Symposium Essen + Trinken
Shaping the future of the food industry together
Symposium Essen + Trinken
Shaping the future of the food industry together
Fit for Future: In Harmony for the Future
For more than 30 years, the symposium has stood for high-quality industry exchange. However, in recent years, society, the economy, and the industry have experienced massive disruptive changes. These are no longer limited to issues of diversification, sustainability, and responsibility for future generations. The disruption process is also technological in nature. A dialogue and organizational platform that seeks to shape the future of the industry must not only emphasize responsibility and sustainability but also keep a keen eye on the technological innovations that accompany these changes. Technological disruption and digitalization will increasingly gain importance, not only in terms of production but also in communication and as an interface between industry, trade, and consumers. This is why they will be actively considered and integrated into all events of the Symposium Essen + Trinken.
The revamped symposium introduces itself
This is also reflected in its comprehensive restructuring and expansion. Building on the proven and popular essence of the highlight events, the formats have been streamlined, modernized, and expanded with effective future concepts that encompass the entire triad of sustainability, responsibility, and digitalization. Operational decision-makers along the entire value chain regularly meet for a dialogue on equal footing, shaping the future of the entire food industry through intensive and innovative exchange. The participation of future generations, ensuring the sustainability of the sector, has also been taken into account in the restructuring.
More dialogue
Eating, drinking, and communication go hand in hand. The Symposium Essen + Trinken has exemplified this as one of the most important dialogue platforms for the food industry in the DACH region for over 30 years. Now, all players along the value chain have the opportunity to address the industry's challenges even more intensively and regularly—united in a future-secure exchange on the topics of nutrition, responsibility, sustainability, and technology.
More shaping
Leading figures from trade, industry, politics, science, agriculture, and the press become active shapers within a regularly convening food industry network, working together to develop sustainable, innovative, and future-proof solutions while setting trends instead of following them. All operational industry decision-makers are invited to join this movement through club membership and benefit from the numerous exclusive advantages of our future platform.
More future
Our goal is a strong industry that drives the future topic of nutrition within the context of responsibility and sustainability. To give this goal even more weight and to enhance the industry's innovative strength, we invite all operational decision-makers from the food and beverage sector to network more closely through a club membership and thus be better prepared for the future. Additionally, we are expanding, diversifying, and personalizing the symposium to meet the needs of future generations. In this way, the symposium evolves from a dialogue platform to a future platform, bringing together all stakeholders in the value chain with its new approach centered around the exclusive club membership and diverse formats.
Simply more symposium
Embedded within the framework of two major highlight events, which serve to set the agenda and foster fruitful dialogue along the entire value chain, the industry network is meaningfully strengthened with numerous new formats and institutions. In addition to a strong focus on youth and women, exclusive club and expert events, along with innovative information formats, provide fascinating insights and robust networking opportunities.
More of everything. For everyone.
The KICK-OFF event in spring sets the tone for the coming year with high-profile speakers and an evening event. In the second half of the year, operational decision-makers are also invited to engage in peer-to-peer exchange. At CONNECT, this happens within a focused conference that, along with an inspiring food arena and relaxed networking opportunities, contributes to a novel staging of food and drink.
The same applies to the youth congress NEXT, which will now be tailored to the specific needs of industry and trade through two different events and will be held for the first time in 2026. Additionally, a network for women in the industry is being established: WOMEN LEAD.
Exclusively for club members of Symposium Essen + Trinken, there will be additional offers and formats starting in 2026: Innovative CLUB TALKS (LUNCH/DINNER/BREAKFAST) with industry insiders, as well as social CLUB EVENTS with invitations to special occasions like Oktoberfest.
Also exclusive to club members is the Symposium's podcast, FOODYNSIDER, featuring exciting monthly episodes with various guests—operational industry decision-makers and celebrities—discussing current topics and best cases.
Welcome to the Club: Our Recipe for the Future
More understanding
for connections through the provision of essential context from science, research, politics, and business.
More future
through support and networking, empowering decision-makers, women, and the next generation of industry leaders.
More independence
through a commitment to non-partisan future-proofing of the entire industry.
More relevance
in topics, products, and concepts for the entire industry.
More impulses
through a strong focus on innovative and future-driven topics.
More events
for different target groups within the food industry.
More stakeholders
for an even stronger sense of unity.
...simply more symposium.
Bon Appetit!
English 
German