Living through the economic, political and technological turmoil of the end of the 20th century, the participants of this 17th edition of the SCFOA Intl. Bürgenstock Meeting, will escape to the quiet hills of the historical center of Switzerland and, thanks to our guest country, Germany, even enjoy the atmosphere and customs of a "medieval market place". The themes proposed for debate, addressed and assessed by prominent personalities at this meeting, will all somehow deal with "the human side of enterprise" in its largest sense.
Political will is trying to do what centuries of cultural and ethnic differences could not achieve. Europe is trying to solve its century old differences by integrating markets and eliminating borders. Will they succeed?
At the edge of the 21st century, the ever increasing pace of change is taking many by surprise and marketplaces are moving from actual trading floors and trading rooms to virtual marketplaces. The banking industry is moving to Internet sites as virtual shopping has, with increasing success. Regulation, controls and fire walls are put in place to avoid economic and financial disasters, technical barriers are invented to minimize or eliminate human weakness and failure.
Is it still possible and how does one assess human nature and anticipate and understand behavioral changes, therewith eliminating excessive risk? The interest and unconditional support from our members, sponsors, speakers and participants make it possible, once again, to look forward to a rewarding and successful event.
It is my honor and pleasure to express gratitude and respect to all those who have and will contribute to writing another chapter of The Bürgenstock Meeting.
For the past 7 years, a guest country has had the privilege to present itself and its exchanges and financial services on the opening day. This year it will be Germany, whose delegation will be chaired by Dr. Otto Graf Lambsdorff. The guest country also organises and sponsors the Friday evening recreational activities.
