Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events

The local government financial crisis and the future of the performing arts sector at the INTHEGA conference

Starnberg, July 2026 – Following last year’s double anniversary – 25 years of ILLERHAUS Marketing and 20 years of the MICE Industry Gathering at Lake Starnberg – ILLERHAUS Marketing is continuing its success story.

Around 900 cultural leaders and performing arts professionals made the 2026 INTHEGA Congress the largest industry gathering to date for the German-speaking touring theatre sector. In addition to a record number of visitors and the announced expansion of the theatre market from 2027, INTHEGA also set the tone in cultural policy with a strong appeal for artistic freedom.

With the abolition of the duty-free allowance, imports from non-EU countries will become more expensive and more complicated.

From 21–22 September, the EVVC is hosting the 27th Management Conference at the Rhein-Mosel-Halle. Highlights: Keynote speeches by trend visionary Sabine Rogg and Ivo Hennekes, site inspections (Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Sayner Hütte), and ‘Youngster’ tickets for up-and-coming talent. #wirgehenrhein

For the first time, the awards ceremony and the industry party will take place on separate dates: the BrandEx Award, on 19 January 2027, will honour creative excellence, whilst the boe night, on 20 January 2027, invites guests to a major networking and celebration event in conjunction with boe international. Double the excitement!

From 29 June to 1 July, the Stadthalle Bielefeld is hosting the most important industry gathering in the German-speaking touring theatre scene. Highlights: Theatre market featuring 190 exhibitors, a symposium on future trends, and the INTHEGA Awards ceremony, including ‘DIE NEUBERIN 2026’.

From participant management to admin access – this new guide explains what to look out for when it comes to role-based access rights, multi-factor authentication and single sign-on. Plus: protection against vulnerabilities, common login issues and solutions for on-site QR check-in.

For the first time, growth in the German trade fair industry is slowing: exhibitors down 2.3%, stand space down 4.6% (Q1 2026). Visitor numbers remain stable at +0.9%. AUMA chief Harting warns of location costs and bureaucracy. 2025 was still thoroughly positive. Summit meeting on 9 June in Berlin.

Conference hotels and conference centres are increasingly having to adapt their services to meet the requirements of DIN 33463.

Booking, participant data, live streams - control everything centrally? A specialised CMS event system makes it possible. The overview shows the three system types (WordPress plugins, enterprise CMS, hybrid platforms), technical integration requirements and AI-supported live subtitles for accessible events.

The CongressCentrum Pforzheim is investing heavily in the future. By the end of 2027, all halls will gradually be modernised with new lighting and energy-efficient air conditioning technology. This will make the largest conference centre between Karlsruhe and Stuttgart even more climate-friendly and keep it up to date. The first closures will begin in July 2026. Find out here what is planned and how the team is flexibly reorganising events.