Summit@Berlin | September 2026

Many students cite Summits as one of the most valuable aspects of the MBA program. Summits add important depth to your MBA, exposing you to new cultures, immersing you in global business hubs, and giving you the chance to form stronger relationships with business leaders, faculty, staff, and perhaps most important, your classmates.

When: The Summit@Berlin is held from September 10-13, 2026 and is worth 1 elective credit hour. To add the Immersion to Lithuania and Estonia (for an additional 2 elective credits), read more here.

Hotel: Westin Grand Berlin (5-star property). Situated in the Mitte district on the corner of Friedrichstraße and Unter den Linden, it is within walking distance of attractions like the Brandenburg Gate and offers direct access to public transport. Please note, partners or families may join you in your room for the weekend, but are not permitted to join any aspects of Summit programming. If you have another person in your room, this will incur an additional cost not covered by UNC. (Note, partners cannot join the Immersion in any capacity.)

Partner School: ESMT Berlin. Expect academic sessions led by world-class ESMT faculty, as well as industry leaders. ESMT Berlin is Germany’s leading business school.

Why Berlin? Studying the business environment in Germany, especially Berlin, provides a real-world view of how a leading global economy balances industrial strength with innovation. Berlin’s vibrant startup ecosystem shows how entrepreneurship can thrive within complex regulatory systems such as the General Data Protection Regulation. Students also gain insight into sustainability leadership through initiatives like the Energiewende and learn how policy, culture, and history shape modern business decisions. Together, these elements make Berlin a compelling lens for understanding global strategy, responsible leadership, and market expansion within Europe.

Activities:

Thursday night reception: Rooftop restaurant inside Humboldt Forum Berlin. The Humboldt Forum is one of Berlin’s most important cultural landmarks, housed in the reconstructed Berlin Palace at the heart of the city. It stands on the historic site of Berlin’s former Royal Palace, once the residence of the Hohenzollern dynasty and a symbol of Prussian power. Severely damaged in World War II, the palace was later demolished by the GDR and replaced with the Palace of the Republic, before being reconstructed in recent years with its original Baroque façades. Today, the Humboldt Forum is a major cultural center dedicated to global cultures, dialogue, and exchange, bringing together exhibitions, collections, and perspectives from around the world. It reflects both Berlin’s complex history and its modern identity as an open, international city.

The rooftop terrace, where the Restaurant Baret combines creative cuisine with breathtaking views over the city’s historic center, including the Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island. It’s a perfect spot to relax and take in the skyline at this most famous must-see site. 10 min walk from The Westin Grand.

Friday evening dinner: Café am Neuen See. Café am Neuen See is a charming lakeside venue tucked into the heart of Tiergarten park. Its spacious outdoor terrace sits beneath tall trees, offering direct views of the tranquil Neuer See, making it an idyllic spot for dining or enjoying a drink. The café has a warm, inviting interior for cooler months, while in summer and fall it becomes a great place to experience your traditional German beer garden.

Saturday afternoon excursion: You will be able to select one of 4 tour options. Each tour will focus on a different aspect of Berlin’s history, and your tour selection allows you to better tailor your weekend experience:

1.) Intro to Berlin: Explore the center of Berlin on this “must-see” private walking tour through Berlin-Mitte, where over 200 years of German and European history come to life. From the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag to the Holocaust Memorial and remnants of the Berlin Wall, you’ll trace the city’s path through empire, war, division, and reunification. Visit key sites like Unter den Linden, Checkpoint Charlie, and Museum Island, while your expert guide shares powerful stories of democracy, dictatorship, resistance, and renewal. This tour offers a rich overview of Berlin’s past and present—perfect for first-time visitors.

2.) A Taste of Berlin: Discover the creative spirit of Kreuzberg on this private walking tour through one of Berlin’s most vibrant districts. Explore street art-lined streets, multicultural neighborhoods, and local stories that shaped this former West Berlin enclave. Along the way, enjoy a tasting of Berlin street food—from the classic Currywurst to freshly baked Börek—and sample a local craft beer. A visit to the beloved Markthalle IX offers a glimpse into Berlin’s artisanal food scene, with time to explore, taste, and meet local producers. A flavorful and fun introduction to the city’s culinary and cultural soul.

3.) Berlin Beer Culture: Discover Berlin’s laid-back spirit on this private 4-hour walking and beer tour, combining history, neighborhoods, and local brewing culture. With your expert private guide, you’ll explore lively streets and hidden corners while learning how beer has shaped Berlin’s social life—from Prussian traditions to today’s craft scene. Along the way, you’ll stop at three carefully selected, iconic beer locations to sample a range of local styles, from classic Berliner Weisse to modern craft brews. The pace is relaxed, with plenty of time to walk, taste, and enjoy the atmosphere. Kindly note: the exact beer venues will be selected closer to the tour date to ensure the best atmosphere and availability.

4.) Street Art and Graffiti Tour: Discover Berlin’s creative soul on this walking tour through vibrant Kreuzberg, the city’s hub of street art, subculture, and urban expression. With your expert guide, explore hidden corners, large-scale murals, and ever-changing graffiti that reflect Berlin’s history, politics, and identity. The tour includes a visit to the iconic East Side Gallery, where a preserved stretch of the Berlin Wall has been transformed into the world’s longest open-air gallery. A dynamic and insightful experience into Berlin’s alternative scene and artistic spirit.

“Given its immense value to my personal and academic journey, the Summit should be considered an essential rite of passage for every graduating class. Its capacity to broaden horizons, foster genuine connections, and foster a profound appreciation for diverse cultures is unparalleled.” – South Africa Summit, 2023 

Questions? Contact Kaitlyn Murphy, kaitlyn_murphy@kenan-flagler.unc.edu

Kaitlyn Murphy
Associate Director, MBA Global Programs
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