FORST live Congress
1. FORST live Congress 2026
Friday, March 27, 2026 | Oberrheinhalle, Offenburg
One highlight of the coming year will be the trade fair's first scientific congress, which will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Oberrheinhalle. Under the motto “The Future of Forestry – Knowledge Meets Practice,” the congress will focus on topics that are shaping the forestry industry of today and tomorrow.
The FORST live Congress is more than just a specialist forum – it is the heart of knowledge exchange.
This is where experts, decision-makers, and innovators meet to discuss the future of the forest.
Exciting keynotes, practical insights into current and future topics, and inspiring discussions make the Congress a must-attend event for anyone who wants to actively shape forestry and energy.
The Congress is open to trade and private visitors. Participation is free of charge and only possible in conjunction with a FORSTlive Ticket 2026. For capacity reasons, seats must be reserved in advance for each lecture – simply select, book, and join us!
FORST live Congress - Book your seat
Congress Program
All presentations will be held in German language.
| Time | Title | Speaker |
| 09.30 - 9.50 am | Welcome Speach | |
| 9.50 - 10.20 am | Artificial intelligence in use for German protected areas |
Dr. Michael Schmidt |
| 10.20 - 10.30 am | Break | |
| 10.30 - 11.00 am | Sustainable provision of ecosystem services by our forests: Why healthy soils are so important |
Prof. Dr. Karl-Heinz Feger |
| 11.00 - 11.30 am | The beetle, my neighbor, and I - New and old challenges in bark beetle management |
M.Sc. Luca Kiener |
| 11.30 - 12.00 am | Forest and wildlife – consciously thinking together |
Sarina Beiter |
| 12.00 - 12.30 am | Lunch Break | |
| 12.30 - 13.00 am | From the first meter to the last cubic meter – the digital toolbox for forestry operations |
Christoph Deselaers und Dr. Sebastian Hauk |
| 13.00 - 13.30 am | Trees for the future in the face of climate change – initial results from test plantings across Switzerland |
Dr. Julia Schwarz |
| 13.30 - 14.00 am | Soil monitoring- Keeping an eye on forest soil development - Shaping the future with insights from the past |
Dr. Elke Dietz |
| 14.00 - 14.30 am | Forest soils must be protected permanently—they are the fundamental capital of all forestry. |
Dr. Peter Hartmann |
Program subject to change