On 5 February 2026 Frankfurt will set the compass for the global consumer goods industry. At Compass Talks 2026, international industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and visionaries will come together to discuss the future of the global consumer goods market.
Envisioning the Future of the Global Consumer Goods Market
The Compass Talks are the new meeting point for decision-makers from politics, business, trade and media – and a platform where small and medium-sized enterprises can make their voices heard and help shape the transformation of the industry. The conference will focus on the key forces shaping tomorrow’s industry: artificial intelligence, regulation, platform strategies and sustainability.
The new IFH Industry Index provides, for the first time, a global overview of trends, opportunities and challenges across the sector – offering valuable, data-driven insights into the future of trade and consumption. Moderated by Frauke Holzmeier (ntv/RTL) and Thorsten Giersch (Markt und Mittelstand), the Compass Talks promise lively, insightful and forward-thinking discussions – compact, inspiring and on equal footing.
Programme
1:00 p.m. | Opening: Frauke Holzmeier (Moderation)
1:10 p.m. | State of the Industry: Detlef Braun (Messe Frankfurt)
1:25 p.m. | Keynote: Sharon Gai – “How to do more with less using AI”
1:55 p.m. | Panel 1: Future X Commerce: Leopold Grupp (Stölzle Lausitz), Jonathan Roxlau (Wurm), Klaus Striebich (Consultant RaRE Advise, former board member of German Council of Shopping-Places)
2:35 p.m. | Break
3:15 p.m. | IFH-Branchenindex: Dr. Ralf Deckers (IFH Köln)
3:30 p.m. | Panel 2: Regulation, Reporting, Redesign: Jan-Frederik Kremer (Industrieverband Schneid- und Haushaltswaren), Guilhem Pinault (La Brigade de Buyer), Mads Ring Damgaard (Stelton)
4:00 p.m. | Panel 3: Best Practices: Finn-Maximilian Hillen (Recozy Sustainable Manufacturing), Christina Mayr (Westwing), Sebastian Müller (Max Gründl) – Moderation Thorsten Giersch
4:30 p.m. | Keynote: Ben Hammersley – “The wrong ways to think about tomorrow”
5:00 p.m. | Closing: Frauke Holzmeier
5:10 p.m. | Get-Together
Two outstanding keynotes will deliver powerful impulses and inspiration:
Sharon Gai – AI and innovation expert and former executive at Alibaba – explores in her keynote “How to do more with less using AI” how companies can harness artificial intelligence to become more efficient, creative and resilient. Recognised as one of the leading global voices on AI and digital transformation, she has worked with organisations including TEDx, Singularity University, UBS, Deloitte, Walmart, LVMH, Nestlé and Coca-Cola.
Ben Hammersley – Futurist, Author and Digital Thought Leader, founder of Hammersley Futures and inventor of the word “Podcast” – reveals how technology and societal change are reshaping our world, and how to navigate complexity with confidence.
Participation
Would you like to attend the Compass Talks 2026?
Please contact our press team at:
press.consumergoodsfairs@messefrankfurt.com
We recommend registering early, as attendance is limited. Admission is only possible with a valid ticket.