On 28 January 2027, Frankfurt will once again set the direction for the global consumer goods industry. The Compass Talks mark the official launch of Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld, bringing together international industry leaders, policy-makers, thought leaders and entrepreneurs.
Under the theme ‘Envisioning the Future of the Global Consumer Goods Market’, they will discuss the industry’s most pressing issues for the future – in a fact-based, international and solution-oriented manner.
Why you should attend
- Overview: The key developments in global consumer goods markets at a glance
- Facts: Up-to-date data and insights from the global industry index.
- International perspectives: Insights from industry, retail, politics and design
- Practical solutions: Successful strategies and best practices for the future
Look forward to international speakers, fresh perspectives, fact-based discussions and practical ideas for the future of the sector.
Compass Talks 2027
Compass Talks on 28 January 2027 in Frankfurt am Main
Programme Compass Talks 2027
2:00 p.m. | Opening
2:05 p.m. | State of the Industry: IFH Köln & Messe Frankfurt
2:30 p.m. | Panel 1 Strategic Outlook Session: “Global markets under Pressure: How can retail and industry stay competitive?”
3:00 p.m. | Panel 2 Consumer Transformation Session: “From Transaction to Experience: Why emotion becomes the new business model”
3:30 p.m. | Break
4:00 p.m. | Session 3 Global Success Stories: “What already works: Three short impulses showcasing how companies are already creating growth, expanding internationally and building resilient business models in changing global markets.”
4:30 p.m. | Keynote: Dr Anne-Laure Le Cunff, “Curiosity as a Compass: The Power of Experimentation in Times of Change.”
5:00 p.m. | Closing
5:05 p.m. | Get-Together
The top speakers on stage include Dr Henning Bergmann (Chief Executive of the Federal Association of Cooperating SMEs), Dr Ralf Deckers (Head of Strategic Insights & Analytics at IFH KÖLN), Dr Peter Domma (CEO of Dining & Lifestyle and Chief Digital Officer at Villeroy & Boch), Philipp von Ludowig (Brand Director at Leuchtturm1917), Tina Norden (Principal at Conran and Partners), Jakob Wulff Moeskjær (CEO of Creativ Company) and Johan Van Maercke (CEO of Goodwill). The programme will be hosted by Mounia Berrada-Gouzi.
Ticketing
The number of participants at the Compass Talks is limited and admission is only possible with a valid ticket.
If you are interested in attending, please contact our press team at press.consumergoodsfairs@messefrankfurt.com. You can use the following link to send your request directly with the subject line “Registration Compass Talks 2027”:
“We’re living through a period of rapid technological and economic change, and the instinct is often to look for the right prediction or the perfect plan. In this keynote at Compass Talks, I will explore a different approach: treating our decisions as experiments, staying curious about what we learn, and using that learning to shape what comes next.”
Review: Compass Talks 2026
With their successful debut, the Compass Talks have established themselves as a new platform for exchange, guidance and inspiration for the future within the international consumer goods industry.
Highlights included the international keynote speeches by AI expert Sharon Gai (“How to do more with less using AI”) and futurist Ben Hammersley (“The wrong ways to think about tomorrow”). Panels featuring high-profile speakers focused on topics such as artificial intelligence, platform strategies, sustainability, regulation and successful case studies from industry and retail.
Sector index
Another milestone was the first-ever presentation of the global industry index by IFH KÖLN and Messe Frankfurt. The survey of industry representatives from more than 60 countries provided valuable insights into current market developments, future trends and the mood within the international consumer goods sector.
Preview: The findings of what will then be the third wave of the survey will be presented at the Compass Talks 2027 and will once again provide a sound data basis for discussing the sector’s key challenges and opportunities.
Directions Compass Talks
By Public Transport (Public transport is the recommended way to travel)
Arrival from the central station:
S-Bahn: Take the S-Bahn lines S3 (direction Bad Soden), S4 (direction Kronberg), S5 (direction Bad Homburg/Friedrichsdorf), or S6 (direction Friedberg/Groß Karben) for two stops to the S-Bahn station “Frankfurt (Main) Messe,” then proceed to the entrance “Torhaus.”
Arrival from the airport (or from outside Frankfurt):
Take S8 or S9 to the central station - then transfer as described above.
More Information on travel & stay