Some 50 friends and colleagues I have worked with in HP, Syngenta and Novartis have gathered last Friday to celebrate my farewell after 15 years in Hewlett-Packard.

The event took place at the “Kunstraum Kieswerk” in Weil am Rhein. It is a former gravel plan and concrete factory which has been declared now as industry heritage. The artists Volker Scheurer and his wife have made the place their home and their art workshop. I was able to rent the gallery in the first floor, a fancy place for my farewell celebration. The superb catering has been arranged by Mr. Völker from Restaurant Erdmanshöhle in Hasel. I have only heard excellent reactions on both, location and catering. Thank you Mr. Scheurer and Völker and your teams, your contribution was key for the great outcome of the event.

When I started the event planning some weeks ago, I was a bit nervous on choosing the right day in the week and the right location. Will the guest come on a Friday night and will the travel the long way to Basel? Overlooking the guest list today – I am so honored that so many joined the party. Bill and Dale travelled from US, Radek from Bratislava, Stephanie from Grenoble (via Paris…) and so on.  And finally the location – in retrospective there would have been no better place. Most of you know (and have experienced over the years) that I am a fan of inspiring locations. The mixture between art workshop, creativity, improvisation, hidden corners, oddness and art gallery was just unique. The right place to celebrate.

There was as well an uncertainty in my heart until the last moment whether it will become an emotional and sad evening or a glittering party. I am really happy that it was the latter. There were so many jokes and anecdotes during the evening and I could see only smiling faces. Special thanks to Andy, Tjerk, Bill, Nick, Clement and Liliana for your kind words. Was a pleasure to listen to it!

You remember the red donation box, quite a bit of money came together. I have not finally decided to whom to donate, there are couple ideas in the room. I will keep you updated on the forward here.

To see all pictures: http://www.tripleapictures.com/my-hp-farewell-party

Thanks again and see you soon. The world is small!

Wilfried