We started the ATC BBQ way back in the year 2000. Very small with maybe 40 people taking part and without any kind of organisation as we have today. The initial idea for it was to protest against the looming separation of Tower and Approach. We wanted to show our unity by having a party together and additionally we wanted to get in touch with our customers. We could not avoid that FRA Tower/Approach got divided by the the end of 2005, but the BBQ stayed and became bigger and bigger throughout the years. One of our goals at that time was to stay in contact with the controllers of the other of the divided units or, as it is mostly now, to meet and get to know members of the other part we only know by telephone and intercom during work. The other main goal is of course to get in touch with airliners who are coming to Frankfurt. It is always interesting and a good thing to exchange different points of view for pilots and air traffic controllers and a great opportunity to meet people working in aviation business from all over the world. But even more important: it is a lot of fun! So be there, be part of it and help us to continue the ATC BBQ to be a success!