In addition to the gripping scientific program, the historic city of Regensburg provided many memorable occasions: the opening of the conference was held at the Old Town Hall, which was home to the so-called “Eternal Diet” (the parliament of the Holy Roman Empire between 1663 and 1806). This historic environment stimulated the participants to rich discussions already on the first evening, and set the tone for the scientific program that was to come during the week. The conference site, at the University of Regensburg, was filled with engaging conversations throughout the week, be it discussions following the oral contributions or academic discourse during the poster sessions on Monday and Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the conference participants could attend an excursion in the form of a boat trip on the Danube to visit the Walhalla memorial. Constructed between 1830 and 1842, this neo-classical German hall of fame houses over 65 plaques and 130 busts of famous German people and personalities, covering over 2,000 years of history. In addition, a glorious panoramic view over the Danube with Regensburg in the distance was a highlight. Regensburg's 11th- to 13th-century architecture still defines the character of the town, which could be vividly experienced at the symposium banquet on Thursday evening, which took place in the Minorites Church, an old monastery church which is part of the Historical Museum of the City of Regensburg.
I am also extremely grateful for the excellent advice and support of my colleagues on the International Advisory Board, the National Advisory Committee and the Local Organizing Committee during the development of this exciting program. I hope all of the 342 participants from 22 countries enjoyed this great meeting of contemporary main group chemistry as much as we did.