Perspectives that shape the industry
Inspiring, surprising and providing fresh impetus, the OPEN STAGE in Hall A3 is the hotspot for the topics that are currently driving the industry. Whether it’s a keynote speech, panel discussion or other talks, the OPEN STAGE provides a space for discussion on an equal footing and offers targeted approaches for your own business. Here is a first taste of the speakers: Guest world 2035 – Björn Grimm, Grimm Consulting, looks beyond the horizon and provides exciting insights into where the journey may take us. Jochen Pinsker from Circana GmbH will offer a data-driven look at opportunities, trends and challenges. Debora Schweinsberg from ProVeg will analyse the results of the Plant-based Rankings 2026 and explain how plant-based concepts are transforming the market. Sebastian Heinz of FOODBOOM GmbH will highlight how strategic B2B food content can increase sales potential. Theresa Suer of IKEA Germany will share her perspective on design and identity in the hotel industry. At the PINK CUBE on the OPEN STAGE, internationally renowned trend researcher Karin Tischer, food & more (Kaarst), curates international developments and strategically classifies them. The focus is on concepts with substance, brands that translate attention into sustainable relevance, and strategies that stand the test of the market. Under the title ‘Taste the World,’ she presents trending international cuisines, provides practical best-practice solutions including a checklist with the ‘Snack Compass,’ and, in a talk with Metin Dag and Marco Schepers, demonstrates how a gastronomic hype can be successfully scaled using the example of Mangal Döner X Lukas Podolski 10.
Inspiration to broaden horizons
As the meeting place for everyone who is rethinking food, What The Food! – by foodlab in Hall B5 is where testing, pitching, discussion and further development take place. The enhanced stage format brings together fresh perspectives, new voices and bold ideas, combining cuisine with culture, society and digital trends. The panel talks, masterclasses and fireside chats focus on food culture, visibility and innovation. Chef Fabian Saalfeld, whose restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star, will show how influencing can work together successfully with the restaurant industry, while Hannes Schröder will be providing personal insights into the development of the Alsterpavillon. Anna Gliemer from Leisure One will summarise performance marketing in the food sector, while Philipp Emde from Studio Avanti will explain why food communication has long been part of pop culture.
Additional formats that specifically highlight different industry topics add further interesting perspectives. The Deep Dive Area focuses on in-depth content and practical solutions for everyday business. The DEHOGA Club offers space for exchange within the association network and addresses entrepreneurial and structural topics, while the BACK STAGE brings artisanship, patisserie and creative processing ideas to life on the exhibition floor. The NO BULLSHIT AREA by freakstotable is all about plain language and challenges, living up to its name with honest and direct discussion. The Pizza Experience revolves around modern artisan pizza, with workshops, live shows and tastings. The highlight is the 13th German Championship of Pizzaiolas and Pizzaioli on 16 March 2026.
The conferences also offer pioneering perspectives. The International Foodservice Forum will open the trade fair on 12 March with strategic insights into the future of hospitality and foodservice, from growth and new business models to international developments. The Branchentag der Gemeinschaftsgastronomie will celebrate its 50th anniversary on 16 March. New to the programme are the Green Hospitality Conference on 14 March, focusing on sustainable solutions for the hotel, restaurant and catering, and tourism industries, and the FOOD FREEZING FORUM on 17 March, which will combine industrial freezing technology with practical applications, processes and future-oriented thinking.
The complete programme will be continually updated on the INTERNORGA website. In addition, INTERNORGA Connect, a digital event and networking platform, supports networking before, during and after the trade fair, both as a web application and on mobile devices. Features such as personalised programme overviews, appointment scheduling and smart matchmaking make visiting the trade fair even more efficient and better connected.
With this programme, INTERNORGA underlines its claim to not only reflect developments for the entire industry, but also to actively classify them. The leading international trade fair provides a space for exchange, networking and strategic orientation in a multifaceted sector that is currently reinventing itself.
Press material for download: hmc.canto.de/b/SBQD9
