28-29 April 2026
Kampnagel Hamburg
Joining Forces – Shape the Future
Creatives shape our future. They develop new ideas, create cultural and economic impetus, drive innovation and shape how we live, work and communicate tomorrow. As an economic sector, the creative industries are one of the most versatile sectors of the future – and at the same time often appear fragmented.
This is precisely where the German Creative Economy Summit comes in as the leading nationwide congress for the German creative industries. Music, film, books, press, architecture, broadcasting, performing arts, design, software/games, art and advertising – the GCES connects all 11 sub-markets of the creative industries with each other, establishes a link to politics and science and thus enables new synergies.
Together, we provide a stage for those who shape our future. The GCES makes it clear that the creative industries are not a sideshow – but an economic sector in its own right with high social relevance and crucial importance for global competitiveness.
Let's join creative forces!
The Creative Industries in the Age of AI
The German Creative Economy Summit 2026 will focus on the question of how artificial intelligence and the digital economy are changing creative work, business models and value creation. How do we protect copyrights and fair remuneration in the digital transformation? How do solo freelancers and SMEs build up AI expertise in order to remain competitive? And what political framework conditions are needed so that innovation and social impact can come together?
We will address these questions in four thematic tracks: Policy deals with regulation, copyright and democratic control. Markets & Capital focuses on new business models, platform strategies and monetization. Creative Futures looks at new job profiles, educational pathways and the future of creative work. Impact shows how the creative industries can use digital tools to drive social transformation, inclusion and sustainability.
A Hub for the Entire Creative Industries
The German Creative Econony Summit is aimed at creatives, entrepreneurs and decision-makers – whether self-employed or from agencies, publishing houses, design and game studios, start-ups, SMEs, funding organizations, associations and administration. The GCES creates a network that provides the space for discussion and exchange and from which new insights, interfaces and business approaches emerge.
The GCES offers strategic impulses, keynotes, panels, workshops, practical cases, networking, interactive and artistic framework formats across six stages. The topics of the program range from AI assistants in businesses, AI in editorial offices and digital monetization strategies to the creator economy, data spaces for AI and creatives as well as questions of ethics, platform logic and copyright.
Speakers include Björn Böhning, Gitta Connemann and Dr Carsten Brosda from politics and administration as well as Zamina Ahmad (AI & ML Expert), Dominic von Proeck (Leaders of AI), Dr Paul Elvers (Head of AI, FUNKE Mediengruppe), Gregor Schmalzried (Host "Der KI-Podcast", ARD), Svea Eckert, Larissa Pohl and Boris Eldagsen. This brings together political perspectives, AI practice, technological expertise and creative entrepreneurship.
