The people behind the World Business Dialogue.
Student-led. Structured. Responsible.
The World Business Dialogue is organized by a dedicated student team. From partnerships and marketing to speaker relations and operations — we work year-round to build a platform where dialogue is taken seriously.
Become part of the team that builds the World Business Dialogue — from speaker relations and partnerships to marketing, operations, and the on-site experience.
Behind the OfW stands a team of passionate students who turn ideas into reality. Each department has its own focus – from designing events and building partnerships to managing finances and shaping our culture. Together, we create an environment where everyone can take responsibility, learn, and grow, while driving the World Business Dialogue forward.
– Apply your academic knowledge directly in real projects, take responsibility, and prove yourself in a dynamic team environment.
– Shape and organize events that connect students, companies, and global decision-makers, gaining unique hands-on experience.
– Work from our office in Cologne or remotely and become part of a powerful community with 700+ alumni from 27 generations.
Real responsibility, fast learning curves, and execution under pressure.
Build a platform where leaders and students meet for serious dialogue.
A close team culture and access to a growing alumni network.
Recognized by the WiSo Faculty at the University of Cologne.
The Idea Hub – this is where we design concepts and processes for our events. The team is also responsible for reaching out to inspiring personalities, winning them as speakers, and embedding them into our formats.
The Business Engine – comparable to a sales department. This team builds relationships with companies and entrepreneurs, presenting our formats and securing partnerships to make our projects possible.
The Networkers – OfW has thrived since its early days because of its strong international community of ambassadors, alumni, curators, and former participants. This team maintains and grows those networks, keeping our dialogue truly global.
The Executors – while other teams plan and support, Event Management makes every event happen. From renting locations to coordinating catering and logistics, this team ensures everything runs smoothly on-site.
The Influencers – as a student-led organization, we need to reach both students and companies. Through social media, posters, or creative campaigns, our Marketing team boosts awareness and connects us with future participants and partners.
The Strategists – even though we are non-profit, OfW has to stay financially healthy. The Finance team secures liquidity, plans budgets, and ensures compliance with financial regulations to guarantee sustainability.
The Culture Builders – this team makes sure OfW is a great place to work and grow. From creating a positive atmosphere to organizing team events and feedback structures, People & Culture ensures that everyone can thrive in the right position.
The World Business Dialogue has been shaped by hundreds of students over the years — each generation building on the last to grow the platform, strengthen the network, and raise the standard for dialogue.
Our organization, the Organisational Forum for the World Business Dialogue (OfW), was founded in 1984 at the University of Cologne. Since then, 28 generations of students have dedicated themselves to fostering exchange between companies, business leaders, and students. In 1999, we took this mission to the international stage – the birth of the World Business Dialogue and our Ambassador Program, which is now represented in 19 countries.
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.
