OWF26 – A New (Dis)Order
Welcome to the East German Economic Forum 2026 – taking place in Bad Saarow from 31 May to 2 June.
The East German Economic Forum is Germany’s premier platform for shaping the future of Eastern Germany. Each year, it convenes leading figures from politics, business, academia and civil society to debate economic strategy, innovation and regional transformation.
We are living in a time of profound disruption. Global power shifts, new trade patterns and technological upheavals are challenging established orders – and opening up new opportunities. Under the theme “A New (Dis)Order”, the East German Economic Forum 2026 explores how economic progress and sustainable prosperity can be reimagined under these changed conditions – with a clear focus on Eastern Germany as a laboratory for transformation.
Set against this backdrop, the Forum offers a unique setting where strategic perspectives meet practical solutions. It is a place where ideas turn into action – and where regional experience informs national and European debates.
Participants gain direct access to decision-makers, thought leaders and future-shapers – in an environment designed for meaningful exchange and strategic partnerships. High-level plenary sessions, curated panels and interactive formats ensure depth and focus. Beyond the stage, the Forum creates space for confidential dialogue, targeted networking and long-term cooperation.
From 31 May to 2 June 2026, Bad Saarow will once again become a meeting point for those shaping economic policy and business strategy in Germany and Europe. Leading figures from politics, business, science and society will gather to discuss future-oriented economic strategies – for Eastern Germany, for Germany as a whole, and for Europe.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz will officially open OWF26. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Reiche has also once again confirmed her participation – a strong signal of the growing importance of East German perspectives in the national economic policy debate. After the first year of the new federal government, the Forum provides a timely opportunity to take stock: Where does Germany stand? Where does Eastern Germany stand? Has confidence in economic policy been restored?
The programme will focus on the key issues shaping long-term competitiveness and resilience, including:
- infrastructure as a strategic location factor,
- the transformation of industrial bases and clusters,
- security, defence, dual-use applications and key strategic technologies,
- the healthcare industry and regional innovation hubs,
- administrative modernisation and digital implementation.
For executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers and innovators, the East German Economic Forum is more than a conference. It is a place to engage in forward-looking debate, connect with influential stakeholders, identify emerging opportunities – and position your organisation at the heart of Germany’s economic transformation.
With its distinctive mix of substance, access and atmosphere, the Forum has become a key meeting point for those who want to actively shape the new order – and turn uncertainty into progress.
The main programme will be interpreted simultaneously into English.
Join the discussion. Help shape the future of economic policy in a new (dis)order.
Conference Venue
Since its foundation in 2015, the annual conferences of the East German Economic Forum (OWF) have been held in Bad Saarow – and for good reason. The spa town on Lake Scharmützel offers the perfect blend of idyllic surroundings, first-class infrastructure and an atmosphere that creates space for inspiring discussions.
Bad Saarow is only an hour’s drive from Berlin and has excellent public transport connections. This makes it easy for participants from eastern Germany as well as other regions of Germany and abroad to get there. The modern conference infrastructure makes the location ideal for a conference such as the OWF.
The Hotel Esplanade is the conference hotel and exclusive location partner. With its large courtyard, it will be the central meeting point for participants during the three days of the conference.In addition to the workshop rooms for interactive conference formats and working breakfasts, there are also partner lounges and restaurants for exclusive side events.
The Theater am See is just a few minutes‘ walk from the Esplanade conference hotel. It offers space for the OWF main programme on a large stage. With its beautiful lakeside terrace directly on Lake Scharmützel, it is also the perfect place for networking and informal discussions during programme breaks, as well as an ideal interview setting for journalists.
Surrounded by green forests and expansive countryside, Lake Scharmützel creates a secluded atmosphere that promotes creativity and focused discussion. Here, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and day-to-day business, OWF participants can discover new perspectives and develop ideas in a unique setting.
Become a Partner – Showcase Your Value at the East German Economic Forum
The East German Economic Forum provides companies, institutions and networks with strategic positioning opportunities in key economic debates, exclusive networking formats and high-visibility branding options.
Take advantage of this opportunity to showcase your expertise, provide impetus and network with leading decision-makers from business, science and federal and state politics. Make valuable contacts, strengthen your brand and open up new business prospects in a dynamic environment.
We look forward to working with you to develop a partnership that fits your goals. Feel free to contact us – we will be happy to advise you individually.
Contact
Juliane Nandra
Director East German Economic Forum,
Head of Programme, Strategy and Partner Relations
Land der Ideen Management GmbH
nandra@land-der-ideen.de
About the Forum
Since 2016, the East German Economic Forum (OWF) has been the most important platform for all topics related to East Germany as a business location. Its aim is to bring together committed players from politics, business, science and society to jointly identify the opportunities and challenges of the business location, promote groundbreaking ideas and shape the transformation processes that characterise the location.
The OWF’s annual economic conference takes place in Bad Saarow, Brandenburg.
Deutschland – Land der Ideen
The Eastern German Economic Forum is a project of Germany – Land of Ideas. The initiative was founded in 2006 on the occasion of the World Cup by the German government and German industry, represented by the Federation of German Industries (BDI).
Press Contact
owf-presse@land-der-ideen.de