Messeplatz 1, 50679 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is a 2,000-year-old city spanning the Rhine River in western Germany. The cultural capital of the Rhineland, known for its joyful attitude, unique Kölsch beer culture, and the iconic Cologne Cathedral.
A UNESCO World Heritage site that took over 600 years to complete. The city's historic Old Town features narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and traditional brauhäuser (brewhouses) where Kölsch is served in distinctive 0.2L glasses.
One of Europe's most museum-dense cities. The Museum Ludwig houses one of Europe's most important collections of modern art, while the Chocolate Museum and Fragrance Museum celebrate the city's sweet and aromatic heritage.
The city truly comes alive during Carnival season, hosting one of Europe's largest street festivals with over 1 million visitors annually.
Germany's third-largest tech ecosystem with over 800 startups and scaleups. Cologne hosts more software developers than any European city except London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
The ecosystem has doubled in value over five years, creating a vibrant innovation landscape.
Across 21 universities, providing a constant stream of talented graduates.
Following Berlin and Munich, establishing itself as a major innovation center.
DeepL (AI translation unicorn valued at $2B+), cybersecurity leader SoSafe, and AI-powered pricing platform buynomics.
Major corporations like Ford Europe, Lufthansa, and REWE Group maintain headquarters here.
STARTPLATZ (NRW's largest startup hub), Digital Hub Cologne, and specialized accelerators.
The perfect environment for technology innovation and business growth.
Connect with the brightest minds in technology, from AI unicorns to enterprise giants, all converging in Cologne's thriving ecosystem.
From historic landmarks to cutting-edge innovation, discover what makes Cologne a unique destination for technology leaders.
2000+ years of rich history
800+ startups & scaleups
Unique beer culture
100+ museums & galleries
Strategic location at the crossroads of Europe makes it one of the continent's most accessible cities. Just 2 minutes walk from Confex to high-speed rail connections.
Experience effortless travel to Cologne from anywhere in Europe, with world-class infrastructure ensuring your conference journey is smooth from start to finish.
From world-class transport hubs to stunning architectural marvels, explore the landmarks that make Cologne a premier European destination.
15 minutes to venue
Historic river promenade
Vibrant urban experience
UNESCO World Heritage
The European Collaboration Summit 2026 will be held at Confex, Cologne's newest €150 million conference powerhouse that opened in June 2024.
Newest conference powerhouse in Europe
22 conference rooms plus main hall
With spectacular 12-meter ceilings
Additional space when needed
Built specifically for modern hybrid events with cutting-edge audiovisual systems and comprehensive streaming capabilities.
DGNB Platinum sustainability certification ensures environmental responsibility.
2,000 square meters of floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light, with full barrier-free accessibility throughout.
5,600-square-meter Confex Plaza for outdoor activities and networking.
Step inside Europe's most advanced conference facility
4,300 sqm with 12m ceilings
22 modern meeting spaces
Flexible networking zones
5,600 sqm outdoor space
Join us at Confex Cologne, where cutting-edge technology meets sustainable design to create the ultimate conference experience in the heart of Europe.