Focus on sustainable construction: Follow-up report on the 31st edition of the IAB Days „BETON“ in Weimar

Under the motto „Building the future together,“ the 31st IAB Days „BETON“ took place in Weimar on November 12 and 13, 2025. The symposium organized by the Institute for Applied Construction Research (IAB) impressed with its practical specialist presentations, innovative solutions, and an open, informal atmosphere. Around 250 participants from the construction industry, research, and industry took advantage of the opportunity for professional exchange and networking.

Impulses from politics, science, and business

The event was opened with welcoming remarks by Thuringia‘s Minister of Economic Affairs, Colette Boos-John, and the President of the Bauhaus University Weimar, Prof. Peter Benz. Boos-John highlighted the economic importance of the construction industry and emphasized Thuringia‘s role as a center of excellence for sustainable construction. With the Innovation Center for Construction, consisting of IAB, Bauhaus University, and the Materials Research and Testing Institute, Weimar is a central hub for research and innovation in the construction industry.

Practical topics and presentations

Julian Krümpel, keynote speaker and managing director of Kortmann Beton GmbH, provided new impetus. He showed how companies can drive innovation and encouraged participants to question their own strategies. He discussed core values, quarterly meetings, mission strategy, and recruiting tools—instruments that support the innovation process in companies. On both days, 20 specialist presentations offered compact insights into modern concrete technologies, efficient construction processes, digitalization, automation, and AI. All contributions were practice-oriented and presented solutions that can be directly applied from the construction site to production.

Networking and exchange in the exhibitor area and at the get-together

The accompanying trade exhibition, featuring 21 companies from the construction, building materials, and mechanical engineering industries, offered ample space for intensive discussions and networking. It was an ideal opportunity to make new business contacts and expand existing networks. This continued in the evening at the get-together at the IAB‘s headquarters. With a relaxed dress code, a delicious buffet, and appropriate DJ music, everyone got along well. The highlight of the evening event was the guided tours of the institute‘s laboratories and test halls. This year, most guests were drawn to the live demonstration of the 3D concrete printing process.

Conclusion and outlook

„With our symposium, we want to consciously address the current challenges facing the construction industry and discuss and offer practical solutions,“ emphasizes IAB Institute Director Robert Fetter. „Our guests particularly appreciate this combination of professional focus and informal atmosphere.“ The next edition of the IAB Days „BETON“ will take place on November 11 and 12, 2026, in Weimar.