Industry Trends & Innovation

The events industry is calling for less red tape and better conditions for international events in Germany.

With ‘wtf26 – we transform future’, fwd: Bundesvereinigung Veranstaltungswirtschaft e. V. once again created a forum at the PALAIS FRANKFURT on 25 and 26 June 2026, where key issues facing the events industry were discussed and explored in depth.

An association thrives on the commitment of its members and on direct dialogue with them. This became clear at the 2026 Annual General Meeting of fwd: Bundesvereinigung Veranstaltungswirtschaft e.V., which took place on 26 June as part of wtf26 – we transform future at the PALAIS in Frankfurt. Through dialogue, perspectives from across the industry were brought together, relevant developments were analysed, and impetus was provided for the association’s future work.

Konstanz, 3 July 2026 – The specialist portal EVENTFAQ will resume active operations in August. Furthermore, the newly established Cosima GmbH will serve as a new centre of excellence for event safety and event management from September onwards. The aim is to carry on Thomas Waetke’s life’s work in keeping with his vision and to support the events industry with high-quality training, up-to-date specialist knowledge and practical expertise.

Karben, 1 July 2026 – satis&fy AG is setting the course for the future and its structural development: With effect from 1 May 2026, the company expanded its Executive Board from two to three members and appointed Norbert Tomkiewicz to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). At the same time, two key management roles within the company have been filled – with a new Managing Director for the headquarters in Karben and a new Head of IT.

Berlin, 1 July 2026 – The Association of Professional Wireless Production Technologies e. V. (APWPT) has criticised recent proposals by telecommunications companies to reallocate the 600 MHz frequency band from cultural uses to mobile communications. The association’s analysis shows that such a reallocation would lead to a significant net reduction in overall economic prosperity within the European Union.

The latest issue of *Politik & Kultur*, the German Cultural Council’s newspaper, focuses on the cultural, social and economic significance of concerts, festivals and clubs

Four academic studies provide insights for festival organisation, club culture and event management

From July, public contracting authorities will be able to award contracts for services worth up to 50,000 euros in a much simpler way.

The long-serving president of the association passed away on 24 June at the age of 82. Fischer shaped the German hospitality industry for decades – playing a key role in securing the reduction in VAT for the hotel sector, the abolition of taxation on tips and the tax exemption for service charges. A passionate host and networker.

The proposed new regulations are intended to allow for longer working days whilst at the same time making digital time recording compulsory.

The Association of Event Centres has warned of a loss of frequency spectrum for wireless microphones and in-ear systems. A study commissioned by Telekom, Vodafone and Telefónica recommends reallocating spectrum in favour of mobile communications – the EVVC believes this threatens the very existence of concerts and shows.

The events industry in Central Germany is gaining a new voice: on 2 June, the industry association fwd: established its regional branch covering the three federal states. The aim is to foster regional networking, raise the profile of industry issues and engage in dialogue with policymakers. The executive board, led by Ulf Künemund, is now getting down to work.

The industry event “wtf26 – we transform future”, taking place at the end of June, will focus primarily on artificial intelligence, the circular economy and new requirements for sustainable event concepts.

Event organisers, sponsors and service providers must prepare for a more challenging market environment and greater risks.

The new BDKV guidelines provide guidance on direct licensing and help event organisers make legally sound decisions.

Anyone offering in-person, online and hybrid tickets will need to take a closer look in future to avoid tax risks.

New clarifications under employment law regarding on-call duty could significantly alter staff planning in the events industry.

The temporary reduction in energy tax could provide some relief for the events industry during the peak season.

Revised guidelines for petrol and diesel prices make it easier to budget for transport and shuttle services.

On 28 May 2026 in Berlin, the two event platforms eventbook.com and eventlocations.com were once again awarded the title ‘Germany’s Best Online Portals 2026’. The prize is awarded by the German Institute for Service Quality (DISQ) in collaboration with the news channel ntv.