70th Concrete Days in Ulm: Anniversary edition sets the tone for the future of the concrete and construction industry

For three days, the Congress Centrum Ulm once again served as the meeting place for the concrete and precast industry. From March 10 to 12, 2026, around 1,500 experts gathered for the 70th Concrete Days. The long-standing event thus once again underscored its central role as a knowledge platform and key driver of innovation for the industry. At the same time, it became clear just how much the industry is in a state of upheaval. Sustainability, digitalization, and new materials are increasingly shaping concrete construction and transforming planning, production, and construction processes. Under the motto “Markets for People,” the anniversary edition placed greater emphasis on societal demands on construction alongside technical developments. Among other things, the focus was on how precast concrete construction can help make buildings livable, climate-friendly, and economically viable at the same time. 

The congress was accompanied by an extensive exhibition featuring the machinery, software, and supplier industries, as well as new formats such as the inaugural TalkConcrete | Digital Hub—a new platform for communicators across the entire construction value chain.

Extensive technical program with a focus on future topics

The technical program once again offered a wide range of presentations, panel discussions, and workshops. Experts from the fields of practice, research, planning, and the public sector demonstrated the significance that sustainable transformation has now attained within the industry. Sustainable building materials, resource conservation, CO₂ reduction, and the circular economy were among the central topics. There is enormous potential here, particularly in concrete construction. Presentations on low-cement concrete, alternative binders, RC concrete, lightweight construction, serial and modular construction, 3D concrete printing, and the reuse of precast elements were on the agenda. In addition, the hands-on workshop offered concrete insights into new technologies, such as the installation of carbon reinforcement.

Industry Talk and Best Practice

A new feature was the Industry Talk, which created a space for open discussion about the current political, legal, and technical framework conditions of the construction industry. Experts Dr. Matthias Frederichs from the Federal Association of Building Materials, Stones, and Earth, Prof. Michael Haist from the University of Stuttgart, and Dr. Ulrich Lotz, an industry expert and organizer of the BetonTage, were on hand to answer questions.

All participants agreed that what is needed above all are reliable political conditions, less bureaucracy, and more efficient processes in construction. Only in this way can the sustainable transformation succeed and the urgently needed housing and necessary infrastructure be realized more quickly. After all, there is no shortage of innovations—the problem lies in implementation. 

The framework conditions were also the subject of an engaging panel discussion on bridge construction in Germany. It highlighted the significant demand for modular bridge construction in Germany, not least due to advantages such as shorter construction times and reduced traffic congestion. Solutions already exist. But how can this topic be brought to a wider audience? The representative from the Federal Ministry of Transport signaled great openness and a willingness to embrace change. 

Digitalization is transforming planning and construction 

Digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly finding their way into the concrete and building materials industry—and thus into the BetonTage program. In several presentations, experts discussed their impact on planning, production, and communication. AI has the potential to fundamentally transform planning and production processes and make sustainable material use even more efficient. Whether it involves the precise use of additives or the optimization of formulations—AI is becoming a decisive lever for resource efficiency. It became clear that the industry is still in the early stages of realizing what is possible with AI in the construction sector. 

Digital Hub: Focus on Marketing, Communication, and AI

Another new format celebrated its premiere this year: TalkConcrete | Digital Hub. The new platform is dedicated to digital communication and marketing in the concrete and construction industries.

Here, corporate communications managers, content creators, executives from architecture and planning, podcasters, the construction trade press, social media managers, and AI specialists came together to discuss new approaches to digital positioning in the construction industry and practical tips for online marketing and social media. Topics included strategic storytelling, new content formats, the role of corporate influencers in technical industries, and the use of AI for content production and knowledge management.

The Digital Hub struck a chord with the times. The positive to euphoric response to the two-day event—including the quote “A new star is born”—made it clear that the industry’s transformation is by no means limited to building materials and construction processes.

Digitally networked communication is increasingly becoming a strategic factor for companies in the concrete and construction industries. Anyone who wants to make their products and innovations visible and understandable must learn to tell their stories authentically—whether in print or online.

Innovations You Can Touch

The diversity of the booths in the exhibition demonstrated just how much expertise goes into the production of concrete (components). More than 140 exhibitors from the supplier, machinery, and software industries presented their products and services there. 

The best new development was honored with the 2026 Innovation Award of the Concrete Components Supply Industry. The winner is Emidat GmbH from Munich with its digital platform for verified environmental and product data. The solution helps manufacturers of concrete components to create, manage, and provide sustainability and product information in a structured manner, all at a reasonable cost. It thus makes it easier to meet the growing demands for transparency and CO₂ accounting in the construction industry. 
A Special Mention was awarded to Heidelberg Materials AG for the development of EvoZero, a cement with significantly reduced CO₂ emissions. The CO₂ reduction is achieved, among other things, through the use of carbon capture and storage technology. Steeltec AG from Emmenbrücke, Switzerland, received further recognition for OCIMA – Online Corrosion Initiation Modeling App. The application enables the early and preventive mathematical prediction of the onset of corrosion processes in steel reinforcement.

Networking with Added Value

In addition to three days filled with knowledge transfer and technical insights, the BetonTage were above all about networking. Making new contacts, seeing familiar faces again, and exchanging ideas—both professionally and personally—during the presentations, breaks, and evening events—that is what made and continues to make this event so valuable and unique in character. So start looking forward to the 71st BetonTage from February 23–25, 2027, in Ulm.