GGI Conference Review
GGI European Regional ConferenceMarbella, Spain, 08 - 11 May 2025
A dynamic gathering at the European Regional Conference in Marbella
From 8 to 11 May, well over 250 GGI and GCG members converged on the Costa del Sol for the largest ever European Regional Conference, with the very glamorous Mett Hotel in Marbella-Estepona playing host. You could actually feel the warmth and the joy as members hugged and as old and new friends came together. We may be used to it; but one still can't help but smile when you see it happening all around you.
With the sparkling Mediterranean as a backdrop and sunshine-filled days setting the tone, this was certainly nothing short of an inspiring environment for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and networking.
Participants representing a diverse range of firms and backgrounds came together to discuss emerging trends, share their expertise, and explore developments in our different expert group meetings. The agenda featured expert-led sessions, an informative panel discussion, as well as interactive practice group meetings and workshops, allowing attendees to dive deep into the most current industry topics. Special attention was given to regulatory changes, digital transformation, ESG reporting, and cross-border advisory strategies—issues shaping the future of professional services. Whether in very packed meeting rooms, or in the suite with a view over the water, or even in sessions by the pool, the ambience was highly convivial.
The Friday morning kicked off with a keynote speech of Dr Daniel Lacalle Fernández, looking at "Global challenges and opportunities for 2025 and next decade". The world faces significant challenges that will affect the macro, political, and monetary landscape. Elevated public debt, weak productivity growth, significant polarisation, trade wars, and persistent inflation are some of them. However, the next decade is also going to see an unprecedented surge in innovation, thanks to artificial intelligence, and opportunities for investors, including the energy transition and the return of industrialisation. Daniel Lacalle Fernández addressed all these challenges and opportunities and provided the audience with tools to understand what could be the most relevant factors for their businesses.
Daniel was born in Madrid. He is an economist and fund manager as well as author of four economy and energy best-sellers. He is a previous member of the board and strategy advisor of various global companies (Lonestar Resources, Oro Negro), and he was voted for five consecutive years ‘Top Buyside Professional’ at the Thomson Reuters Extel Survey, in General Strategy, Oil and Gas and Utilities.
After a networking break, our second keynote speaker Andres Sutt, Minister of Energy and the Environment of the Republic of Estonia, spoke about “The renaissance of Europe”. He is a former Member of the Estonian Parliament (Reform Party) and a former Minister of Entrepreneurship and IT.
He analysed the many current challenges and opportunities faced by Europe, with a focus on the Estonian best practices and a look also at the global economic and geopolitical landscape.
As the Minister of Entrepreneurship and IT, Andres Sutt oversaw the development of the e-Estonia ecosystem, raised investments in cyber security and launched the 5G rollout. He promoted the Estonian startup ecosystem and collaboration in innovation between businesses and universities. Andres is also a member of the Supervisory Board of Eesti Pank (the Central Bank of Estonia), Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Tartu University Foundation, and a member of the Advisory Board of AI&Robotics Estonia.Prior to entering the politics, he was a member of the Board at Enefit, Head of Banking at the European Stability Mechanism in Luxembourg, and Senior Advisor and member of the Executive Board of the IMF in Washington, DC. He was also Deputy Governor responsible for financial stability at Eesti Pank. He has 25 years of experience in bank restructuring and crisis management.
It was fabulous to follow the panel discussion with these two top-notch speakers, led by Michael Reiss von Filski, GGI's Chief Executive Officer. The discussion was entertaining and very informative.
After interactive expert group sessions in the afternoon, fully packed with vivid exchange of experiences, information, visions, ideas and knowledge, all participants enjoyed a relaxed and lively dinner at Barbillon Beach Club. GGI fellows from across the globe mingled over fresh seafood and marvelous ocean views. The evening was filled with casual conversations, shared stories, and the warm energy of international camaraderie.
The Saturday morning programme featured further sessions and workshops, including the GCG M&A Dealmakers Meeting. Various GCG and GGI member firms representatives contributed to the GCG programme, providing insightful contributions on M&A and investment banking topics, crossing with the tax and legal expertise of the GGI professionals. In the afternoon, participants discovered Marbella during special sightseeing tours which were organised, closing then the conference with a Gala Dinner at Cortijo de Cortes, a perfect setting with traditional music and Spanish culinary delights.
Beyond the formal programme, the conference fostered meaningful connections through networking breaks, evening receptions, and local cultural experiences. The warm hospitality of Marbella and our host firms CREA Inversión (GCG member), Dr. Frühbeck Abogados, S.L.P., Ficesa Treuhand, S.A.P. Auditores y Asesores Fiscales, Ruiz Ballesteros Lawyers and Tax Advisors, and VILAR RIBA., combined with the professional energy of the participants, made for a memorable and productive few days.
As the event concluded, there was a clear sense of shared purpose and optimism. The Marbella conference not only strengthened international ties but also equipped members with fresh insights and innovative tools to take back to their practices. It was a true testament to the power of collaboration across borders.
