German Creative Economy Summit 2026

The creative industries are a key driver of innovation and economic growth. Its importance extends far beyond the eleven submarkets - music, film, books, press, architecture, broadcasting, performing arts, design, software and games, art and advertising. The creative industries drive not only cultural, but also economic and social developments by generating new business models, technologies and ways of working.

The first GCES took place in Hamburg in March 2024: 177 speakers provided valuable insights into the relevant topics of the creative industries in 88 programme items. Over two days, around 850 participants from business, science and politics discussed cross-industry future topics such as artificial intelligence, the circular economy, urban transformation, the sustainable development of cities and social systems and innovative business models. The summit was organised by Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft.

In 2025, the Summit will focus on the forces that already exist within the 11 submarkets and how they can be bundled and promoted in a targeted manner. The programme focuses on the following topics: Market & Innovation Forces, Work & Education Forces, Sustainability and Urban Forces, Democracy Forces, Digitalisation Forces.

All information about the summit can be found here.