February 24 - 25, 2026

Baden-Baden, Germany

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NEXTGEN PROGRAM

Specifically for young professionals who want to benefit from guidance and support on their way to the next management level, we have put together an exclusive side event at the Engine Congress.

Our aim is to advance the careers of future decision-makers and to give them the opportunity to start creating their network for tomorrow.

The Program is open to young professionals up to the age of 33 who work in the fields of engine and drive system technology and the development of sustainable fuels.
Registration for the NextGen Program is by the senior manager after recommendation.

Program highlights:

Participation in the regular Engine Congress program
Networking areas for young professionals
during the meals and coffee breaks
Participation in the Engine Community Evening at the Kurhaus Casino Baden-Baden:
Reserved tables for young professionals

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

12:15 / Meet & greet with top executives from industry and science
Experienced managers will provide valuable insights into the development of their own careers, offer advice, and share their experiences:

Prof. Dr. Uwe Dieter Grebe,
Head of the Institute, Institute of Powertrain and Automotive Technology (IFA),
TU Vienna, and Managing Director, ame GmbH | Automotive & Mobility Engineering GmbH,
both Austria, and Editor-in-Charge ATZ | MTZ Group

Dr. Markus Schwaderlapp,
Senior Consultant, DEUTZ AG

12:45 / Speed dating among the young professionals
with guidance from an experienced moderator

SUPPORT YOUR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS!

As a senior manager, you have the unique opportunity to actively shape the future of your organization by advancing the careers of your young professionals. The NextGen Program is the ideal framework for supporting your young professionals in their career and personal development.
Benefit from our special NextGen congress ticket offers!

NextGen combined congress participation
1 senior manager (20 %) + 1 young professional (50 %)
€ 2,268.– (instead of € 3,490.–)

NextGen congress participation
1 young professional (50 %) € 872.50

Compared to:
Standard congress participation € 1,745.–

To register, send us an E-Mail to Verena Feger (feger@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.

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

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