Mannheim is the second largest city in Baden-Württemberg and the commercial and cultural center of the Rhein-Neckar triangle.2.3 million people live in the area, including 320,000 in Mannheim and 165,000 commuters who work in this city. Internationally known are the products of renowned industrial corporations, produced in Mannheim. It is close to Frankfurt (31 min. by High-speed-train, 45 min. by bus) and thus to one of Europe's most important airports. 

The conference host is the University for Public Administration in Mannheim. Cooperating institutions include the Bundesanstalt für Arbeit, the State of Baden-Württemberg, the City of Mannheim, the City of Heidelberg, BASF, Siemens AG, the University of Mannheim and other European Universities.