in forward-looking strategies for customer loyalty and brand management.
 

Insights & inspiration

The highlight of the evening was the keynote speech by Leif Steinbrinker, who used his FANOMICS® approach—turning customers and employees into fans—to impressively demonstrate why emotional attachment is the decisive lever for sustainable corporate success.

His central message:
👉 Satisfaction alone is not enough – true fans are the key to growth, recommendations, and long-term value creation.

It became clear that

• emotional attachment arises through identification, perceived uniqueness, and positive experiences.
• Companies must clearly focus their positioning, orchestrate customer experiences in a targeted manner, and consistently focus on relevant needs.
• Segment-specific work helps to develop differentiated customer relationships – from sympathizers to true fans.
• And crucially, employees and managers are the real “fan makers” – only those who create enthusiasm internally can also convey it to the outside world.
   

Fan instead of customer: the most important takeaways

Emotional attachment measurably increases added value and customer loyalty.
Every point of contact counts – it is not the quantity of experiences that is decisive, but how well they match core needs.
Clear values and attitudes form the basis for genuine identification – both among customers and employees.
Today, leadership means actively shaping culture and enthusiasm.

Exchange & atmosphere

In addition to the professional insights, the evening was primarily dedicated to networking between the MICE industry and the regional economy. The open atmosphere, many new contacts, and inspiring conversations made it clear how valuable this cross-industry format is.

The evening was accompanied by the usual excellent catering from Hermann Vetter and his team (Business Catering), which rounded off the exchange in a relaxed atmosphere.

Conclusion

The event clearly demonstrated that
if you want to be successful in the future, you need more than satisfied customers—you need fans.

FReiDENKEN thus remains a platform for new perspectives, bold ideas, and strong connections between business, marketing, and the events industry.

Cooperation event FReiDENKEN & Wirtschaftsjunioren

MICE MEETS BUSINESS

AI as a trailblazer: seizing opportunities, shaping change

On March 27, 2025, you will have the special opportunity to network with the Junior Chamber and its circle of friends - this time at a new, inspiring venue!

Our speaker Marc Stühler from Leaders of AI will provide exciting insights into the latest trends and applications of artificial intelligence (AI).

How AI is transforming companies

AI is radically changing the world of work. Managers and the self-employed have been given an additional management task by AI. At Leaders of AI, humans and AI work hand in hand. They already have 28 AI employees, each with their own personnel file, name, face and area of responsibility. In this talk, they show how they have created a hybrid organization themselves and why they will never be more than 7 employees, regardless of turnover.

You can look forward to:
✅ Inspiring insights into the most important AI trends and opportunities
✅ Successful practical examples of hybrid organizations
✅ Discuss the future of the world of work and the role of corporate culture and technology

Change requires courage - and the right impetus. Take the opportunity to network and discuss!

📅 When: March 27, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
📍 Where? Virtual Identity AG, Grünwälderstr. 10, 79098 Freiburg, Germany

📌 Registration until March 20: KI als Wegbereiter: Chancen nutzen, den Wandel gestalten: Kooperationsveranstaltung mit FReiDENKEN der FWTM am 27.03.2025, 18:00-22:00 | Wirtschaftsjunioren Freiburg e.V.

More about the speaker:

Leaders of AI is building the organization of the future. In this organization, people and AI employees work hand in hand. The findings from this research flow into our educational programs. To enable leaders and entrepreneurs to transform their organizations with AI. Marc is responsible for the strategic growth and expansion of partnerships at Leaders of AI. He previously held management positions at DB, Amazon and the IKEA company Taskrabbit. His favorite AI employee is Fred, who supports him in all his customer meetings.