Dear IFES Community,
We find ourselves in a moment that demands two things at once: clarity of direction and discipline in execution. The pace of change across our industry is not slowing, but accelerating. And while it is tempting to focus solely on what lies ahead, our real challenge is more nuanced: we must shape the future while delivering in the present.
As we had to relocate our World Summit for obvious reasons, we have not only found a new fit for the event, but also a new theme for our 2026 IFES World Summit in Munich, “Navigating Change, Shaping What’s Next”. This is more than just a slogan. It reflects the reality in which we all operate and sets the tone for our collective strategic direction.
Once more, I would like to point out that while we are committed to hosting a World Summit in Dubai in the near future, we are now focusing on our 2026 event in Munich.
From Theme to Action
A theme only matters if it translates into decisions. For IFES, this means sharpening our focus on three critical dimensions:
First, flexibility. The traditional playbooks are no longer sufficient. Market conditions, client expectations, and geopolitical influences are shifting too quickly. IFES must serve as a platform that enables its members to adapt – faster, smarter, and with greater resilience within the community.
Second, global collaboration. Our strength has always been our network, based on a joint commitment and values. Collaboration today needs to go beyond just connection to drive tangible outcomes. Whether it is shared standards, joint solutions, or coordinated market approaches, working together is no longer optional; it is a competitive necessity. We already hold the keys to many of those relevant doors. Let’s coordinate how to use them for the best outcome.
Third, forward-looking initiatives. We cannot afford to be reactive. IFES must actively identify and shape the topics that will define our industry in the coming years to increase the value of IFES and your membership within this prestigious community. Be it education, sustainability frameworks, digital integration, or evolving client demands, the Summit in Munich will not just reflect these conversations but will help structure them.
Managing Today While Building Tomorrow
At the same time, we must remain grounded in operational reality. Many of our members are navigating economic pressures, shifting demand cycles, and increasing cost structures. Strategic ambition must therefore go hand in hand with practical support.
This is where alignment with partners becomes critical. Let’s learn from each other, upgrading practical playbooks that work best. By strengthening collaboration across our ecosystem – clients, organisers, service providers, and industry bodies – we have them all in the house to create stability at home while building momentum globally. A fragmented approach weakens all of us; alignment strengthens each individual business.
Investing in the Next Generation
Perhaps the most important lever for shaping what comes next beyond data and knowledge is people – specifically, the next generation of leaders within ITT.
ITT goes beyond supporting young talent; we are actively building the leadership pipeline our industry will depend on. Following the kick-off with mentorship or exchange programs, we are developing this even further. It requires real commitment: mentoring, inclusion in decision-making, and creating space for new perspectives to challenge established thinking.
If we want a future-proof industry, we must be willing to let the future participate in shaping it now. We are ready to support!
Providing Orientation in Uncertain Times
In times of uncertainty, the human brain works best, providing clarity to become a form of leadership. IFES has a role to play in providing that orientation, identifying the major themes that matter, cutting through noise, and helping members prioritise what truly drives long-term value.“ Navigating Change, Shaping What’s Next ” is therefore not just about adaptation. It is about intentional direction. It is about deciding, together, where we want to go and building the structures that will get us there.
Munich will be an important milestone in this journey. But the real work happens before and after: in how we collaborate, how we invest, and how we lead.
My new slogan – the NEED TO MEET – makes me feel very excited to talk to all of you in person, who will be able to travel to the World Summit 2026. Our World Summit is the best opportunity to define our future success by making the right choices collectively.
Warm regards,
Jorg
