Our everyday heroes
As we welcomed over 1,000 customers and partners to Networking Days 2025 (NWD25), a dedicated group stepped up to ensure every visitor felt like a VIP from the moment they arrived in Switzerland to the moment they departed. Who were these difference-makers? The Heroes of NWD25 – a passionate team of 200 employees, were all eager to make this year’s event unforgettable.
Jaimie Larson, September 2025
Two leaders were at the heart of the Heroes initiative: Stefan Anshelm, Product Manager Grain Quality & Supply and Antonio Rossi, Junior Project Planner, Project Execution & Business Excellence Grains & Food. Both have a deep connection to Networking Days and a shared passion for service.
Stefan, who volunteered as a solutions champion in 2022, has always been inspired by the event’s unique energy. “I love the spirit of Networking Days,” Stefan says. “When the opportunity arose to help lead the team of Heroes, I was excited to take up the challenge with Antonio.”
Antonio first volunteered as a Hero during the Networking Days 2019. At that time, he was completing his Commercial Apprenticeship. He loved the atmosphere of the event and how he was able to work with so many people that he typically wouldn’t work with. “For the 2025 event, I was asked if I’d be interested in leading, and like Stefan, I loved the spirit of the event and saw it as a great opportunity to expand my network,” Antonio explains.
Recruiting 200 heroes was no small feat, but Stefan and Antonio found that the event’s spirited culture did a lot of work for them. “Many previous heroes were excited to sign up again and be part of the Networking Days,” they said. One returning Hero was Juan Antonio Galan Alba, Pricing Specialist. This was his third time volunteering as a Hero. The good atmosphere and happy faces of our visitors is what made him come back.
But that’s just the start. The real logistical challenge came in assigning the right people to the right places, said Antonio. “We had a lot of different requests from different areas.” Stefan added, “Basically, the Heroes are general support for the whole event, it’s a lot about guiding customers.” Manuela Waltert, Senior Quotation Engineer, also returned as a Hero for NWD25. Although she didn’t know what her exact role would be, she said it didn’t really matter. “Being part of NWD and feeling the very special tingling in the air is what is most exciting.”
From welcoming guests at the airport to assisting them on shuttle buses and providing support across event spaces, the NWD25 heroes were everywhere, ensuring every moment was seamless. Daniel Ott, Technical Documentation Officer, was volunteered by his supervisor for NWD22 because she said it would be a good experience for him. “She was right, I’m back again.” Daniel was a chauffeur for our customers this year.
Both leaders emphasize the power of preparation. “The most important thing is to ensure that our Heroes are well-prepared and briefed, and they know exactly what they should do during Networking Days. To make sure every Hero has what they need to make the events a success, we are running information sessions and providing detailed briefings.”
For Stefan, the most rewarding moment is when the team’s planning comes to life. “Employee Day and Inspire our People was our rehearsal. My highlight was the following Monday morning when we opened the doors for the customers and our Heroes were right at the front, welcoming guests.”
Antonio agrees, highlighting both personal and professional values. “The most rewarding part is to see that our job was successful, and that all our planning paid off. And, of course, to meet customers, feel the spirit, and hear some motivating speeches. I’d also add, it’s been so rewarding working with Stefan; I didn’t know him before, but we make a great team. We’re both really flexible and have combined our strengths to make this event extraordinary.”
The Heroes of NWD25 embodied the essence of Bühler’s culture: teamwork, flexibility, and a desire to connect. With NWD25, Stefan, Antonio, and the Heroes were more than prepared; they were inspired.
So, when you saw the sea of shirts with orange sleeves during Networking Days, know that behind the scenes was a community dedicated to making the customer experience exceptional. At NWD25, every guest truly was a VIP, thanks to the Heroes making a difference.
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