Visual

Wherever Whenever

Work Culture Festival
27–30 Oct 2026
ORGATEC, Cologne

From 27 to 30 October 2026, the Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival once again brought together international decision-makers and visionaries as part of ORGATEC, the leading international trade fair for Workspace and Contract Solutions in Cologne.

Together with our IBA members, we shaped the future of work in Hall 6. With a curated programme featuring international thought leaders, industry pioneers, innovative companies and leading figures from architecture, design, HR, technology and real estate, we created space for inspiring ideas and fresh perspectives.

A diverse mix of talks, discussions, workshops, interactive formats and immersive exhibitions opened up new perspectives on the office and modern workplaces. The focus was on three key themes:

Empowered Experience: Working environments that empower people.
Connected Cultures: Collaboration and cultures that bring people together.
Radical Impact: Sustainability, innovation and AI as drivers of change.

News and insights
about the festival

Thank you for an amazing Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival 2026!

Inspiring talks, exciting perspectives, fresh ideas and, above all, many personal encounters – the Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival 2026 has come to a close! A heartfelt thank you goes to all visitors, speakers, partners and contributors who made the festival such a special experience.
Together, ideas were exchanged, new perspectives explored and valuable impulses provided for shaping the future of work.

Thank you to everyone who brought the Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival 2026 to life!

WORK OFF. PARTY ON. – ORGATEC x WW-FESTIVAL PARTY

On October 28, from 6:00 p.m., it’s time to Work off. Party on.
After an inspiring day at the trade fair, Hall 6 becomes the place to meet for music, networking and a great atmosphere.

The evening kicks off with a DJ set from 6:00 p.m., followed by Alice Merton live on stage at around 6:45/7:00 p.m. With international hits such as “No Roots”, Alice Merton is one of Germany’s most successful pop artists of recent years – bringing the perfect soundtrack to a special festival evening. From around 8:00 p.m., the evening continues with another DJ set. Until 10:00 p.m., there will be plenty of time to celebrate, connect and round off the day together.

Programme:
18:00 – DJ-Set
19:00 – Alice Merton live on Board Stage
20:00–22:00 Uhr – DJ-Set

October 28 | 6:00–10:00 p.m. | Hall 6

Photo: © Elias Koehler

Ralf Schumacher to appear as a guest at the WW – Work Culture Festival

With Ralf Schumacher, the Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival welcomes one of the most successful German racing drivers of his generation. The former Formula 1 driver competed in 180 Grand Prix races, secured six victories and stood on the podium a total of 27 times. Today, he works as a TV pundit, presenter and entrepreneur.

On the Board Stage, Schumacher discusses what companies can learn from Formula 1. The focus is on the high demands of an environment characterised by speed, precision and competition: How are the right decisions made under immense pressure? What sets high-performing teams apart? And how can quality and perfection be ensured in the long term?

Schumacher draws not only on his experience in international motor racing. As an entrepreneur, too, he has pioneered new business areas across various sectors and repeatedly set new standards. His talk thus offers a unique perspective on performance, team dynamics, entrepreneurial thinking and dealing constructively with pressure.

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Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival 2026 and, together with thought leaders and industry pioneers, contributed to inspiring ideas, engaging discussions and fresh perspectives!