To mark the start of summer on the longest day of the year—June 21, 2026—participants from across the Cologne/Bonn region gathered at the Beethoven Hall in the federal city of Bonn. Around 750 stakeholders from politics, public administration, academia, and the business sector had registered in advance for the “Long Day of the Region” (Langer Tag der Region), the annual networking event organized by the Region Köln/Bonn association.
Coming right after the 2025 local elections—which resulted in numerous political offices and roles being filled by new incumbents—this regional gathering offered an ideal opportunity to forge new contacts, strengthen existing networks, and engage in dialogue about the region’s future. Direct exchange and close cooperation across municipal and institutional boundaries are essential prerequisites for successfully addressing current challenges and advancing future-oriented initiatives together.
This year’s “Long Day of the Region” was organized in close cooperation with the federal city of Bonn and Sparkasse KölnBonn. True to tradition, the event kicked off with an extensive excursion program. A total of more than 600 places were available to participants across 15 themed excursions. Whether on foot, by bicycle, by bus, or on the water, the tours offered diverse perspectives on the federal city of Bonn, allowing participants to experience the challenges and potential solutions associated with sustainable transformation through concrete local projects and initiatives.
The event highlighted numerous forward-looking projects in areas such as urban and open-space development, housing, the energy and heating transition, innovation, science, the economy, and culture. At the same time, exemplary initiatives from the Cologne/Bonn region’s agglomeration program took center stage.
At the subsequent reception, Bonn’s Mayor Guido Déus welcomed guests to the Beethoven Hall and emphasized the importance of this annual networking event. The strong response impressively demonstrates the strength of regional cooperation within Region Köln/Bonn e.V. The association’s strategic, collaborative, and project-oriented work is of particular importance, especially in light of the diverse challenges faced.
Sebastian Schuster, District Administrator of the Rhein-Sieg district and Chairman of the Board of Region Köln/Bonn e.V., emphasized the special role of this year’s meeting as a platform for exchange among newly elected local government representatives and the region’s 31 new chief administrative officials. The networking event offers a unique opportunity to bring together people who wish to actively shape the region’s future.

Sparkasse KölnBonn is celebrating a special anniversary this year, looking back on 200 years of regional ties. Chairman of the Board Ulrich Voigt emphasized the institution’s close relationship with the region and reaffirmed Sparkasse’s commitment to supporting local projects and people in the future. He described the “Long Day of the Region” (*Langer Tag der Region*) as an outstanding example of how shared goals and regional responsibility bring people together and shape the future. Against this backdrop, Sparkasse KölnBonn supports the event with great conviction and has already pledged its backing for the 2027 edition.
A cultural highlight followed, featuring the Beethoven Orchestra Bonn under the direction of General Music Director Dirk Kaftan, joined by pianist Hyung-ki Joo. Guests not only experienced the ensemble’s musical quality and versatility but also witnessed the superb acoustics of the extensively renovated Beethoven Hall. The concert impressively demonstrated the importance of culture—and distinctive cultural venues—to the region’s identity and appeal. The performance was met with prolonged applause and a standing ovation.
Subsequently, a panel discussion titled “Region – Relevance – Direction” addressed the future of the Cologne/Bonn region as a hub for science and research. The panelists included Prof. Dr. Marion Halfmann, President of Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences; Prof. Dr. Sylvia Heuchemer, President of TH Köln (University of Applied Sciences); Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Hoch, Rector of the University of Bonn; and Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs and Media of North Rhine-Westphalia and Head of the State Chancellery.
The panelists agreed that the region possesses excellent prerequisites to further strengthen its position as a leading hub for science, innovation, and technology. Higher education institutions, companies, research facilities, and municipalities are closely interconnected and are already successfully collaborating on future-oriented topics such as digital transformation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and aerospace. At the same time, targeted investments in existing potential and faster political decision-making processes are required to further strengthen international competitiveness. The large number of graduates who remain in the region after their studies to work for local companies underscores the pivotal role higher education institutions play in innovation, securing a skilled workforce, and driving structural change.
The “Long Day of the Region” concluded on the Rhine terrace of the Beethoven Hall. In a relaxed atmosphere, guests took the opportunity to deepen existing contacts, forge new networks, and—inspired by the day’s many insights—exchange views on the future development of the Cologne/Bonn region.