Visual

Wherever Whenever

Work Culture Festival
27–30 Oct 2026
Orgatec, Cologne

From 27 to 30 October 2026, the Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival will once again bring together decision-makers and visionaries from around the world in Hall 6 at ORGATEC, the leading international trade fair for workspace and contract solutions in Cologne.

Together with our IBA members, we are shaping the working world of tomorrow. With a curated programme featuring international thought leaders, industry pioneers, innovative companies and leading figures from the fields of architecture, design, human resources, technology and the property sector, we are creating a space for inspiring ideas and new perspectives

Join us in Hall 6!

76 days to go

Through a diverse mix of talks, discussions, workshops, interactive sessions and immersive exhibitions, new perspectives on the office and modern working environments are emerging. The focus is 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

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.

Mental strength at the very highest level: Angelique Kerber

With Angelique Kerber, the Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival welcomes one of the most successful German tennis players of her generation. Three Grand Slam titles, a silver medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio and a total of 34 weeks at the top of the world rankings make her one of the most influential figures in international tennis.

Since her professional debut in 2003, Angelique Kerber has been synonymous with discipline, mental strength and exceptional consistency at the very highest level. With her victories at the 2016 Australian Open and US Open, as well as at Wimbledon in 2018, she made German tennis history and became the first German to reach number one in the world rankings since Steffi Graf.

Today, Angelique Kerber is involved in various projects relating to sport, the development of young talent and personal development. Through the Angie Kerber Academy, she supports young talents in combining sporting achievement with values such as fairness, team spirit and resilience.

At the WW – Work Culture Festival, she brings her experience from elite sport to discussions on performance, personal development and sustainable success.

Ole Scheeren: Architecture for new forms of collaboration

With Ole Scheeren, the Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival welcomes one of Germany’s most internationally renowned architects. As founder and director of Büro Ole Scheeren, he is known for transformative, narrative-driven designs that take architecture far beyond its structural function.

With offices in Berlin, London, Hong Kong and Beijing, Ole Scheeren Architects develops projects worldwide that redefine the relationship between architecture, urban life and social interaction. Among its best-known works are The Interlace and the DUO Towers in Singapore, MahaNakhon in Bangkok and the Guardian Art Centre in Beijing. Current projects include Tencent Helix, the technology group’s new global headquarters in Shenzhen, and The Axiom in Shanghai.

At the heart of Scheeren’s work is the question of how architecture can enable new forms of living and collaboration in cities. His large-scale designs demonstrate how spaces can actively foster cultural cohesion, a shared identity and inclusive collaboration.

Ole Scheeren will speak at the WW – Work Culture Festival on 29 October 2026 at 12:00, sharing his international perspective on architecture, urbanity and the design of future living and working spaces.

wll.news becomes a media partner of the WW Work Culture Festival

The Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival is expanding its media network to include wll.news.  This media hub – comprising an online portal, a print magazine and a LinkedIn channel – focuses on modern working environments, learning environments and living spaces (Working, Learning, Living) – and is aimed at audiences in retail, procurement, facility management and industry.

 

The programme focuses on topics that shape the world of offices and work – ranging from office technology, office supplies and office furnishings to IT and AV solutions, as well as artificial intelligence, health, wellbeing and design. 

Through this partnership, wll.news complements the festival by offering a practical perspective from the office sector and fosters discussion on key issues facing a changing world of work.

personalmagazin is supporting the festival as a media partner

With the launch of *personalmagazin*, the Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival is strengthening its expertise in the field of HR and organisational development.

personalmagazin is one of the leading specialist publications for human resources management in the German-speaking world. It is renowned for its in-depth analysis, the latest trends and practical insights into the working world of tomorrow. As a media partner, it brings perspectives on people, culture and leadership to the festival.

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Be there when thought leaders and industry pioneers come together for ideas, exchange and inspiration at the Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival 2026.