Hinterland of Things Conference 2026 – Bielefeld, Germany
Overview
The Hinterland of Things Conference 2026 is Germany’s premier B2B innovation event, specifically designed to bridge the gap between traditional industry leaders and the agile startup world. Set in Bielefeld, the heart of the German “Mittelstand,” the conference gathers over 2,000 C-level innovators, including the nation’s most successful hidden champions and Europe’s brightest tech founders. It is an intensive one-day immersion into the future of industrial technology, focusing on how established family-owned businesses can collaborate with startups to drive digital transformation.
The 2026 edition centers on the theme of “momentum,” highlighting how businesses can navigate rapid technological change by building trust-based partnerships. The conference moves away from the typical large-scale convention feel, opting instead for a highly curated, trust-driven environment where “old business” meets “new business.” Attendees will explore critical topics such as the integration of AI in manufacturing, sustainable industrial tech, and the evolution of B2B business models in an increasingly automated world.
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Organized by the Founders Foundation, the event transforms the Stadthalle Bielefeld into a bustling ecosystem of innovation. With a program featuring two main stages, interactive masterclasses, and an expansive startup exhibition, participants are given the tools to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. It is not just about listening to speakers; it is about active matchmaking where the next generation of industrial giants is forged through direct dialogue and shared vision.
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Event Highlights
- The Bridge Builder Philosophy: The conference is uniquely structured to facilitate direct conversations between C-level executives of the German Mittelstand and Series A/B tech startups.
- Hinterland & Founders Stages: Two high-octane stages featuring over 40 global speakers, including household names in investment and industry leaders who share “no-fluff” entrepreneurial insights.
- B2B Tech Exhibition: A handpicked selection of the most innovative B2B startups from across Europe showcase their technologies to potential corporate partners and leading investors.
- Hinterland Alliance Access: Exclusive opportunities for networking within a trusted circle of family-owned businesses that have been shaping the German economy for decades.
Why Attend
This event is ideal for startup founders seeking to break into the industrial market, corporate innovators looking for cutting-edge solutions, and venture capitalists scouting for high-potential B2B tech. Attending provides an unparalleled vantage point into the backbone of the German economy, offering a “trusted dialog” that is hard to find at larger, more generic tech summits. The benefit of this specific focus is the high density of decision-makers; you aren’t just meeting managers, you are meeting the owners and CEOs of global market leaders.
For startups, the main benefit is the exposure to a “hidden” pool of capital and partnership opportunities within the medium-sized enterprise sector. For corporate attendees, the value lies in the inspiration and practical strategies provided by founders who are successfully rethinking traditional workflows. Whether you are looking to secure your first major industrial pilot or wanting to future-proof your family business, Hinterland of Things offers the specific networking and knowledge required to succeed in the B2B sphere.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: June 18, 2026
- Event Duration: 1 Day (Doors open at 8:00 AM)
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Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are sold online through the official shop on the conference website and via the Vivenu ticketing platform.
- Admission Type: Categorized by participant type, including Startup, Attendee (General), and Corporate tickets.
- Ticket Pricing: Prices range from $190 to $405 depending on the ticket tier and seasonal discounts (e.g., Christmas Drop pricing).
- Special Seating Options: Open seating is available across the Hinterland and Founders stages with dedicated meeting zones for pre-scheduled talks.
- VIP Options: Exclusive access is available for partners and sponsors, including invitations to the Hinterland Dinner and VIP networking lounges.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Bielefeld, Germany.
- Venue Name: Stadthalle Bielefeld.
- Google Maps Address: Willy-Brandt-Platz 1, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany.
Worried about accommodation? Hotels near this event sell out quickly, and prices tend to rise fast. Check out these accommodation options:
Contact Information
- Email: info@hinterlandofthings.com
- Official Website: hinterlandofthings.com
- Social Media Links:
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/hinterland-of-things/
- https://www.instagram.com/hinterlandofthings/
- https://www.youtube.com/@HinterlandofThings
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Paderborn-Lippstadt Airport is roughly 30 miles away, while Hannover Airport is approximately 65 miles from the venue.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: Bielefeld Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) is located directly adjacent to the Stadthalle venue.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: The venue is a major hub for city buses and trams; tickets include free use of local public transport for the entire day.
- Parking Availability: Ample parking is available in the Stadthalle multi-story car park and the neighboring central station parking facilities.
- Directions by Car: The city is conveniently reached via the A2 (Dortmund-Hannover) and A33 motorways, with exits leading directly toward the city center.
What is this event?
Hinterland of Things 2026 is a specialized B2B tech conference that connects traditional German industry with the modern startup ecosystem. It focuses on digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and the creation of sustainable business partnerships.
The event is designed to be a catalyst for innovation in the “Hinterland”—the region of East Westphalia-Lippe, which is home to numerous global market leaders. It provides a stage for founders to meet the established “hidden champions” of the German economy.
Why is it popular?
The conference is popular because it focuses on a specific, high-value niche: B2B industrial innovation rather than general consumer tech. It has a reputation for being the most “heavy networking” conference in the region, where real deals are made in a highly professional atmosphere.
Attendees love the unique contrast of a cutting-edge tech event held in a city known for its deep-rooted industrial tradition. The curation of the participants ensures a high quality of interaction, making it a must-visit for anyone involved in the German startup or corporate scene.
Attendee Experiences
- The networking was incredibly dense; I sat next to the CEO of a global manufacturing firm during lunch and we started a pilot project.
- It is the only event where you actually see the ‘Mittelstand’ and startups speaking the same language and solving real problems.
- The venue is so convenient because the train station is literally next door, which made my travel from Berlin effortless.
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FAQ's
What is included in my conference ticket?
Your conference ticket grants you full access to all official areas, including the Hinterland Stage, the Founders Stage, and the Startup Exhibition floor. You also have access to the Food and Drink Area throughout the day, ensuring you stay energized for networking. Additionally, your ticket allows you to use all city buses and trams in Bielefeld for free for the duration of the event.
Can I still get a ticket if the official shop says the current 'Drop' is sold out?
The conference usually releases tickets in several waves or 'Drops,' with prices increasing as the event date approaches. If a specific discount period like the 'Christmas Drop' is sold out, you can wait for the next general release or sign up for the newsletter to be notified of ticket availability. There is often a waiting list for high-demand categories such as Startup tickets to ensure a balanced mix of attendees.
How can I participate in the Startup Exhibition or Pitch Competition?
Startups interested in exhibiting must apply through the specific "Be Part" section on the official website, as only a limited number of B2B tech companies are selected. For the Pitch Competition, there is usually a separate application process where you must submit your pitch deck and business model for review by the Founders Foundation. Successful applicants receive a dedicated booth and the chance to present their vision on the main stage to a room full of investors.
Are there specific hotels recommended for international guests?
Yes, the organizers typically partner with several hotels in the city center to offer special rates for conference attendees. Popular choices include the stayery Bielefeld and other hotels within walking distance of the Stadthalle and the central station. Detailed information about hotel partners and booking codes is usually sent to ticket holders via the conference app or the official newsletter closer to the event date.
Is the conference program held in German or English?
While the event takes place in the heart of Germany, the primary language for the stage programs and the startup exhibition is English. This reflects the international nature of the venture capital scene and the global reach of the participating hidden champions. However, because many attendees are from the local German Mittelstand, you will find that a significant amount of the individual networking and some smaller breakout sessions may happen in German.
