Our transformative journey to Bergamo, Italy, began on February 21st, 2024 as participants of the MBA program at Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen arrived from various locations, some by car, others by plane, and a few by train. Meeting in Bergamo, we, alongside Italian Master students and two students from our partner university BMI in Vilnius, united in our shared pursuit of knowledge and friendship, ready to start an enriching academic adventure. From February 22nd to February 24th, despite the continuous rainfall throughout our three-day visit, our time in Bergamo was filled with insightful company visits, engaging keynote speeches, and invaluable networking opportunities, providing an intensive experience for us in this wonderful city.

Day 1: February 22nd

Our visit commenced with words of welcome from the organisers, Prof. Freidank and Prof. Cavallone, setting the stage for the enriching experiences that awaited us in Bergamo. Following the opening remarks, we engaged in an exercise designed to foster quicker bonds among participants and create a better atmosphere for collaboration. This activity paved the way for deeper connections and set a positive mood for the remainder of our time in Bergamo.

Next on the agenda was the visit to TESMEC, a leading company in Bergamo known for its innovative solutions in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The visit offered us a firsthand look at their operations and technologies, enhancing our understanding of industry best practices. In the evening, we bonded over traditional Italian pizza, fostering friendship among our MBA cohort.

Day 2: February 23rd

On the second day of our visit, we were privileged to hear from a diverse lineup of speakers, each offering unique perspectives on business and industry trends. Among the great speakers were Umberto Simonelli, Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer at Brembo, who shared insights into advancement of AI technology. Thomas Rosolia, representing AD Koelnmesse, provided valuable perspectives on industry trends and global business dynamics. Additionally, Gabriele Bestetti, Product Manager at Matchplat, offered valuable insights into entrepreneurship and innovation within the modern business landscape. Lastly, Stefano Dozio, CEO of Cocktail Machine, provided a captivating discussion on strategic decision-making and business leadership. Following the enriching speaker sessions, we enjoyed a visit to Beretta, a renowned food company, concluding with a delicious lunch and an insightful presentation of the marketing strategy of Beretta presented by the Director of Marketing Enrico Farina. We were also greeted by one of the family owners Lorenzo Beretta. 

Day 3: February 24th

The final day of our visit was marked by a dynamic session focused on case analysis and a business game. This interactive session provided us with practical insights into strategic decision-making processes and collaborative problem-solving and negotiation, further enhancing our learning experience. We concluded our visit with a sense of gratitude for the enriching experiences shared and the valuable lessons learned.

Our time in Bergamo was a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and camaraderie of our MBA program. We return to Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen with a deeper understanding of global business dynamics and a commitment to leveraging our newfound knowledge for positive impact. Besides all the learning that took place we still had time to explore the night life of Bergamo with great restaurants and bars.

In conclusion, our visit to Bergamo was a transformative experience that surpassed our expectations despite the challenging weather conditions. We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to participate in this enriching program and look forward to applying the lessons learned to our future challenges. Bergamo will always hold a special place in our hearts as a symbol of friendship, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence.

// Report by Dragan Vidovic
// Pictures by Dragan Vidovic and Jan Freidank