College of Charleston hosts 10th annual German-American Business Summit

On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, business leaders, students, and faculty will mark a decade of community and collaboration at the College of Charleston for the 10th annual German-American Business Summit (GABS X).

Organized by the College of Charleston’s School of Business, German Studies Program, and School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs, this milestone event continues to bring together education and industry while strengthening South Carolina’s role as a hub for German-American business. The summit will feature a Job & Internship Expo, dynamic panel discussions, and a networking reception, highlighting the ongoing partnership between German companies and higher education in the region.

“Over the past decade, the German-American Business Summit has served as a bridge between industry and education, fostering talent pipelines, professional growth, and collaboration across the Southeast and underscoring the importance of intercultural competence and proficiency in German and other world languages for global industry,” says Morgan Koerner, Ph.D., associate professor of German and program director of German Studies at the College of Charleston. “This year, GABS X will highlight alumni experiences, global industry perspectives, and strategies companies are using to navigate an increasingly uncertain business environment.”

Summit sponsors include Mercedes-Benz Vans (summit sponsor); IFA Group, Ingenics Consulting, and Mankiewicz Coatings (gold sponsors); Parker Poe, South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, SPC (Software Projects Consulting), and STAR Cooperation (maroon sponsors).

Event Highlights

The summit begins with the Job & Internship Expo from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., where representatives from German-American businesses will connect with students and discuss opportunities and industry trends. Companies in attendance include AGRU America, IFA Group, Ingenics Consulting, Mankiewicz Coatings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, SPC (Software Projects Consulting), STAR Cooperation, and VS America.

“From the College of Charleston to Global Impact: Alumni Lessons from a Decade of Collaboration” Panel Moderator: Erin Halford, Director of MBA Employer Relations and Professional Development, College of Charleston
Panelists: Alexis Clark ‘23 (Operational Support Manager, SPC), Joseph Fariello ‘23 (Supply Chain Analyst, Evonik), Lauren Gantt ‘12 (IT Manager, BMW), Trey King ‘25 (Project Assistant, Mankiewicz Coatings), Shane Love ‘25 (Junior Buyer, IFA Group)

“Agility in the Face of Global Disruption: How Companies are Adapting to a Continuously Uncertain Business Climate” Panel Moderator: Katarina Fjording, Senior Vice President, Innovation and Industry Engagement, College of Charleston
Panelists: Jörg Gerstlauer, CEO, STAR Cooperation GmbH; Todd Lant, Chief Customer Officer, Blackbaud; Annekathrin Müller, VP & Commercial Plant Manager, Bosch USA; Phillip Padgett, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Administration, South Carolina Ports Authority.

The summit concludes with a networking reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., giving attendees the chance to connect with professionals, business leaders, and educators.

To register for the summit, visit go.charleston.edu/GABS.