50th Congress of Controllers: Anniversary with a focus on the future

Since 1976, the Congress of Controllers has stood for professional depth, practical relevance and personal exchange. An initiative of Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Albrecht Deyhle, a forum has emerged that has shaped generations of controllers. The ICV looks back with pride on five decades of continuous dialog on the further development of corporate management.

Orientation in turbulent times

Under the motto «Prepared for Uncertainty», the anniversary congress contrasts current challenges and opportunities for corporate management. In addition to uncertainties due to geopolitical uncertainties, volatile markets, regulatory requirements, sustainability pressure and a shortage of skilled workers, there are also opportunities, for example through innovations such as artificial intelligence.

The current range of topics will be addressed by 25 speakers on both days of the congress. Compact 30-minute presentations in the impressive ballroom of the Munich congress hotel The Westin Grand will provide concise impulses, which can also be discussed directly with the speakers in the numerous networking opportunities during the congress.

Top-class speakers from the field

Speakers include Uta Anders (CFO, Krones), who will shed light on capital market communication in times of increased uncertainty. Dr. Dirk Baukmann (EVP Corporate Accounting, Reporting & Controlling, DHL Group) will use the «21st Century CFO Model» and its integration with operational business and reporting requirements to highlight the importance for controllers. Axel Wachholz (CFO, Phoenix Contact Group) reflects on the role of the CFO and outlines perspectives.

Annet van der Laan (CFO, MB Energy) reports on the implementation of a comprehensive finance transformation and its impact in the first year. Dr. Andreas Aschenbrücker (CFO, Trumpf Machine Tools) explains the management of global business centers. Oliver Knapp (Senior Partner, Roland Berger) analyzes competitive dynamics between China and Western companies. Prof. Dr. Markus Hengstschläger will focus on problem-solving skills as a key competence in a digital working world.

Three theme centers with a focus on AI, crises and performance

On the afternoon of the first day of the congress, three parallel topic centers will traditionally deepen the discussion: AI implementation in controlling, early crisis detection and dealing with uncertainties as well as finance & controlling as performance drivers. The focus will be on specific use cases, maturity models and practical experience - from AI-supported analyses and data agents to generative AI in planning, risk aggregation and bandwidth planning.

Special input will come from FH-Prof. Dr. Heimo Losbichler, former Chairman of the ICV, who will show in his presentation «Early detection in the age of AI» how weak signals can be identified early on and systematically integrated into strategic decisions. Other contributions will shed light on the strategic role of Finance & Controlling and the further development of the controller organization.

Controlling in dialog across generations

The Congress of Controllers is designed for knowledge transfer through dialog: The seated ballroom creates space for concentrated input, while lunch buffets and theme centers across two levels invite you to network with old and new contacts in personal and technical discussions far away from fixed structures and premises. A lounge area with music provides the perfect ambience for discussions in a relaxed atmosphere.

Young finance professionals are personally accompanied at the Congress of Controllers by ICV Board Member Pia Burkarth and Korbinian Hoffmann, ICV Executive Advisor for YFP. A separate area for YFP and mentoring sessions creates additional opportunities for targeted networking for young professionals, including those with professional experience.

Awards for Controlling Excellence

The award ceremonies are a particular highlight of every Congress of Controllers: The Albrecht Deyhle Award for Controlling Excellence recognizes outstanding controlling achievements. The ICV - Péter Horváth Green Controlling Award recognizes innovative sustainable controlling concepts. Both awards exemplify the claim to make controlling visible as a formative force in companies.

«For me, the Congress of Controllers is the highlight of the controller year. It is a mixture of a future summit for controlling, a special networking event and at the same time as informal as a class reunion,» says Matthias von Daacke, ICV Chairman of the Board.

The 50th Congress of Controllers will take place on April 27 and 28, 2026 in the CongressCenter at The Westin Grand Munich. Further information and registration: icv-controlling.com