Witzenhausen Conference

The task of a project group of 6 to 8 people is to independently prepare and organize a conference lasting several days for students and external participants. The aim is to take up current topics with external speakers that are only marginally anchored in teaching at the faculty. Since 1992, conferences on a wide variety of topics have been held every year in December.

The student project groups have a lot to do. They not only learn specialist knowledge on the respective conference topic, but also many activities that they can use later in their agricultural careers:

• Working in a team: the project group works together for three quarters of a year and has to achieve a goal within a fixed period of time. Work organization and dealing with conflicts must be learned.
• Communication: Written and verbal communication with potential speakers and sponsors requires a professional demeanor. Organization and moderation are practiced during the conference.
• Finances: Fundraising, bookkeeping and accounting using a practical example with a required budget of approx. 15,000 euros are carried out.

The evaluations of the project show that the conferences are highly appreciated by the participants. The participants are impressed by the professional performance of the organizing students and enjoy the special flair that is created with external guests and special components such as trade fairs, workshops, cinema and music evenings etc.. The conferences are also documented in conference proceedings.

Visit www.konferenz-witzenhausen.de for more information on current and past conferences.