Speakers

Eva Thurau
Head of Real Estate Management
Reco Immobilien
World Trade Center Dresden
Her professional career began after graduating from high school with an apprenticeship as a bank clerk. This was followed by a degree in business administration at the HTW Dresden. Immediately after graduating, Eva Thurau switched to the real estate industry in 2010. Here she was able to apply her knowledge of strategic management directly. The clients also benefited from her commercial background in portfolio management and budget planning.

In 2010, Eva Thurau took over the asset management of the World Trade Center Dresden together with Mr. Rees and gradually took on other mandates and properties.

David Tobias
Managing Director
Saxony Trade Association
David Tobias has several years of management experience in retail. As managing director of the Saxony Trade Association, he represents the retail interests towards politics, the media and the public.

In an advisory capacity, he supports concept developments or statements on financing projects and location analyses. Tobias is also active as a lecturer in business and economics.

Lianne van den Boogaard
Director
World Trade Center Eindhoven / Brainport
World Trade Center Eindhoven
As director of WTC/e Brainport, Lianne van den Boogaard plays a crucial role in highlighting economic themes for entrepreneurs and contribute to establishing cooperation between government, entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions (Triple Helix) in the dynamic Brainport region.

Her aim is to develop strategies and projects that not only promote economic growth, but also strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the business community in the Eindhoven region.

Robin van Puyenbroeck
WTCA Executive Director - Business Development
World Trade Centers Association
Robin van Puyenbroeck is a purpose-driven leader with more than 20 years’ experience in international business development, partnerships, corporate strategy, and non-profit leadership. He currently serves as Executive Director – Business Development at the World Trade Centers Association where he focuses on global licensing, partnerships and media. He most recently served as Vice President-Business Development for Ethan Allen Global, based in Danbury, Connecticut, where he effectively managed and grew a network of international licensees and developed strategies for building alliances and B2B contract business.

Previously, Mr. van Puyenbroeck worked as an international business and partnerships consultant, counseling clients on strategic communications, political and organizational strategies, as well as business transactions that require a deep appreciation of markets and geopolitical context. Leveraging his expertise in the Middle East and Central Asia he advised a wide range of organizations, from emerging market corporations to policy think tanks, on strategic reviews, investment promotion campaigns, market introductions and business development. Prior to his consulting work, Mr. van Puyenbroeck worked with ING Group where he held progressive leadership roles within the company's Global Management Programme with broad experiences in business development, staff function, client relationship management, finance and project management. Mr. van Puyenbroeck began his career as an attorney for the Ernst & Young law firm in Brussels, and he holds J.D. and L.L.M degrees in international law from Ghent University and Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium.

Mr. van Puyenbroeck has leadership experience in the IGO/NGO sector, including his current roles as Under-Secretary-General for the EUCLID Intergovernmental Organization, and as Executive Vice President & Treasurer of the United Nations Association of New York. He speaks five languages (Dutch, English, French, Spanish and German) and has traveled extensively on business in Europe, the Middle East, Central and Greater Asia, and North America.