To mark its 10th anniversary, GATE FUTURE – the Airport Industry Innovation Conference – builds on a decade of ideas, progress, and collaboration in the airport industry. In Hamburg, one of the world's largest civil aviation hubs, GATE FUTURE brings together technology pioneers and operational experts to explore the strategies, partnerships, and solutions shaping the airports of tomorrow.
As airports worldwide face growing pressure to increase efficiency, accelerate innovation, and meet rising passenger expectations, GATE FUTURE provides a platform for the professionals shaping this transformation.
Opening GATE FUTURE with the official welcome address. As Managing Director of Hamburg Airport, Berit Schmitz brings the perspective of one of Germany's major international gateways – setting the stage for two days of dialogue on the future of aviation.
Offering strategic insights into the future of airports and aviation – one of Europe's most influential airport executives speaks to the challenges and opportunities ahead. As CEO of Fraport AG, he oversees one of the world's leading airport operators, with Frankfurt Airport at its core and a portfolio spanning four continents.
For over a decade Gözde has shaped the built environment of Düsseldorf Airport. Since joining in 2014 overseeing technical and high-rise construction, she advanced to Head of Technical Building Equipment before becoming Director of Masterplan, Planning and Construction in 2022 – leading the long-term structural and operational development of one of Germany's busiest aviation hubs.
Sharing the inspiring story of his dream of flying and the remarkable journey that turned ambition into reality – a reminder that the sky is never the limit.
Leading the Innovation Hub at Zurich Airport, where her team explores how emerging technologies and new ways of working can drive collaboration, efficiency and customer experience.
Bridging academia and industry – Andreas leads TH Wildau's Airline Management & Aviation Security department, with research focused on airport planning, capacity simulation and aviation security.
Driving the transformation of Vienna Airport into a multifunctional Airport City – Wolfgang leads Real Estate & Landside Management at Flughafen Wien AG, developing the site into one of Austria's leading business campuses.
Working at the intersection of energy and mobility – Vice President Sustainability of the GATE Association, with hands-on experience from E.ON's eMobility business in fleet electrification and charging infrastructure.
Driving airport cooperation across Central Europe – long-standing head of Poland's State Enterprise “Polish Airports” (PPL), overseeing Warsaw Chopin and a network of regional airports.
Part of the Innovation Team at Flughafen Zürich AG, exploring new ideas, trends and practical initiatives that improve the airport experience through curiosity, collaboration and hands-on experimentation.
Over 25 years in airport baggage handling systems, innovation, automation and global infrastructure programs. Idar has led complex turnkey projects, driven product development in international markets, and managed cross-functional teams across cultures – contributing to large-scale system modernization and turnaround initiatives worldwide.
Position your company as a driver of aviation innovation. GATE FUTURE unites 350+ senior decision-makers, airport executives and technology leaders – giving your brand direct access to the people shaping tomorrow's airports.
Curated, practitioner-led sessions where technology partners and airports tackle real operational challenges together – from AI-driven ground operations to passenger well-being and sustainable equipment pooling.
Holistic engineering – from product to high-end digital twins. Where the modular CityBot platform meets airport realities, with a case study from Fraport.
The Chronolite approach: adaptive, science-based lighting across the full passenger journey – terminal to aircraft – to reduce stress and jet lag, and turn lighting from infrastructure into a strategic experience tool.
Beyond the vision: a five-step framework for operationalising AI in complex, regulated organisations. Featuring the Lenze transformation as a working case study, plus a guided self-assessment for participants.
Sharing ground support equipment across handlers – transparently and reliably. A first-hand look at the centralised non-motorised pool at Düsseldorf with 700+ units, SmartFLEET telematics, and the trust framework that makes it work.
Got a workshop idea that pushes airports forward? Submit your proposal and join the line-up. Currently open to GATE Members only.
* Not yet a member? Join the world's largest airport supplier network and unlock member pricing and much more. Learn about GATE membership →
All tickets include access to all sessions, congress materials, catering and networking events. All prices excluding VAT.
21 – 22 October 2026 · Am Dammtor / Marseiller Str., Hamburg · One of Germany's premier congress venues, in the heart of Europe's civil aviation hub.
GATE FUTURE is the leading platform for strategic decision-makers in the airport industry to prepare for tomorrow's challenges. Gain the insights and tools you need to position your organisation optimally.
Receive in-depth analyses and forecasts for informed decisions that future-proof your organisation.
Discover the latest AI applications, ESG strategies and digital tools to revolutionise your operations.
Meet industry leaders and peers to exchange best practices and forge valuable partnerships.
Use the gained insights to boost efficiency, minimise risks and drive sustainable growth.
Secure your place at the airport industry's premier innovation conference. Limited seats available.
