BDT Club Convention at the SAP Garden in Munich: Awards, networking and fresh ideas for the industry

Berlin/Munich, 22 October 2026 – The Federal Association of German Discotheques and Dance Venues (BDT, part of the DEHOGA Federal Association) presented the 2026 BDT Discotheque Entrepreneur Award to Thomas Kubitza of Inkognito Celle at the BDT Club Convention in the SAP Garden, Munich. In front of some 170 club operators and discotheque entrepreneurs from Germany and Austria, BDT President Holger Bösch presented the industry’s highest honour. The laudatory speech was delivered by Bavarian Minister of State Michaela Kaniber. The BDT Innovation Award went to the ‘Asian Sensation’ event concept.

Thomas Kubitza has been shaping the Inkognito in Celle for more than three decades. Since its opening in 1993, the club – with its 1,800 square metres of floor space, various themed areas and a diverse range of music and events – has become a fixture in the region’s nightlife. From black music, funk and soul through to Schlager and disco-fox, right up to electronic genres: the Inkognito appeals to different generations and audiences. Kubitza has been running the venue since 1998 and is involved in all areas – from management and technical operations right through to the music.

In her laudatory speech, Michaela Kaniber, Bavarian Minister of State for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism, paid tribute to his passion, his personal commitment and his close bond with the team. In doing so, Kubitza has shaped Inkognito over decades and continuously developed it further.

The BDT has been awarding the Nightclub Entrepreneur Prize since 1985 to individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the reputation of the German nightclub industry and have been active in the sector for at least 15 years.

BDT Innovation Award for ‘Asian Sensation’

The‘Asian Sensation’concept was honoured with the BDT Innovation Award. Gurpreet Sethi and Ami Thisaveerasingam have developed a series of parties under the umbrella of the marketing agency Next Choice that combines Asian music and club culture with European nightlife. K-pop, vinahouse and Chinese pop meet hip-hop and international hits.

The jury was impressed by the original concept, which boasts a clear identity, a distinctive aesthetic and a strong community. “Asian Sensation” creates an open space in which Asian culture is presented as natural, modern and self-assured. Packed dance floors and the positive response showed that the idea brings people together and reaches new target audiences. “From keen observation and a wealth of personal experience, a brand with real appeal has emerged in a short space of time,” said Bösch. “Gurpreet Sethi and Ami Thisaveerasingam are thinking beyond the party series and developing a clear vision for the future of their concept.”

The winners can look forward to two VIP tickets for a Red Bull Experience in Salzburg. This includes an exclusive guided tour of Red Bull Hangar-7, a Flying Bulls Experience, dinner at the Ikarus restaurant and an overnight stay at a partner hotel.

Discussions on the future of the industry

The Club Convention brought together decision-makers from the nightclub industry to discuss current challenges and new perspectives. The programme featured talks and workshops on the expectations of Generation Z, staff planning and new pop-up concepts. The event was organised with the support of Red Bull.

“Our industry is under economic pressure. This makes open dialogue and new ideas that stand the test of everyday operations all the more important,” said Bösch. “The award winners impressively demonstrate just how much innovative drive and passion there is in nightlife.”

About the Federal Association of German Discotheques and Dance Venues (BDT within DEHOGA):

The BDT is the specialist trade association for discotheque and club operators in Germany. Since 1981, the BDT has been part of the DEHOGA Federal Association and represents the industry’s interests in society, politics and the public sphere. Our aim is to continuously improve the operating conditions for our businesses and to be a strong voice for the sector. www.dehoga-bdt.de