The Grow East Congress series was started in 2007 as a joint initiative of Dr. Manfred Berger, founder of NEUSICHT Think-Tank and Prof. Dr. Arnold Schuh, Director of the Competence Center for Emerging Markets & CEE at WU Vienna. Aussenwirtschaft/WKO is our main congress partner today.

The main goal of this congress series is to provide insights into current developments into the emerging Europe and to highlight the challenges that international and local companies face when expanding into and competing in CEE markets. Grow East offers a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences between representatives of foreign firms operating in CEE, outstanding local firms and entrepreneurs, academics and business students with a strong interest in the economies, societies and markets of this region.

The format is a mix of panel sessions with entrepreneurs and executives representing regional leaders, academics and other experts. They discuss current business issues, go-to-markets strategies, new business models and major developments shaping the markets of CEE.

We target business owners, entrepreneurs, executives and of national and international firms and consultants with a focus on Central, Southeastern and Eastern Europe. Furthermore, students and academics with a strong interest in doing business in CEE.

Since 2007 Congress partners have been Aussenwirtschaft, the international arm of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO), Amrop-Jenewein, Erste Group, GfK, Henkel CEE, dm – Drogeriemarkt, BDF Beiersdorf, Salesianer Miettex, Rail Cargo Group, Kapsch AG, Benedict and Nespresso CEE.