This year’s general meeting took place on 27 November 2025 at the Munich Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which is also the venue for the MCSC (next edition: 12–13 February 2026). With almost 100 participants, the meeting demonstrated the active and enthusiastic involvement of our members in shaping the network.
New board elected
During the meeting, a new board was elected to serve for the next two years. The committee now consists of: Sebastian Dännart, Gabi Dreo Rodosek, Claudia Eckert, Falk Herrmann, Wieland Holfelder, Andreas Kind, Tobias Kiesling, Gabriele Meier, Gabriel von Mitschke-Collande, Alexander Schellong and Philipp P. Spangenberg. Together, they will oversee the security network and determine its strategic direction over the next two years.
Review of a successful year
The general meeting provided comprehensive insight into the network’s diverse activities in 2025. Among other things, organisational developments such as expanding the office with Antje Hickethier and Roberta Walser, modernising the website, and developing membership numbers were presented. In terms of content, the network reflected on numerous activities: These included MCSC 2025, the highly successful first DEFCON event (to continue in 2026), political dialogues in Brussels, Tokyo, Washington and Nairobi to enhance international visibility, and new initiatives such as monthly Meetups and additional opportunities for dialogue with Berlin MPs.
The network’s technically innovative initiatives also received a positive response. For example, the “Tech Days” event in the summer brought together start-ups and well-established technology companies from various industries. In addition, formats such as the Itsa Townhall Meeting also took place. Existing partnerships, including those with UnternehmerTUM, were further expanded. The addition of twelve new members in 2025, who will contribute their knowledge and commitment to the network, was particularly gratifying.
Valuable insights from high-profile guest lecturers
Two guest lectures provided key thematic highlights: Thomas Goger, Chief Public Prosecutor and Deputy Head of the Bavarian Cybercrime Centre, spoke on “AI, Cybercrime, and the Future of Law Enforcement.” Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Eva-Maria Kern, President of the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich, examined “Technological Sovereignty as a Security Strategy – Research and Innovation for Tomorrow’s Defence” in her lecture. Both contributions offered valuable insights and sparked lively discussion among the participants.
Afterwards, participants took the opportunity to continue the discussions, make new contacts and bring the successful year to a close together at year-end gathering.
Season’s greetings and outlook for 2026
The general meeting once again emphasised the importance of the Security Network Munich e.V. as a platform for exchange, cooperation and knowledge transfer. With this strong support, we are looking forward to an exciting 2026 and the next MCSC in February. We would like to thank all our members for their commitment and wish them a restful Christmas and a successful and healthy new year! The Security Network is starting the new year with momentum: the MCSC kick-off will take place on 14 January 2026 at the Bavarian Representation in Brussels. MCSC 2026 will follow on 12 and 13 February at the Munich Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In addition, the monthly meet-ups and other events and dialogue formats will continue in the coming year (dates to follow).