IFES World Summit 2026 in Munich: Navigating Change, Shaping What’s Next
The IFES World Summit 2026 brought the global IFES network together in Munich from 16–19 June for four days of learning, discussion, connection and shared perspective.
Held under the theme “Navigating Change, Shaping What’s Next”, this year’s Summit created space for the exhibition and event services community to look closely at the forces shaping our industry, from technology, AI and market development to experiential expectations, future talent, outreach, creativity and collaboration. Munich, with its strong exhibition heritage and international business culture, proved a fitting setting for a programme focused on progress, resilience and practical exchange.
The Summit opened on Wednesday with the IFES Annual General Meeting, bringing members together to reflect on the Federation’s direction and the priorities ahead. The afternoon programme included a visit to the Dachau Memorial Site, offering delegates a moment of deep reflection before the evening gathering at Bavarie at BMW World.
Thursday’s programme set a strong pace, beginning with the IFES Talent Team’s morning run before the official opening with Han Leenhouts. The day explored future market direction, data and research outlooks with Sebastian Witt, followed by Rico Bakker and “The Power of a Bad Idea”. In the afternoon, delegates moved into networking sessions before turning to one of the most important conversations of the moment: AI, ethics and the social impact of technology, led by Dr Auxane Boch. The day closed with Charles Pappas with “Steal This Idea: Six Trends from Expo 2025 & One Lie” before delegates continued the conversation over dinner at Hofbräuhaus.
Friday built on this momentum with a programme that looked directly at audience engagement, experience design and future-facing communication. A thought-provoking panel on What makes us the Unique Buying Reason for our Clients, moderated by Jörg Zeissig, brought together voices from across the industry, including representatives connected to Holtmann+, Damböck and Messe München. Helena Klaus then explored scalable outreach in a world shaped by LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram, while Hannah Cox shared “Project Salt Run – A Story of What’s Possible”, offering a powerful deeply personal reminder of what focus, commitment and imagination can achieve. The formal programme concluded with the handover to host city Lake Garda, Italy and a rousing closing session.
As always, the real strength of the IFES World Summit was found not only on stage, but in the conversations around it. Across coffee breaks, lunches, sponsor moments, networking sessions and evening gatherings, members reconnected, new relationships were formed and the trust-based spirit of the IFES network was once again clear.
The Summit also reinforced the value of intergenerational exchange. From established industry leaders to the next generation represented through the IFES Talent Team, Munich created space for different perspectives to be heard and for shared challenges to be approached with openness and energy.
Saturday offered a final opportunity to connect more informally, with delegates joining a full-day trip to Tegernsee, including a boat trip and brewery tour, a fitting close to a Summit shaped as much by personal connection as by professional insight.
IFES extends its sincere thanks to the host sponsors, speakers, moderators, partners, contributors and every delegate who helped make the Munich Summit such a success. Their openness, expertise and willingness to engage gave real substance to this year’s theme.
The IFES World Summit 2026 has now closed, but the ideas, conversations and partnerships formed in Munich will continue to shape the Federation’s work and the wider exhibition and event services industry in the months ahead.
Munich reminded us that change is not something we face alone. Through trust, collaboration and shared knowledge, the IFES network is ready to help shape what comes next.