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 enhanced with effective future-oriented concepts that encompass the triad of sustainability, responsibility, and digitalization. Operational decision-makers across the entire value chain come together for regular, peer-level dialogue to shape the future of the entire food industry through intensive and innovative collaboration. The restructuring also considered the future-proof participation of upcoming generations.
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 network of the food industry, collaboratively developing sustainable, innovative, and future-proof solutions while setting trends rather than following them. All operational decision-makers in the industry 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 additional weight and the industry even greater innovative strength, we invite all operational decision-makers from the food and beverage sector to strengthen their networking through a club membership, preparing for the future. Additionally, we are opening, diversifying, and individualizing the symposium to address the needs of future generations. In this way, the symposium evolves from a dialogue platform into a future platform, bringing all players in the value chain to the table with its new approach, centered around 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 upcoming year with high-profile speakers and an evening event. In the second half of the year, we also invite operational decision-makers to engage in peer-level exchanges. At CONNECT, this takes place through a focused conference, complemented by an inspiring food arena and relaxed networking opportunities, contributing to a novel presentation 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.
Starting in 2026, exclusive additional offerings and formats will be available for club members of Symposium Essen + Trinken: innovative CLUB TALKS (LUNCH/DINNER/BREAKFAST) with industry insiders, as well as sociable CLUB EVENTS featuring invitations to special occasions such as Oktoberfest.
Also exclusive to club members is the FOODYNSIDER podcast by the Symposium, featuring exciting monthly episodes with diverse 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!
Everything about the Club
Are you an operational decision-maker in the food industry interested in club membership or looking to become a club member?
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