BARIG Networking & Conference Day – ITB 2025 Kick-Off
Spotlight on Tourism Trends, Innovation, and Sustainability
On March 3, 2025, BARIG welcomed numerous representatives from its member airlines and business partners as well as high-level speakers from the industry to the first-ever pre-ITB Networking & Conference Day at the Scandic Hotel Potsdamer Platz in Berlin. Jointly organized by the BARIG team, Berlin Brandenburg Airport, and visitBerlin, the event provided a versatile conference and cultural program for the community.
The day began with a warm-up lunch and initial conversations in a relaxed setting before diving into a dynamic agenda. The first session focused on key developments in tourism and travel at Berlin and Brandenburg, featuring insights from industry leaders such as Aletta von Massenbach (CEO Berlin Brandenburg Airport), Burkhard Kieker (Managing Director visitBerlin), and Verena Heyner (Head of Department Industry of the Economic Development Agency Brandenburg).
In a keynote on innovation-driven disruptions and digital transformation, Dietmar Focke (CEO Lufthansa Industry Solutions) highlighted smart IT solutions for airlines. Further discussions explored sustainability strategies that are shaping the aviation sector.
In the afternoon, the “Speedy Spotlight” segment gave new business partners the opportunity to showcase their companies, this time focusing on airline consultancy and passenger services.
Together with Benjamin Jacobi (Managing Director TUI Deutschland / DACH), we explored the trends and challenges shaping the future of travel and how the airline community can navigate the evolving landscape.
The day wrapped up with a guided tour through the Deutschlandmuseum, followed by an evening of networking at the Rooftop Solar Sky-BAR, where Robert Rückel (Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Berlin) shared valuable insights on Berlin’s future as a global destination.
With engaging discussions and networking opportunities, the BARIG Networking & Conference Day once again proved to be a key platform for industry exchange and collaboration.
