Following their successful premiere in 2026, the Compass Talks return for a second edition as an international meeting place for SMEs in the consumer goods industry. Under the guiding theme “Envisioning the Future of the Global Consumer Goods Market”, leading international speakers will explore current market data and, above all, strategies for competitiveness, transformation and growth. “The challenges facing the international consumer goods industry are complex – which makes orientation, dialogue and tangible examples of what is already working all the more important. With the Compass Talks, we bring together international perspectives from business, retail and politics, and deliberately look ahead: grounded in facts, focused on solutions and with the courage to think in new directions,” says Julia Uherek, Vice President Consumer Goods Fairs at Messe Frankfurt.
Confirmed speakers include Dr Henning Bergmann, Chief Executive of the German Association of Cooperative SMEs; Dr Ralf Deckers, Head of Strategic Insights & Analytics at IFH KÖLN; Dr Peter Domma, CEO Dining & Lifestyle and Chief Digital Officer at Villeroy & Boch; Philipp von Ludowig, Brand Director at Leuchtturm1917; Tina Norden, Principal at Conran and Partners; Jakob Wulff Moeskjær, CEO of Creativ Company; and Johan Van Maercke, CEO of Goodwill. The programme will be hosted by internationally renowned presenter Mounia Berrada-Gouzi.
Highlight: Dr. Anne-Laure Le Cunff delivers the closing keynote
What if curiosity, rather than certainty, is the better compass for the future? For its climax, the Compass Talks welcome Anne-Laure Le Cunff, neuroscientist, entrepreneur and founder of Ness Labs, for an inspiring change of perspective. Her closing keynote will show how experimental thinking and a willingness to learn can help us remain capable of action and recognise new possibilities, even amid uncertainty. At a time when geopolitical shifts, new consumer dynamics and technological developments are continually confronting companies with fresh decisions, her approach conveys an optimistic message: the future does not have to be predictable for us to shape it actively.
From market assessment to tangible solutions
To set the right course, it is first essential to have a clear picture of the starting point. The latest findings from the global industry index by IFH KÖLN and Messe Frankfurt offer insights into the current mood across the international consumer goods industry and provide a basis for discussion.
How can retail and industry remain competitive in an increasingly volatile global environment? How are consumption and customer expectations changing? And why are experience and emotion becoming ever more important business factors? Alongside these strategic questions, the Compass Talks will focus on practical solutions from companies. In the Global Success Stories, international businesses will present concise examples of what is already working today – from international expansion and community building to new digital sales channels and live shopping.
Save the date: 28 January 2027, starting at 2 p.m.
Attendance at the Compass Talks is limited and admission is only possible with a valid ticket. Further information, speakers and programme details will be published regularly on the website. For enquiries, please contact the press team at press.consumergoodsfairs@messefrankfurt.com.
Next trade fair dates
Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld will take place at the Frankfurt exhibition grounds at the end of January 2027.
Ambiente/Christmasworld: 29 January to 2 February 2027
Creativeworld: 29 January to 1 February 2027
Note for journalists:
For daily news updates, expert insights and retail inspiration, please visit Conzoom Solutions. With the Conzoom Circle network, Messe Frankfurt connects the most important international platforms for the global consumer goods and retail sector, bundling industry knowledge and expertise online.
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