The fourth edition of the IMPACT FESTIVAL offered a large stage for the most important issues of our time. It took place on October 30 and 31, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main. The format was launched by neosfer, an early-stage investor and innovation unit of Commerzbank. In recent years, it has established itself as an important platform for sustainable innovation and transformation. With over 4.000 participants from various areas of business, politics and science, the event offered a unique networking opportunity for Europe's largest B2B community for sustainable transformation. The aim was to exchange ideas and discuss concrete solutions for a greener economy. In our recap of the IMPACT FESTIVAL 2024, we take a look at the highlights, different positions and central themes of the event.
Strong statement at the start
Sustainable change requires more than just isolated adjustments. Petra Justenhoven, spokesperson for the management of PwC Germany and chairwoman of the management of PwC Europe, made this clear in her opening speech at the IMPACT FESTIVAL 2024. Her central message, “Business as usual is over,” set the tone for the entire event and underlined the urgency of fundamental upheavalJustenhoven warned that in the face of complex global challenges – from geopolitical instability to the climate crisis – traditional business models are reaching their limits. She referred to recent data from the PwC Global CEO Survey: According to the study, 45% of the CEOs surveyed fear that their company could no longer exist in a decade without fundamental changes. According to the expert, minor reforms to current business models are no longer enough to make companies fit for the future. Instead, a fundamental realignment is needed - not "business as usual", but real change.
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Sustainability on Stage
The main program of the IMPACT FESTIVAL 2024 took place on two stages, the Transformation Stage and the Impact Stage. Here, visitors could look forward to exciting keynotes, interviews and panel discussions. A highlight was the keynote by Sascha Lobo on the transformative role of Artificial intelligenceThe author and journalist examined the effects of AI on society, the economy and democracy. He also gave valuable food for thought on how this technology can be used in a forward-looking manner. Lobo stressed that Germany cannot afford to miss out on the opportunity it has missed in digitization. AI transformation to miss the boat. After all, AI is a powerful tool for integrating sustainability into all areas of economic and social life. He called for a proactive approach to AI transformation, which requires both investment and a fundamental change in work culture.
The panel “Beyond Growth” also aroused great interest. Moderated by Mara Steinbrenner, project manager of the IMPACT FESTIVAL, a lively debate arose between Carlos Álvarez Pereira from the Club of Rome, Agata Meysner from Generation Climate Europe and Prof. Dr. Stephan Hankammer from Alanus University. The panelists exchanged views on alternative economic models beyond the traditional growth paradigm.
On the Transformation Stage, the panel "Sustainability in medium-sized companies - between the spirit of innovation and regulation" also attracted a lot of attention. Carl-Luis Rieger from WEPA, Britta von Selchow from Interzero and Maria Dobritzsch from the Lapp Group shared valuable insights under the moderation of Anne Decker. The focus was on the specific challenges and opportunities that medium-sized companies face in sustainable transformation.
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Best Practices in the Spotlight
A total of 33 master classes and deep dives provided deep insights into various topics of green transformation. Over 1.100 participants took the opportunity to gain practical insights from industry leaders and innovators. The Enkelfähig stage alone attracted almost 700 participants. It was specifically dedicated to the question of how sustainability can management routine of the future. In addition, tours of the exhibition grounds were held over both days of the event, during which almost 200 interested people received valuable information about the trade fair. They were also able to get to know the companies that presented themselves in the central exhibition area better.
Positive examples from the start-up scene were also brought into focus at the IMPACT FESTIVAL 2024. This year, the Solution Stage celebrated its premiere. This was specifically aimed at young companies, which presented their sustainable solutions here. A highlight of the first day of the event, which cannot be missed in a recap of the IMPACT FESTIVAL 2024, was the presentation of the IMPACT AWARD organized by neosfer. Of the three start-ups that reached the final, Alganize, which has innovative Microalgae that promotes soil life. The young company won against the bio-material start-up Polybion and the climate data analysis tool Tilt. As a prize, Alganize was able to secure a comprehensive communications package from the agency Brighter Future.
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Networking for Sustainable Success
Because real change is only possible together, a central aspect of the IMPACT FESTIVAL 2024 was the exchange between participants. The organizers had implemented various formats to enable contacts and cooperation between visitors. For example, more than 600 personal meetings were arranged in advance via the event app Talque. These meetings brought together representatives from different industries and made it possible to discuss innovations and cooperation potential directly on site.
The "Talkaoke" format was also very well received. Here, participants were able to discuss with top-class speakers such as Sascha Lobo, Prof. Dr. Mojib Latif and Silke Stremlau in a live setting in the middle of the festival exhibition. These discussions were recorded for the "IMPACT TALK" podcast. This means that even those who were unable to attend on site can benefit from the learnings. "With new formats such as Talkaoke and the great response to our panel discussions and master classes, we were able to successfully implement our vision of providing a platform for sustainable transformation. The number of visitors and the commitment of our partners and participants confirm to us that the successful transformation of our economy can only succeed in this way - with combined forces, a lot of exchange and strong innovations," say project leaders Mara Steinbrenner and Linda Köpper.
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Conclusion: Recap of the IMPACT FESTIVAL 2024
Stronger together: The IMPACT FESTIVAL 2024 has shown that cross-industry exchange and cohesion are the keys to a sustainable transformation The event made it clear that sustainability must play an even greater role in daily business in the future in order to ensure the success of companies in the future. The discussions and presentations made it clear that the transition to an ecological economy requires profound changes in all areas. This involves the complete reorientation of business models and production processes, the implementation of sustainable financing strategies and a more conscious corporate culture.
The role of technology, especially artificial intelligence, as an enabler for sustainable solutions became particularly clear. The combination of sustainability and digital innovation promises to open up new ways of tackling global challenges. In conclusion, as a recap of the IMPACT FESTIVAL 2024, it can be said that the event not only provided important impetus, but also highlighted concrete options for action. The event made it clear that the transformation to a sustainable economy is challenging, but at the same time offers numerous opportunities. The message is very clear: the time for "business as usual" is over - the future belongs to companies that combine responsibility and innovation.
Mark it in your calendar now: The IMPACT FESTIVAL will enter its fifth round on September 17 and 18, 2025 and will once again bring together innovators, investors and political actors in the Messe Frankfurt Forum to provide sustainable impetus.
