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 at ORGATEC, the leading international trade fair for workspace and contract solutions in Cologne.
In two halls, we are shaping the working world of tomorrow together with our IBA members, industry pioneers, innovative companies and leading minds from the fields of architecture, design, human resources, technology and real estate.
In a mix of talks, panels, workshops, experiences and exhibits, experts from all over the world explore what will be possible in the office of the future.
News and insights about the festival
Speaker Confirmed: Eve Wilkinson-Bell
2025-12-30
We welcome Eve Wilkinson-Bell, an experienced international workplace strategist, to the Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival. As Workplace Regional Manager at HERE Technologies, she is responsible for locations in Western Europe and strategic workplace initiatives in a diverse, dynamic portfolio.
She received particular attention for the successful relocation of HERE’s global headquarters, which achieved one of the highest Leesman scores to date. With her architectural background and a clearly user-centred approach, she designs working environments that sustainably combine space, corporate culture and community. As a board member of CoreNet Benelux, she is also committed to promoting the next generation of workplace experts.
Speaker Confirmed: Dr Guzmán de Yarza Blache
2025-12-18
We welcome Guzmán de Yarza Blache, a leading international expert in workplace design and strategy, to the Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival. As Global Design Strategy Lead at JLL, he advises global companies on transforming their working environments and portfolios to enable future-proof ways of working
With over 20 years of experience, a PhD in architecture and extensive expertise in cultural transformation, change management and inclusive design, he combines strategic thinking with excellent design practice. He is currently responsible for JLL’s Inclusive Design Framework, which consistently links built environments with DEI strategies such as accessibility, gender equality, mental health and neurodiversity.
Speaker Confirmed: Prof Miriam Meckel
2025-12-15
Welcome aboard! Prof Miriam Meckel is a communication scientist, professor of communication management at the University of St. Gallen and one of the most prominent voices in the German-speaking world on issues of digitalisation, media change and leadership. She combines scientific research with practical experience in business, politics and media.
In her work, she analyses how digital technologies are changing communication, organisations and decision-making processes.
Her focus is on topics such as strategic corporate communication, artificial intelligence, platform economics and the interaction between humans and technology in modern working environments. She regularly publishes her findings in specialist books, essays and articles for international media.
Speaker Confirmed: Dr Peggie Rothe
2025-12-10
We are delighted to welcome Dr Peggie Rothe as a speaker at the Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival. As Chief Insights & Research Officer at Leesman, she is responsible for one of the world’s largest datasets on workplace experience, with over 1.3 million responses from offices around the globe
Her research provides well-founded, evidence-based insights into what makes work environments successful – and where they fail to meet the needs of employees. Her expertise at the intersection of design, real estate economics and new work makes her a key voice in the age of hybrid work.
Be there when thought leaders and industry pioneers come together for ideas, exchange and inspiration at the Wherever Whenever – Work Culture Festival 2026.
