GGI Conference review
GGI German Speaking Chapter & GGI World Conference
29 October - 02 November 2025Zurich, Switzerland
Under clear autumn skies and the serene backdrop of Lake Zurich, more than 330 members from all around the world gathered for our World Conference 2025 — a milestone event marking the 30th anniversary of GGI. The occasion was not only a celebration of three decades of trust, collaboration, and professional excellence but also a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of our global community.
The conference began on Wednesday, 29 October, when our Swiss sponsoring host firms – Bratschi AG, Treuhand- und Revisionsgesellschaft Mattig-Suter & Partner, Schweizerische Treuhandgesellschaft (STG) AG, Trewitax AG and USTAXFS – invited all early arrivals to join them in the Onyx Bar in the Park Hyatt Zürich (the main conference hotel) for a cocktail hour. There was quite a buzz, the bar was packed, and the atmosphere was electric.
German-speaking members, as well as members of our ExCom, had to tear themselves away from the networking, for their Welcome Dinner at Restaurant LUX — just a few steps away from the hotel. Conversations flowed easily, friendships were renewed, and new faces were warmly welcomed into the fold.
The following morning, the German-speakers reconvened for an intense morning, which kicked off with an inspiring keynote by Beat Eberle, setting a tone of reflection and forward-looking ambition for the days ahead. During the rest of the meeting, members openly shared their expertise and knowledge with one another.
The World Conference officially began on Thursday with the GGI Women’s Networking Lunch, led by Leslie A. Berkoff. For the first time, the women had a keynote speaker for their session: Dame Tessy Antony de Nassau, who spoke openly and authentically about her life experiences. Truly inspiring. This session developed further afterwards into a special interest group meeting – opened to the men of GGI – where Tessy, her son HRH Prince Noah de Nassau, and ExCom member Anthony J. Soukenik (Sandberg Phoenix & Von Gontard P.C., USA) shared their family perspectives on leadership, determination and balance. The atmosphere was energising – a mix of mentorship, empowerment, and shared experience that captured the essence of GGI’s collaborative spirit.
Parallel sessions in the afternoon offered participants a rich variety of learning and exchange opportunities: Alan Rajah guided the International Taxation Practice Group (ITPG) through the latest developments in global taxation, involving contributions from members as well as a presentation by Dr Leopoldo Parada (eader in Tax Law at King’s College London and a recognised authority on international tax policy); Claudio G. Cocca once again captivated attendees with his renowned workshop on Global Political Economy & International Relations.
That evening, all participants came together for the Welcome Dinner at the Dolder Grand Hotel, where the elegant setting and spectacular views provided the perfect backdrop for heartfelt reunions and new connections. To the surprise of both Claudio and Michael, the GGI team had organised a birthday cake with candles to be brought in, accompanied by a fabulous speech of two longstanding members – Henry Charles (TC Citroen Wells, UK) and Dr Robert D'Alessandro (DAL Advisory, Malta). With a great sense of humour, the two highlighted key moments in the past 30 years as they related a brief summary of GGI's history.
Exploring the future: From global shifts to artificial intelligence
Friday’s plenary session began with a thought-provoking keynote by Felix Zulauf, who explored “Reshaping the World Order and its Investment Implications.” His analysis of shifting economic forces set the stage for an equally compelling talk by Brían Corish on “How Smart Firms Are Leading with AI.”Brían’s deep dive into the current state of artificial intelligence – and how smaller, more agile firms can harness it for innovation – sparked lively discussions among participants, reflecting both curiosity and strategic interest.
A dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Michael Reiss von Filski, Global CEO of GGI, brought the two keynote speakers together for an engaging exchange of ideas that seamlessly linked global economics with the future of technology.
Friday afternoon and Saturday morning were both dedicated to expert group meetings, where members shared expertise, challenges, and best practices in the spirit of open collaboration. The diversity of insights across professions and regions once again underscored the unique strength of our alliance: global reach combined with personal connection.
Saturday also offered the much-anticipated GCG M&A Dealmakers meeting, providing fertile ground for new collaborations and partnerships.
Strengthening bonds and looking ahead
Ask any member the best places to build relationships and no doubt they will tell you that one should never discount the coffee breaks and the social events.
On Friday, the group gathered together in the relaxed and joyful atmosphere of the FIFA Museum, where delegates mingled among exhibits celebrating the world’s favourite sport. The dress code for the evening allowed for those who wanted to to wear the football (soccer) jerseys of their national teams or their favourite teams. In the Rainbow Room of the museum, we were also able to show 30 years of GGI photos from previous events, allowing members to reflect on the teamwork and passion that brought us here and continue to unite us. Members were allowed to wander freely throughout the museum and those with a competitive side did manage to find the games area. Scores were definitely kept, if not settled!
On Saturday afternoon, many participants joined the optional sightseeing tours – there was a choice between a walking tour of the old city, stopping in to taste the wares in several of the chocolatiers, or cruising on Lake Zurich with some cheese and wine. Nothing like discovering Zurich’s charm while strengthening professional and personal ties in an informal setting.
The conference concluded with an unforgettable Gala Dinner at the Kunsthaus Zurich, a venue as inspiring as the conversations that filled it. The three GGI member firms of the Year 2025 were awarded to Bodman plc (USA), Guerrero y Santana, S.C. (Mexico), and KPP Steuerberatungs-gesellschaft mbH (Germany).
Special recognition went to David Neste (Prager Metis International LLC, USA) who is not only stepping down from the ExCom but also heading into retirement. David has been a long-standing active GGI member, and has attended some 32 or so GGI conferences (many of them with his wife Lorie)! On behalf of GGI, both Claudio Cocca and Michael Reiss von Filski thanked him for his commitment and support over the years. As glasses were raised in celebration, the sense of pride and shared purpose was palpable – a reminder that our alliance is more than a network of firms; it is a community built on friendship, trust, and a shared vision of excellence.
It was a special 10 year anniversary also for us and our entertainers, who first joined GGI in Lausanne in 2015: Federico Soldati (mentalist, previous winner of Italy's Got Talent, and son of GGI member Fabio Soldati) returned to fascinate the audience with his impressive ability to read minds. 90s cover band Spring Break kept the dance floor pumping in true GGI style! And some GGI members also surprised us with their vocals. What a night.
For some, the experience continued with a post-conference 2-day trip to Bern, Thun, Interlaken, Mount Jungfraujoch (the glacier with the highest train station in Europe), and Lucerne. The Swiss Alps provided a breathtaking backdrop to new friendships and lasting memories.
A lasting impression
The GGI World Conference in Zurich this year was more than a gathering – it was a celebration of who we are and what we have built together over the past 30 years. As we look ahead to the next decade, one thing remains certain: our alliance will continue to thrive, united by the same values of collaboration, integrity, and mutual respect that have guided us from the very beginning.
Read all about the conference from the point of view of a first-time attendee.
Did you think we forgot the photobox?
