AI trade fairs and data events in Germany: An overview

d:u — data:unplugged — Germany's largest and important data and AI festival (Münster)

On March 26 and 27, 2026, MCC Halle Münsterland will once again be transformed into a huge meeting place for the German data and AI scene. In just 2.5 years, d:u has developed into the leading event for data and AI in Europe. What started in 2024 with 1,000 participants and impressed with over 6,500 visitors in 2025 will be even bigger, deeper, wider and more relevant in 2026: Over 10,000 participants are expected.

The special thing about d:u is the unique combination of substantive substance and emotional experience. More than 200 speakers await visitors on five stages — from experts to C-level decision makers, from innovation leaders to scientists and politicians. More than 40 master classes offer the opportunity to dive directly into specific topics, apply them and learn specific skills.

New in 2026 is the Data and Analytics Stage, embedded in a separate data area — a class meeting of the data community with deep tech and analytics talks about everything that moves the data scene. The second-largest stage with 1,000 listeners, the previous Green Stage, will be the SME Stage with a completely new orientation: a separate stage by and for SMEs. Together with the Maschinenraum Berlin, the association for family businesses, the stage is curated. The focus here is on topics that concern SMEs: From “data readiness” to “make or buy” to “leadership in the age of AI” and “AI maturity check for your company.” Use cases from a wide range of industries and departments are presented by entrepreneurs and specialists and discussed in panels. The focus is on transfer, exchange on equal terms and specific applications from various areas.

There is also an interactive exhibition area with 150 exhibitors from the user and supplier sector. In addition to the content program over two days on 5 stages, the exchange and shared experience provides real added value. data:unplugged combines expert input, learning and dialogue with a strong shared experience.

The evening creates a real festival atmosphere: relaxed togetherness, joint celebrations and a show program with acts like Jan Delay — a perfect ending that connects teams and releases energy.

A clear added value: At d:u, food and soft drinks are included in the ticket price so that everyone can concentrate on content and networking.

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BIG BANG KI Festival (Berlin)

On September 16 and 17, 2026, the BIG BANG KI Festival takes place in Berlin. On six stages, more than 350 speakers from business, tech, health and politics share their knowledge of current AI trends.

A special highlight: All participants receive an official AI certificate as proof of continuing education. In addition to an extensive stage program, the location — the historic Alte Münze in Berlin — also offers street food stands and a wide range of networking opportunities. In 2025, British pop legends Right Said Fred created a festival atmosphere — visitors can also look forward to live entertainment in 2026.

The BIG BANG KI Festival is aimed at anyone across industries who want to understand and apply AI — from start-up founders to C-level managers.

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AI festival Heilbronn (Wohlgelegen)

On July 25 and 26, 2026, the AI festival Heilbronn Come back for a free visit. Zukunftspark Wohlgelegen will become a public platform for AI education and experience. In 2025, numerous visitors of all ages drew to the site — from experts to families with children.

The concept: making AI tangible in a low-threshold and playful way. In addition to keynotes, workshops and talks, there are interactive exhibitions, live demos of innovative applications, art installations and even a sports and children's program. Robots invite you to talk, yoga sessions and music round off the program.

The Heilbronn AI Festival impressively demonstrates that technology can be accessible to everyone — without entry barriers, without buzzword overload. An opportunity to try out and understand AI first-hand.

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Rise of AI Conference (Berlin)

On May 5 and 6, 2026, the AI community will gather in Berlin for Rise of AI Conference. The event is considered an annual meeting place for AI pioneers, decision makers and visionaries from over 30 nations. Under the motto “The annual gathering of Europe's AI ecosystem,” the focus is on sharing the current state of AI in 2026.

The Rise of AI Conference offers top-class keynotes and panels on industrial use cases, trustworthy AI, AI governance, and societal implications. Emphasis is placed on a curated networking atmosphere in which leading AI experts come together in a personal setting.

For anyone who cannot be there, there is also an online participation option. If you want to know where AI is developing in Europe, you will find a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and initiatives here.

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AI Conference: Science x Business (Heidelberg)

Die AI Conference: Science x Business will take place on April 14 and 15, 2026 in Heidelberg. It is aimed specifically at decision makers, founders and tech enthusiasts from SMEs who want to use data-driven technologies in practice.

With over 1,000 participants, more than 100 speakers and over 50 partners, the conference offers a practical program with a focus on generative AI in marketing & HR, AI infrastructure, automation, cybersecurity and robotics. The interactive formats such as master classes, round tables and business speed dating as well as an evening networking party are particularly noteworthy.

The event combines scientific expertise with practical business applications and offers an inspiring business festival atmosphere. The focus is on specific use cases and implementation examples — ideal for anyone who not only understands AI, but also wants to implement it directly.

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Bitkom AI & Data Summit (Berlin)

On September 22 and 23, 2026, the bcc Berlin will host AI & Data Summit of the digital association Bitkom instead of. With around 2,200 expected participants, over 220 speakers and 140 sessions, the event is one of the leading European B2B conferences on AI and data analytics in business.

The AI & Data Summit is aimed at top decision makers from industry, tech and research as well as policy representatives. The focus is on practical examples of how companies can actually benefit from AI and data — beyond the initial pilot projects.

In 2026, the conference will take place parallel to the Quantum Summit, so that participants can also gain insights into quantum computing topics. In addition to the extensive stage program, there are exhibition areas and plenty of space for networking. An appointment for anyone who wants to strategically anchor data and AI in business.

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DATA festival (Munich)

that DATA festival On June 16 and 17, 2026 in Munich is a meeting place for those who really want to make a difference with data and AI. The makers — including BARC and Alexander Thamm GmbH — describe the event as a format for those who are ready to build something.

This is where the core community of data & AI professionals comes together, who not only talk about data, but also implement projects. The festival offers a mix of specialist conference and community event in a relaxed atmosphere. The focus is on tried and tested solutions and the exchange of what really works — in data analytics, AI applications and the development of data cultures in companies.

The sessions and panels cover current trending topics — from generative AI to cloud data architectures to data governance. Anyone who wants to be well connected in the German data & AI community will meet like-minded people in Munich.

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TDWI conference (Munich)

From June 23 to 25, 2026, the MOC Munich will host the TDWI conference instead — the biggest meeting place for data, analytics and AI in German-speaking countries for over 20 years. This independent, vendor-neutral conference attracts around 1,000 data experts every year — from business analysts to data scientists to BI project managers.

In more than 100 sessions and workshops, around 150 experts provide practical knowledge on all aspects of data value creation. The range of topics is uniquely broad and at the same time profound: data strategy, data governance, modern data architectures, business intelligence, analytics and, of course, AI.

Many in the community describe TDWI as a “class reunion” for the data industry — here you meet old acquaintances and new faces from the entire data universe every year. If you want to take with you profound know-how and real project experience, TDWI Munich is the right place for you.

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ML Conference (Berlin & Munich)

Die ML Conference is aimed specifically at machine learning developers, data scientists and AI engineers. This conference series — with annual editions in Munich (early summer) and Berlin (late fall) — is known as “The Event for Machine Learning Technologies & Innovations.”

The program is technical and offers hands-on workshops, live coding sessions and in-depth talks on topics such as Generative AI, MLOps & LLMOPs, Deep Learning, AI Strategy, and AI Governance. Here, leading ML engineers and AI researchers talk about specific use cases and solution architectures.

The ML Conference is also characterized by its training day format: There are often additional tutorial days or boot camps on topics such as LLM development, which provide a direct introduction to the subject matter. Whether on site or via remote ticket, MLCon enables developers to expand their know-how and connect with the ML community.

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Big Data & AI World (Frankfurt am Main)

On May 6 and 7, 2026, the DACH community of data and AI professionals will meet at the Frankfurt Exhibition Center for Big Data & AI World. The event is part of the Tech Show Frankfurt and combines an extensive expo with a conference stage where industry experts present the latest developments.

IT decision makers, data scientists and innovators come together here to exchange views on the latest technologies, case studies and strategies. Whether it's about scalable data architectures, real-time analytics or successful AI projects — the presentations provide practical insights.

At the same time, visitors can make contacts at the stands of leading providers of data/AI solutions in the exhibition halls and have solutions demonstrated live. Big Data & AI World thus offers a comprehensive marketplace for data topics and is particularly interesting for those looking for an overview of technology providers and trends.

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The 2026 AI and data event calendar

In 2026, Germany offers an impressive variety of AI and data events — from accessible festival formats to practical conferences and established trade fairs. Regardless of whether you are interested in strategic AI implementation, technical deep dives or community exchange: For every need, there is the right format and space to discuss, experience and create together.

AI expertise and data readiness affect all areas of the company. For effective implementation, it is crucial to involve key people in your company, train them and positively prepare them for deployment.

We are looking forward to welcoming your entire business team to the data:unplugged festival in Münster on March 26 & 27, 2026. Get your ticket now.