THE CENTER for Strategic Intercultural Communication GmbH, Germany, together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation ASEAN, Thailand, and the German­-Chinese Association of Medium­Sized Enterprises ­- MITTELSTAND INTERNATIONAL, China, is hosting the Business Innovation Congress on November 15 at the CONRAD Manila Luxury Hotel In Pasay City. 

Founded in Germany in 2012, the first Business Innovation Congress took place in Beijing in 2013, followed by Shanghai in 2014, Almaty in 2016, Moscow in 2017, and Bangkok In 2017 as well. 

The main objective of the Business Innovation Congress 2018 in Manila is to explore new market trends, products, services, and technological innovation, as well as support SMEs, startups and leading corporations connect with each other and maximize utilization of new digital business tools towards global competitiveness.

With the theme "Business Transformation in a Digital Ecosystem", this year's Congress is divided Into several sessions covering topics such as Industry 4.0, future trends, technology innovation and sustainability, artificial intelligence, process optimization and efficiency. HR and digital marketing in the era of digitalization, e­-commerce, and cybersecurity.

Some of the confirmed speakers include top leadership from Siemen, Mercedes-­Benz, Kinetica Design Centre, Dentsu Aegis, Fraunhofer Institute, Ayala Corporation, Google Philippines, Mittel­Stand International, UnionBank, Zalora Philippines, PLDT Inc., and diverse international small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Representatives from the Philippine government have been also invited to participate during panel discussions throughout the day.

Over 200 C­level delegates are expected to come together from around the region to team about new market and trends as well as product and service innovations happening around the world. The Business Innovation Congress is designed for C­-level executives of leading corporations, entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium­-sized businesses, representatives of public authorities, international , bodies, research institutes, and associations and chambers of commerce.

The full-­day event will kick off with keynote speeches in the morning followed by plenary sessions. The afternoon is composed of simultaneous sessions with different formats including discussions, workshops, and presentations. There will be an Evening Reception to cap off the Congress, which features a cocktail buffet, free flowing drinks, live music and dance, and networking.

The Business Innovation Congress 2018 is managed by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and is supported by San Miguel Corporation as a Gold Sponsor, UnionBank of the Philippines and PLDT Inc. as a Silver Sponsors, and Alveo Land as Bronze Sponsor. It is also supported by esteemed organizations.