IGBC Leads Delegation to Berlin
Indiana-Germanic Business Council and The International Center have organized and led Team Indiana, a 32-person delegation that successfully completed a multi-day visit to Berlin from November 5–9, 2025. Delegation represented a variety of Indiana-based organizations, including the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Indy Chamber, Indy Partnership, BNutty Gourmet Peanut Butter, Sports Tech HQ, City of Westfield, Madison County Economic Development, Indy Economic Development Inc., Indiana University, Indiana University Alumni Association, RSM, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Cox Farms, City of Shelbyville, and RATIO. Throughout the trip, delegates met with governmental, business, academic, and innovation leaders to advance transatlantic cooperation in sports, economic development, technology, and international engagement. The visit highlighted Indiana’s growing interest in these sectors while strengthening and expanding partnerships with Germany’s capital city.
The program kicked off on Wednesday, November 5, with the Team Indiana Business Summit at Lindenbräu am Potsdamer Platz. Delegates were welcomed with networking before hearing from Roger VanDerSnick, Chief Commercial Officer for the Indianapolis Colts; Charlie Shin, Vice President of Analytics and Digital Innovation at the Colts; Jason Hester, Chief Economic Development Officer at the Indy Chamber; moderated by Colin Renk, President and Co-Founder of the Indiana-Germanic Business Council. The evening provided an opportunity for German partners to learn about Indiana’s growing sports ecosystem, economic strengths, and increasing potential for collaboration, followed by extended networking that set the tone for the days ahead.
On Thursday, the delegation met with Berlin Partner for Business and Technology. Led by representatives including Dr. Kai Uwe Bindseil, Anna Wiese, Vincent Bautzki, and Paul Wedeleit, Berlin Partner provided an in-depth overview of its role in supporting economic growth, attracting global investors, fostering innovation, and assisting both new and established companies across the region. The organization shared significant milestones, including thousands of new jobs created over the past two years and hundreds of research and development projects supported. The delegation then traveled to the German Federal Foreign Office, where they were welcomed by senior officials including Dr. Peter Kettner, Till Blume, and Annett Chojnacki-Bennemann. Through the background on Germany’s extensive diplomatic network, international partnerships, and global initiatives, delegates gained insights particularly in international sport event planning and cultural exchange. The day concluded with a reception hosted by RSM Ebner Stolz, a leading professional services firm specializing in cross-border tax, legal, and consulting solutions. Delegates enjoyed a cultural program featuring remarks on Berlin’s history and future, local cuisine, and a panoramic view of the TV Tower from the terrace.
On Friday morning, the delegation visited a group of tech and innovation organizations where they explored the intersection of data analytics, talent development, and emerging entrepreneurial initiatives. The team was introduced to innovative technologies used to support performance assessment, scouting, and youth development in various sports and training environments. Discussions emphasized how data-driven tools can create healthier, more informed, and more equitable pathways for athletes. Following this visit, the delegation traveled to one of Germany’s leading science and technology districts, where they learned about the area’s ongoing development, strong research community, and its role as a major European hub for innovation. With a large concentration of companies, employees, and scientific institutions, the district provided an example of how research, business, and urban development can be successfully integrated. In the afternoon, the group visited the Indiana University Europe Gateway, where faculty, alumni, and partners gathered for a sports-focused panel and reception. Gateway plays a vital role in IU’s international presence, supporting research, academic programming, and global engagement across Europe. Later that evening, the Berlin Senate hosted a formal reception ahead of Sunday’s NFL game between Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons at the historic Rotes Rathaus. In her formal remarks, the Senator for the Interior and Sport, Iris Spranger, emphasized Berlin’s commitment to international cooperation and cultural exchange with the United States.
The trip concluded on Sunday, when delegates attended the Indianapolis Colts vs. Atlanta Falcons game, punctuated by a Colts victory in overtime.
