October 14 - 15, 2026
Baden-Baden, Kongresshaus

ELIV - Specials

In addition to the top-class congress program, the ELIV Congress offers further interesting supporting programs, participation opportunities and special offers. We have summarized these for you here.

Automotive Trend Session: INDIA

NextGen Program

Accompanying conference

Automotive Trend Session: Automotive AI

Lightning Talks

Start-up Area

Automotive Trend Session: INDIA – Tech & Market

The Automotive Trend Session on the afternoon of the first day of the congress addresses India’s growing importance as one of the most dynamic markets in the automotive industry.

The technical presentations and concluding panel discussion will explore India as one of the world’s most dynamic technology and automotive markets. Key topics include the latest developments in software-defined vehicles, AI, connected vehicle platforms, and automated driving, with a particular focus on the requirements of the Indian market and the potential for global applications.

Automotive Trend Session: Automotive AI

The “Automotive AI” Trend Session explores how artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming vehicle development.

The session will focus on the evolution from software-defined to AI-defined vehicles, AI-native development processes, and automated development, testing, and validation methods. It will also examine the safe and scalable integration of AI into existing engineering structures. A concluding panel discussion will address the technological and organizational requirements for the successful industrialization of AI.

The NextGen Program

This exclusive side event is specially designed for young professionals who want to be accompanied and supported on their way to the next management level.

We intend to promote future decision-makers and offer them the opportunity to build the network for tomorrow today.

In addition to participation in the regular congress, the NextGen Program includes a customized supporting program that is specially tailored to the needs and interests of young professionals and offers numerous opportunities for exchange and networking.

Young talents who are no older than 35 and already working in the field of automotive electronics can take part. Registration for the NextGen program should be made via the manager with a corresponding recommendation.

Support your young talents!

As a senior manager, you have the unique opportunity to actively shape the future of your organization by supporting your junior managers. The NextGen Program is the perfect opportunity to support your young professionals in their personal and professional development.

Why you should take part in the NextGen Program:

Career development: The NextGen program offers your young professionals the opportunity to further develop their professional skills.
Networking: Networking is a crucial part of professional success. Our program offers a wide range of opportunities to make contacts and exchange ideas with other young talents. This not only promotes individual exchange, but also strengthens the network within your industry.
Motivation & employee retention: Investing in the training and development of your talented young employees shows your appreciation and strengthens their loyalty to your company. The NextGen program is a reward for their performance and an incentive to continue giving their best.
Promoting innovation: Participation in the NextGen program inspires new ideas and innovative approaches. By working with other creative minds in a dynamic environment, your talents often come up with the best ideas that can drive your business forward.

Participation fee

We offer special price rates for Seniors and Young Professionals to participate in the NextGen program:

Congressticket (regular) € 2,190.00
NextGen-Ticket € 1,533.00
Duo-Package (Senior + Young Professional) € 3,420.00 (regularly € 4,380.00)

To register, send us an E-Mail to Anna Marchuk (anna.marchuk@vdi.de) with the following information:

Full contact details Senior & Young Professional (e.g. E-Mail signature)
Proof of age for young professionals
Desired ticket category (single participation or duo package)
Letter of recommendation from the senior for participation in the NextGen Program
Invoicing address

After successful registration, you will receive a confirmation E-Mail with all the important details about the program.

We look forward to welcoming you and your young professionals and to inspiring and developing the leaders of tomorrow together.

Lightning Talks – Three-Minute Pitches on the Main Stage

Starting in summer 2026, we are once again looking for dynamic individuals who are ready to take the stage and deliver a captivating three-minute talk to our audience of industry experts, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned professional, an aspiring innovator or a young professional, we want to hear from you!

As a Lightning Talks speaker, you will have the unique opportunity to showcase your expertise, share your insights and inspire others with your passion for innovation. Whether you are introducing a revolutionary technology, presenting ground-breaking research or sharing your vision for the future, this is your chance to shine on the main stage at ELIV 2026.

Call for Lightning Talks

Deadline: August 28, 2026
Notification shortly after deadline

Your proposal should include the title, a brief description of your pitch and speaker details including age. Please limit yourself to a maximum of 500 characters. Three-Minute Pitches on the Main Stage Presenters will be charged 50% of the congress ticket price.

Send your idea to birgit.bremer@vdi.de

Presenters will be charged 50 % of the congress ticket price.

Start-up Area

In our start-up area young, innovative companies present their latest developments and products in the field of automotive electronics in the market.

In addition, the start-ups will offer insights into their innovative ideas and solutions through brief presentations on the start-up stage. Take the opportunity to get to know these young companies and engage directly with them.

FAQ:

How long should my Lightning Talk be?

Your pitch time is strictly limited to 3 minutes.

Do I need to prepare a presentation?

We recommend preparing a few slides, but it's not mandatory.

Do I need to pay for a Congress Ticket?

Yes, presenters will be charged 50% of the congress ticket price.

Are there additional options to promote my pitch idea?

You have the option to include QR codes for further details. Additionally, you can showcase a poster in the exhibition area to further highlight your pitch idea.

Where will the Lightning Talks take place?

The Lightning Talks will be on the main stage.

Accompanying conference - Mobile Machines Electronics 2026

Mobile Machines Electronics will take place in parallel to the next ELIV.

Exciting changes are on the horizon in the field of mobile machinery. The introduction of the first autonomously driving tractors, agricultural robots, and construction machinery in practical use is a remarkable success.
However, to be truly autonomous and efficient, all work processes must be automated. The industry is meeting this challenge with the help of intelligent sensor technology and artificial intelligence. At Mobile Machines Electronics 2026, inspiring ideas and innovations will be presented that illustrate how the performance of machines increases with the degree of automation.

Mobile Machines Electronics 2026 is a great opportunity to discuss new technologies, processes, robotics, artificial intelligence, and machinery for efficient agriculture.

Information on the event and the separatly released Call for Papers can be found at: www.vdiconference.com/01TA111026

Participants can attend the ELIV and Mobile Machines Electronics presentations.

Convention

Mobile Machine Electronics

Experience the latest developments in electrical and electronic engineering for mobile machinery at our international VDI conference.