On 29 September 2026, Saarlandhalle Saarbrücken will once again become a hub of IT, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digitalisation. IT.CON 2026 – organised by a consortium of industry partners – is particularly aimed at CEOs, IT officers, specialists, executives and managers responsible for digitalisation and innovation in SMEs and public administration. Anyone interested in discovering the latest IT solutions, gaining a better understanding of cyber risks and exploring specific approaches for their own digitalisation process absolutely should not miss out on IT.CON 2026.
Minister of Economic and Digital Affairs Jürgen Barke: ‘Digitalisation is changing our economy, our society and our everyday life at breakneck speed. This makes it even more important that key players from the worlds of business, science and administration work together to develop solutions for the challenges of digital transformation. IT.CON serves as a very strong platform for this. The fact that we have once again increased the number of exhibitors demonstrates that Saarland offers a strong setting for digitalisation, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.’
saaris CEO Rita Gindorf-Wagner: ‘As a partner for regional business, saaris and its high-powered co-organisers are creating a place that enables exchange, new momentum and practical solutions for the IT sector. In short: IT.CON brings together things that belong together.’
Trade fair, presentations and expert panels
IT.CON has reached a new high with 115 exhibitors – 25 more than last year. Across three stages, nine themed areas and around 20 presentations, expert panels and live formats, attendees will gain a concise overview of the latest solutions, directly compare different providers, and pick up specific momentum for their own company.
Spotlight on cybersecurity, AI and digitalisation
Themes range from cybersecurity, ransomware and secure IT and OT networks, to artificial intelligence and AI agents, to digital sovereignty, cloud solutions, business software and data-driven business models.
Highlights include a keynote speech by science comedian Vince Ebert on ‘Big Dadaism – navigating digitalisation with common sense’. Luise Kranich from the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) will discuss AI security, cyber defence, cloud computing and digital sovereignty. The programme will also include live hacking and field reports from real security incidents.
Getting involved in cybersecurity
Attendees can bring cybersecurity to life in the cybersecurity escape room, Jeopardy-style awareness quiz, and DEVI mobile IT forensic laboratory.
On 28 September, for the first time ever, there will be two three-hour masterclasses on modern cyber defence and the deployment of artificial intelligence.
IT.CON 2026 overview
Date: 29 September 2026
Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Saarlandhalle Saarbrücken
Masterclasses: Monday 28 September 2026, 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
More information, the programme and tickets are available at www.it-con-messe.de.
About IT.CON
IT.CON is the IT trade fair for Saarland’s small and medium sized businesses. It puts companies together with solution providers, experts and key players from the worlds of business, science and the public sector.
Organiser: saaris – saarland innovation und standort GmbH · CYBR360 · East Side Fab. · IHK Saarland · Wirtschaftsregion Saarbrücken e.V. · CCS – Congress-Centrum Saar GmbH
Supported by: Saarland Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalisation and Energy
With public support from: State Capital Saarbrücken and Regionalverband Saarbrücken
Sponsors: Sparkasse Saarbrücken · Energie SaarLorLux
If you have any questions, please contact:
Sabine Betzholz-Schlüter
saaris – saarland innovation und standort GmbH
Eschberger Weg 40, 66121 Saarbrücken
Tel: 0681 21066 200;
email: sabine.betzholz-schlueter@saaris.saarland
