IFD Connection Forum 2026

The IFD Connection Forum 2026 is designed as a focused and interactive format that brings together member associations and industry partners

The objective is to:
•    create practical value through real project insights
•    enable exchange between countries and stakeholders
•    strengthen the role of IFD commissions and their contribution to the development of technical guidelines

The format combines input, exchange and working sessions.

Day 1 – Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Focus: IFD updates and knowledge exchange from award-winning projects

11:00 – 12:30: IFD General Assembly (Members Only)

• Welcome
• President’s report
• Secretary General’s update
• Financial overview
• Decisions and outlook

12:30 – 14:00: Lunch

14:00 – 17:00: IFD Connection Forum – Part I

• IFD update
• 3–4 award-winning project presentations (15–20 min each)
  • Focus: challenges, planning, execution, key learnings
• Open discussion:
  • Transferability across countries
  • Shared challenges

Sessions are designed to provide practical insights and encourage cross-country exchange.

17:00 – 18:00: Break / Hotel Check-in

From 18:00: Evening Program (TBC)

• Historic tram tour of Vienna
• Dinner at a traditional Viennese Heuriger (10er Marie)

Day 2 – Thursday, October 15, 2026

Focus: Technical guidelines and future direction of IFD commissions

09:00 – 09:15: Introduction

• Overview of objectives and expected outcomes

Morning Session – Presentations & Discussion

• 2–3 member associations present their approach to technical guidelines
• Moderated discussion

Key Topics:

• Development of technical guidelines
• Stakeholder involvement
• Challenges and best practices
• Implementation and communication
• Role of industry partners and national federations
• Future structure of IFD commissions

12:30 – 13:30: Lunch

Afternoon Session – Working Groups

• Small group (roundtable) discussions

Objectives:

• Identify priority topics for IFD
• Define expectations for commissions
• Establish next steps

15:15 – 16:00: Wrap-Up & Next Steps

• Summary of key takeaways
• Agreement on follow-up actions

Learn more about IFD!