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Each year, 25 young and mid-career professionals from AmCham Germany Patron-, Ambassador-, and Partner-level member companies are selected for a one-year leadership program. The NextGen Program strengthens participants’ transatlantic network, deepens their understanding of transatlantic economic and political relations, and offers direct exchange with leaders across business, politics, media, and think tanks. Participants expand their leadership skillset and become actively involved in AmCham Germany’s activities.

A kick-off conference and year-round events include high-level discussions, roundtables, site visits, and workshops focused on transatlantic business, current geoeconomic affairs, and the broader U.S.–German relationship.

Benefits for Participants

Over the course of the program year, the participants will join a diverse peer group and engage in exclusive events designed to challenge, develop, and connect with emerging transatlantic leaders. Participants will engage in a series of exclusive meetings with leaders from business and politics, be granted complimentary participation in AmCham Germany's Regional Chapter activities and Signature Events allowing them to enhance their own skill set and widen their own professional network.

After completing the program, participants of the NextGen Program will:

• have established a transatlantic network across different industry sectors within AmCham Germany’s membership
• have delved into current matters of transatlantic business and politics
• have broadened their transatlantic leadership and diversity skillset
• be able to bring in and discuss their company’s key topics among peer groups and the AmCham Germany community
• be “ambassadors" of AmCham Germany and the transatlantic partnership

Once the participants become alumni of the NextGen program, they remain part of the NextGen network and continue to be invited to AmCham Germany events. Through our continuously growing NextGen alumni network the participants stay in touch, enlarge their own network, and benefit from this connection even after their completion of the NextGen program.

Information for Participating Companies

By nominating employees, AmCham Germany member companies support the next generation of transatlantic leaders and strengthen their own long-term engagement within the Chamber. Participants gain new perspectives, expand their competencies, and build a network far beyond their sector and within the transatlantic business community.

Contribution:
Participating companies are asked to:

• cover the program admission costs for each participant of â‚¬ 2800 (plus VAT), which includes for accommodation and board during the 5-day kick-off conference
• support the participants' engagement in the NextGen Program and within AmCham Germany by releasing their participant from work during the mandatory kick-off conference usually in July/August (3 workdays, the conference takes place from Saturday to Wednesday), and the additional NextGen days
• cover the travel costs of their participants to the kick-off conference, the NextGen days, and possibly the Transatlantic Business Conference in the fall, and the Annual ÇàÇà²ÝÊÓƵship Meeting in the summer.

Selection Process

Each year in December, eligible AmCham Germany Patron-, Ambassador-, and Partner-level members receive the call for nominations. Eligible members may nominate up to two employees. The nominee requirements are the following:

• be between 30 and 40 years of age
• have at least five years of work experience as (Senior) Manager/Director/Team Lead
• have personal experience and/or show interest in transatlantic relations

We are seeking team players who will contribute their expertise and communication skills to our common goal of nurturing the next generation of transatlantic decision makers.

Nominees receive the call for application end of January. A total of 25 applicants are selected by a NextGen Jury consisting of members of the NextGen Steering Committee, AmCham Germany committees (i.e. the Board of Directors, Regional and/or Policy Chairs), and the General Manager. Applicants are notified of their status in late April/early May.

The NextGen Year

Throughout the year, participants shape and take part in events that foster leadership growth, network-building, and active involvement in AmCham Germany.

• Five-Day Kick-Off Conference (Saturday - Wednesday) usually in timeframe of end of July - mid-August
  Held in a major German city, this mandatory conference includes discussions, site meetings, and workshops on transatlantic business, current affairs, and the U.S.–German relationship. Activities are designed to foster group collaboration and personal development.
   
• Frankfurt Day (Fall)
  To gain insights into AmCham Germany’s diverse membership, partners and activities in the Rhine-Main area, the NextGen group will take part in a one-day event in Frankfurt, the location of AmCham Germany's headquarters. This event may include site visits, workshops, discussions with political stakeholders from the U.S. Consulate General and understanding the importance of the region for AmCham Germany's activities.
   
• Involvement in the Transatlantic Business Conference in the Fall
  The Transatlantic Business Conference is one of the signature events in AmCham Germany’s event calendar. The NextGen Steering Committee contributes with an exclusive session at the conference aimed at the NextGen participants and alumni. 
   
• Berlin Day (early Spring)
  Similar to the Frankfurt day, to gain insights to the stakeholders and members of AmCham Germany in the Berlin region, the NextGens are also hosted for a one-day event in Berlin. The event may include site-visits, talks with political stakeholders from the U.S. and/or Germany to discuss the chances and challenges of a transatlantic business, and an opportunity to network.
   
• Annual ÇàÇà²ÝÊÓƵship Meeting (Spring/Summer) & NextGen Alumni Event
  The Annual ÇàÇà²ÝÊÓƵship Meeting gives participants the opportunity to get to know more facets within the structure of the Chamber and connect with other members of AmCham Germany. On the occasion, an alumni event links the current cohort with former NextGens.
   
• Regional Chapter Events
  Together with the Regional Chapter Committee that the participants are based in, the NextGens are invited to actively collaborate with their Regional Chapters to conceptualize and organize events for alumni and the broader AmCham Germany community.

The NextGen Steering Committee serves as a liaison between participants and AmCham Germany. It thereby links participants and alumni and, thus, fosters their relationship during and after program participation. The Steering Committee, in close coordination with AmCham Germany staff plans NextGen related events. The members of the committee also independently lead the organization of the alumni event each year and prepare input at the kick-off conference in the summer. Furthermore, the committee can organize region-specific events for local NextGen participants. The committee offers strategic input and fresh ideas that help shape the future of our transatlantic program creating spaces for networking, insights, and valuable exchange with the transatlantic business community.