Enough of this AI hot air

How exactly is artificial intelligence changing the world of work for event professionals? Which tasks are being automated, which skills will still be important tomorrow and the day after, and what role will face-to-face interactions play in the age of AI? It’s clear – we need to talk! With the neo summit 26, the leat con, taking place on 6–7 October 2026 in Hamburg, will feature a new associated conference where the world of live communication comes together to discuss the future of event management. Tickets for the event are now on sale.

A platform for the AI transformation of the events industry

The neo summit sees itself as a platform for event managers, agencies, corporate planners, MICE professionals and executives who wish to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on the working world of the events industry. The focus is not only on technological developments, but above all on changes to working practices, business models and expectations of events.

“AI is currently transforming our industry from the ground up – yet the discussion surrounding it often remains surprisingly abstract. With neo, we’re bringing it down to earth: we’re showcasing the specific applications that event professionals are already working with, rather than merely speculating about the future,” says Marcel Courth, Director of the leat Business Unit.

“The events industry is facing one of the greatest transformations in its history. AI is already changing the way concepts are developed, content is produced, target audiences are analysed and events are marketed. At the same time, we’re seeing that face-to-face interactions and trust are becoming increasingly important in a digitalised world. It is precisely this tension that we want to discuss at the neo summit,” adds Maxi Neßmann, Product Owner of the neo summit.

Five programme pillars for strategy, practice and exchange

The neo summit takes a practical approach. Rather than theoretical future scenarios, the focus is on concrete use cases, strategies and industry experience. The event is structured around five pillars:

• Main Stage featuring talks and panels on the major transformation issues facing the events industry

• 2 workshop tracks on the following topics:

  • Strategy & Leadership for decision-makers and executives

  • GenAI Deep Dive Lab by Treibhaus, featuring practical workshops and workflows

• neo AI Fireside as a pitch platform for event tech providers

• Expo Area featuring event tech providers and solutions for the events industry

AI as a tool for better interactions

There will be a particular focus on how AI can help make events more relevant and impactful. Topics such as intelligent matchmaking, personalised attendee experiences, data-driven event optimisation and new forms of interaction will be discussed, as will the future role of event professionals.

“Face-to-face interactions are becoming increasingly relevant in the age of AI. The exciting question is how AI can actually help to make events more valuable and relevant for everyone involved. This is precisely why we want to bring together various industry players, such as corporate planners and event agencies, in one space. To facilitate a professional exchange on an equal footing, so that together we can set the course for the future of the entire industry,” concludes Neßmann.

Tickets now available

The neo summit 26 will take place on 6 and 7 October 2026 as part of leat con 26 at Hamburg Messe. Further programme details, speakers and partners will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets and further information are now available: www.leatcon.com/neo-summit/tickets/

About leat

leat is the Ebner Media Group’s platform for the entertainment and experience industry. leat brings together Live Tech, Stage Tech, Broadcast, Install and Communicate under one umbrella – serving as a horizontal platform for the vertical markets of an industry that is increasingly working across different disciplines. The key annual event is leat con in Hamburg; the programme is complemented by regional leat-x events and the neo summit. Further information: www.leatcon.com

About the neo summit

The neo summit is the AI and future forum for the events and live communications industry. It focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence on event management, marketing, creativity, leadership and business models. The event brings together event professionals, agencies, corporate planners, MICE managers and technology providers to discuss the future of events and learn about specific use cases. With a Main Stage, workshops, an Expo Area and networking sessions, the neo summit combines strategic discussion with practical knowledge. The neo summit takes place as part of the leat con in Hamburg. Further information: https://www.leatcon.com/neo-summit/