/ 6 like. Based on these intense discussions, we then decide upon a topic for the next conference. How do you select the keynote speakers and experts for the technical presentations? As soon as we have agreed upon a topic, we start thinking about which key players in the automotive industry are particularly involved with this trend. As said earlier, we always aim at giving the most comprehensive perspective possible: The keynote speakers discuss the topic in its overall context, while the presentations by international experts go deeper and focus on specific aspects. We always invite speakers in person, which is why our excellent contacts are so important in this context. Luckily, we were able to convince many interesting people to join us in Graz in recent years. Overall, how long does it take to prepare the conference? We actually start preparing next year’s conference while this year’s is still in progress – for instance, we already put next year’s topic up for discussion. Overall, preparing the conference is an intense process that demands great dedication from all the parties involved, in particular from our project leader Gertraud Morris-Kohl who has taken care of the event since 1996. With this year’s anniversary conference, she will conclude her highly successful role and pass the baton to Ms. Mirjam Bauer who will take over her long agenda from next year onwards. The locations chosen for the reception and the evening event are always very special. Is that part of the conference trademark? Yes – these out-of-the-ordinary locations are an important element of the conference. On Wednesday, when the reception is traditionally held, about half the participants have already arrived and the atmospheric evening really sets the scene for the whole event. We always try and find a beautiful setting for the evening program; one that is not only enchanting but also makes a good environment for talks. When planning our evening program – usually musical performances – we always take great care to ensure that there are plenty of opportunities for communication among the attendees. And when it comes to setting up the supporting program for accompanying persons, we are extremely fortunate in that Graz and its surroundings offer so many beautiful destinations. How would you describe the importance of this international conference for a globally active enterprise such as AVL? At our conference, we usually welcome speakers and participants from more than 20 different countries, which gives “Engine & Environment” its typical international character. With 45 affiliates worldwide, AVL is a globally active company – and that is exactly what the “Engine & Environment” conference reflects. Top: Social evening at the beautiful venue of Karl- Franzens University of Graz, 2012. Bottom left: Project leader Gertraud Morris-Kohl, in charge of conference organization since 1996. Bottom right: CEO Prof. Helmut List opens the conference. Interview
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