German-American Business Summit

February 18, 2026, College of Charleston School of Business, Downtown Charleston, SC

German-American Business Summit Logo

  

The College of Charleston's German Program, School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs, and School of Business are proud to present the 10th Annual German-American Business Summit (GABS). Scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, GABS X will continue the highly successful Job & Internship Expo, along with dynamic panel discussions from business leaders, and a networking reception.

Held at the College of Charleston School of Business (5 Liberty Street) in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina, this annual event brings together companies in the Southeastern United States seeking to establish stronger ties to education in the region. GABS is the perfect opportunity to recruit new talent from universities and community colleges in the Lowcountry, discuss and explore issues pertinent to German-American industry, and network with other businesses and influencers in higher education.

For assistance or more information, please contact us at GABS@cofc.edu.

Be sure to check regularly for updates on Sponsors and Employers!

2026 Sponsors

2026 Job & Internship Expo Employers

2:15 - 3:30 Panel 

“From the College of Charleston to Global Impact: Alumni Lessons from a Decade of Collaboration”

Moderator: Erin Halford, Director of MBA Employer Relations and Professional Development, College of Charleston

Panelists:

  • Alexis Clark, ‘23, Operational Support Manager, Software Projects Consulting (SPC)
  • Joseph Fariello, ‘23, Supply Chain Analyst, Evonik
  • Lauren Gantt, ‘12, IT Manager, Strategy, Governance, and Portfolio Management, BMW
  • Trey King, ‘25, Project Assistant, Mankiewicz Coatings
  • Shane Love, ‘25, Junior Buyer, IFA Group

4:00 - 5:30 Panel

“Agility in the Face of Global Disruption: How Companies are Adapting to a Continuously Uncertain Business Climate”

Moderator: Katarina Fjording, Senior Vice President, Innovation and Industry Engagement, College of Charleston

Panelists:

  • Jörg Gerstlauer, Chief Executive Officer, STAR Cooperation GmbH
  • Todd Lant, Chief Customer Officer, Blackbaud
  • Annekathrin Müller, Vice President, Commercial Plant Manager, Bosch USA
  • Byron D. Miller, Chief Commercial Officer, South Carolina Ports Authority

GABS X, February 18, 2026

Here's all the information you need for GABS X.
  • Registration

    Discuss and explore issues pertinent to German-American industry while networking with other businesses and influencers in higher education. GABS is open to community members and students, faculty, staff from the College of Charleston.

  • Sponsorships

    The German-American Business Summit (GABS) is the perfect opportunity to recruit new talent from universities and community colleges in the Lowcountry. Please consider sponsoring this event to support the next generation of business leaders.

    Become a Sponsor
  • Agenda

    Wednesday, February 18, 2026

    TENTATIVE Agenda - All Events Located in the College of Charleston School of Business, 5 Liberty Street, Downtown Charleston, SC

    • 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Job & Internship Expo
    • 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Break/Registration/Check-in
    • 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. - Welcome Messages
    • 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. - Panel Discussion
    • 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. - Coffee and Networking
    • 4:15 - 5:30 p.m. - Panel Discussion
    • 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. - Networking Reception
  • Location

    This year's GABS will take place at the College of Charleston School of Business, 5 Liberty Street in Downtown Charleston, SC.

    Learn More
  • Directions and Parking

    The College of Charleston School of Business is located at 5 Liberty Street, Charleston, SC 29401.

    For more information on directions and parking, visit our Parking and Transportation site.

    Learn More