The innovation conference GATE FUTURE 2026 will bring the international airport community together on 21–22 October 2026 for the first time at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg. Marking its tenth anniversary, the event focuses on new concepts for efficient and resilient airports. With interactive workshops as well as high-level keynotes and panel discussions, GATE FUTURE provides a platform for direct exchange between airports, industry, and technology partners. As the third-largest aviation location worldwide, Hamburg underlines the event’s significance as a central meeting point for the industry. Early-bird tickets are available until 30 June 2026 via the website www.gatefuture.de.
Hamburg is set to become a key meeting point for the international airport community: the innovation conference GATE FUTURE will take place for the first time at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg, in cooperation with Hamburg Messe and Congress.
With its move to the world’s third-largest civil aviation location, the event reinforces its close ties to the aviation industry and creates ideal conditions for exchange between airports, technology companies, research institutions, and aviation stakeholders.
For its tenth anniversary, GATE FUTURE places the key future topics of the airport industry at the center of attention. The focus is on digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and innovative concepts. The programme includes high-profile keynotes, the panel discussions “Building Future Airports” and “Innovation Inside the Terminal,” as well as the established and highly interactive workshop format. The GATE FUTURE workshops enable in-depth exploration of current challenges and concrete solutions for airport practice.
The event will be opened by, among others, the Managing Director of Hamburg Airport, Berit Schmitz. Confirmed speakers include Stefan Schulte (CEO of Fraport AG) as well as representatives from the airports of Vienna and Zurich. Companies such as Samsung and BNP Associates bring diverse perspectives, fostering exchange between airport management, aviation, and innovation.
A special highlight will be the appearance of Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards. The former British ski jumper and Olympian represents courage, perseverance, and the willingness to explore new paths - qualities that also define the innovative strength of the airport industry.
More than 350 international participants are expected. GATE FUTURE thus offers a unique platform for networking the airport sector with the broader aviation and innovation ecosystem, while also strengthening Hamburg’s international visibility as a leading hub for aviation and forward-looking mobility solutions.
More information: www.gatefuture.de