learn about our history
Experience meets innovation. The OfW group (registered group) consisting of the board of trustees supervising and advising both, the Organisationsforum Wirtschaftskongress gGmbH and OSCAR GmbH. Due to the inherent short lived nature of OfW employees the board of trustees brings the necessary constancy to oversee and plan long-term developments.
In addition, the OfW group also supervises the OSCAR GmbH, which is a management consultancy with a start-up character. 1992 OSCAR was founded as a subsidiary of the OFW.
Because of the growing number of alumni, the “OfW & Oscar Alumni Club” (OOAC) was founded in 1984. Many of our alumni started incredible careers after time at the OfW or Oscar and joined the OOAC to stay connected with each other and with the OfW as well as Oscar. Today we (the OfW) have over 700 Alumni from 25 generations.
At the OfW, we are driven by the belief that dialogue can shape the future. Our mission is to connect students, companies, and global decision-makers by creating platforms where ideas are exchanged, challenges are addressed, and new perspectives emerge. Since our founding, we have fostered a world in which young talents and experienced leaders meet on equal footing, learning from one another and working together to drive innovation and responsibility. With this vision in mind, our goal is to empower students through hands-on experiences, encourage meaningful conversations about global challenges, and build sustainable bridges between academia, business, and society.
Creating a dialogue between leaders of today and leaders of tomorrow.
Bring together bright young minds and senior decision makers to push forward networks across borders and hyrachies.
Create a unique experience for every participant and thrive to grow our global network and diversify yet more.
A diverse team of motivated students from Cologne, creating unique experiences together and shaping the World Business Dialogue.
One of Germany’s leading student-run organizations, connecting students, companies, and decision-makers through events like Dialogue Nights, innovative workshops, and most importantly our flagship event – the World Business Dialogue.
Students from all fields of study are welcome – all you need is the motivation to shape something and grow. Join us if you want to make an impact, gain practical experience in management, develop soft skills, and explore areas like finance, sales, marketing, event management and more.
The OfW is like an entrepreneurial sandbox – you can try out your ideas, be heard, and actually make them happen. In a supportive setting with other motivated students, you’ll gain experience, build networks, and shape real projects that make an impact.
Being part of the OfW is a real project commitment – you’ll typically work 5–10 hours per week alongside your studies, depending on your role and the project phase. During peak times before big events, the workload may increase, but you’ll always be supported by your team and gain valuable experience in return.
The OfW (Organisationsforum Wirtschaftskongress) is the student-run organization behind all our activities and events. The World Business Dialogue is our flagship conference – the largest and most international event we organize, bringing students, companies, and decision-makers together in Cologne.
The World Business Dialogue brings together students, companies, and global decision-makers to exchange ideas, tackle current challenges, and shape the future of business. It’s your chance to learn from inspiring speakers, network internationally, and open doors for your career.
The World Business Dialogue is held in English, so a good understanding of English is essential. Most of our speakers present in English, while some may also speak German. Since many participants are from Germany, networking often takes place in both English and German – it depends on the people you connect with.
