25 Years of OTS: In 2026, preXcon Will Become a Platform for the Future of Manufacturing

The Eastern Switzerland Technology Symposium (OTS) and preXcon will join forces in 2026. To mark the 25th anniversary of the OTS, the event will no longer take place as a standalone event but as a dedicated special section within preXcon – The Precision Technology Convention. In this way, the OTS combines its long-standing tradition and strong network with preXcon’s interdisciplinary approach.

Industrial production is at a turning point. Increasing pressure to reduce costs and accelerate production, complex supply chains, and a shortage of skilled workers call for a new way of thinking. Now is the time to redesign production—making it faster, smarter, more sustainable, and more resilient. To achieve this, SMEs in Eastern Switzerland need agile processes, maximum flexibility, and well-informed, data-driven decisions. Artificial intelligence, automation, and smart systems create transparency, efficiency, and real competitive advantages. At the same time, sustainable production is becoming a key success factor: lower CO₂ emissions, more efficient use of resources, and future-proof solutions for both the economy and the environment.

Additional Expertise

OTS 2026 is themed «Rethinking Production. Fast. Smart. Sustainable.» and specifically addresses this topic as part of the preXcon trade event. Visitors will benefit from valuable expert knowledge: Experienced speakers from the industry will provide practical insights and present concrete applications from the production floor.

Presentations and Networking

Michael Blickenstorfer (Rimon Technologies), Adrian Schär and Marcel Fenner (Sandvik Switzerland), Andreas Meier (Dreamleap), Roland Lehmann (Helbling Technik), Christian Haltiner (Dassault Systèmes), Alexandra Meister (Meister Coaching), Lukas Naef (iDIP Solution), Markus Baffy (Cross-Ing) and Stefan Brupbacher (Swissmem) will share practical insights on topics including the self-optimizing factory, artificial intelligence in production, smart factories powered by AI, sustainable energy generation, and preventing the loss of know-how.

In addition to the knowledgeable experts, OST—the University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland—is also on board this year. Joining them are various innovation experts who will present their solutions at the table-top exhibition. At the networking reception at 4:15 p.m., you’ll have the opportunity to make valuable connections in the fields of education, consulting, and applied research.

preXcon with a wide range of products

preXcon brings together expertise, innovation, and practical applications across the entire value chain of the high-tech industry. While preXcon will address topics related to industrial production on Tuesday and Wednesday, the OTS will delve deeper into this focus on Thursday, November 5, 2026. This creates a platform that brings together stakeholders from business, research, and industry and promotes innovation and technology transfer in precision engineering.

About the Eastern Switzerland Technology Symposium

This year’s event continues the 25-year success story of the Eastern Switzerland Technology Symposium. The OTS is organized in collaboration with the Eastern Switzerland Production and Technology Network (PTV) and the OST University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland, under the patronage of the St. Gallen-Appenzell Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Switzerland Innovation Park Ost. The OTS provides a platform for practice-oriented knowledge transfer. A valid preXcon ticket is required to attend this year’s OTS.

https://technologiesymposium.ch