Celebrating 20 years

Potsdam, June 19 2026, around 5 p.m.: Clear skies with temperatures just over 30 degrees. The flag ship of the Weiße Flotte, the MS Sanssouci, anchors near Lange Brücke. A red carpet leads onto the ship decorated in cyan. The first guests have been served their welcome drinks. Time to celebrate 20 years of D-LABS!

Clinking glasses on the Havel with a beautiful view.

Two decades, one night

D-LABS is proud to be based in Potsdam. It was important to us not only to celebrate our achievements over the past 20 years, but also the place where it all began. The event kicked off with a performance by the marching band Fanfarenzug Potsdam e.V., which represents Brandenburg’s capital at competitions around the world since 1963. We took in the most beautiful sights along the waterfront and reminisced during our round trip on the river Havel; the MS Sanssouci then returned to the pier, where our cocktail party with the iconic Potsdam skyline as a backdrop continued well into the night. The big fireworks at the end not only lit up the night sky, but announced a new decade for D-LABS.

Fanfarenzug Potsdam e.V. performing at the pier

These past two decades of company history are owed to the people who are and have been part of D-LABS — team members, customers, project and network partners, and other companions on this journey. CEO Jörn Hartwig particularly emphasized family members in his opening speech, as they, too, provide support behind the scenes and make a lot possible. D-LABS’ human-centered approach doesn’t just apply to our work but to the company itself, something the past 20 years have shown as well!

Jörn among party guests. He’s wearing a medal the team made for the occasion.

Happy Birthday, D-LABS!

People from every era of D-LABS gathered on the MS Sanssouci that summer night. Just like any good birthday party, there were gifts, everyone enjoyed delicious food and drinks, chatted, and danced albeit on a larger scale than usual. The flying buffet from the kitchen of El Puerto right at the pier, as well as DJ Eric Know and his live band DINAMIC, created a truly special and exclusive atmosphere.

A sampler of our various entrées: vitello tonato, caprese salad, gazpacho.

Eric Know deejaying on the upper deck.

With the summer solstice just around the corner, the party guests were able to enjoy the golden hour for longer than usual. As darkness fell, the fireworks offered a dazzling display of light and color that had everyone heading to the upper deck to watch. The final round was announced at the cocktail bar shortly before midnight and everyone danced their hearts out to the last song by the Backstreet Boys. The party was over, the anniversary celebrated in style — what a night!

Fireworks over the MS Sanssouci clad in D-LABS colors.

Here is the event gallery with all impressions from 20 Years of D-LABS.