Construction Industry discusses Future Technologies in Weimar

Under the motto “We’re continuing to build – responsibly,” the IAB Tage “BETON” will take place on November 11 and 12, 2026, in Weimar. Around 250 experts and executives from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are expected to attend this long-standing conference organized by the Institute for Applied Construction Research (IAB). For more than three decades, the event has brought together academia, industry, and practitioners and has established itself as a key gathering for the construction, building materials, and concrete sectors.

“The construction industry faces major challenges – from infrastructure modernization to climate protection and digitalization. It is crucial that research findings are quickly put into practice. Our IAB Tage ‘BETON’ provide the ideal setting for this: technically sound, practice-oriented, and with a personal atmosphere that fosters open exchange,” said IAB Director Robert Fetter.

Inspiration for Tomorrow’s Construction Industry

The event kicks off with two keynote presentations that focus on key future challenges facing the industry: Manuela Poschau from the federal government’s Autobahn GmbH will discuss the modernization of bridge infrastructure, while Lara Katscher from Werner Sobek AG will present strategies for climate-resilient construction. The technical program addresses current developments across the entire value chain.

The focus is on sustainable concrete technologies and innovative binder systems, digitalization and artificial intelligence, modern equipment and machinery, as well as the potential of 3D printing in the construction industry. The primary emphasis is on the practical application of new technologies for more resource-efficient processes and a sustainable construction industry.

Technical, friendly, practical, and on equal footing

The conference will be accompanied by a trade exhibition featuring companies from the building materials, construction supplies, and mechanical engineering sectors. It provides a space for direct exchange between manufacturers, researchers, and end-users. “Our conference is not a large, anonymous event, but rather a forum for genuine exchange on an equal footing. Experts, young professionals, and industry partners engage in conversation, share experiences, and forge connections that often extend far beyond the event itself,” says Mirko Landmann, Head of the Concrete and Recycling Research Division at the IAB.

This combination of technical depth and personal exchange has been one of the hallmarks of the IAB Tage “BETON” for many years. The traditional evening event at the IAB’s headquarters rounds out the program and creates opportunities for networking beyond the technical presentations. For information, the program, and registration, visit: www.iab-weimar.de/beton2026.