71st DGfdB Congress
The 71st DGfdB Congress, held as part of interbad, will focus on key topics shaping the future of the swimming pool sector over three days. The programme will cover current developments in swimming pool construction and technology, as well as issues relating to personnel and the strategic and operational management of aquatic facilities. Look forward to practical insights, professional exchange and inspiring contributions from across the industry.
Secure your congress ticket now!
Early-bird rate available until 6 September 2026.
- Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | starting at 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | starting at 10 a.m.
- Thursday, October 8, 2026 | starting at 10 a.m.
International session
This English-language session is aimed at both international and national visitors and will cover a broad range of topics.
- Moderator: Jörn-Torsten Verleger, CEO of Grünwalder Freizeitpark GmbH
Programme:
Future-Proof Leisure Infrastructure: How Grünwalder Freizeitpark Combines Sustainability, Smart Operations and Community Impact
Speaker: Jörn-Torsten Verleger, Grünwalder Freizeitpark GmbH
Two worlds under one roof – The architectural challenge of combining a sports pool with a highly themed leisure pool
Speaker: Stephan Mix, geising + böker GmbH
Technical building equipment
Speaker: TBA
Approx. 3:15 p.m. Break
Hydrohex’s digital swimming school
Speaker: Tommi Wallenius, Hydrohex Oy Ltd
What´s up in the Standardisation for Drowning Detection Systems? The brand new ISO 20288
Speaker: Michael Weilandt, Convenor of ISO/TC 83/WG 11 „Systems for detection of involuntary submersion“
Swimming pool construction and technology
This session is aimed at architects, planners and all professionals in the swimming pool sector who are interested in swimming pool construction and the latest technological developments.
- Moderator: Thomas Duzia, Chair of the Technical Committee of the DGfdB
Programme:
Stuttgart Public Swimming Pools – Replacement Construction of the Zuffenhausen Indoor Pool
Speakers: Elvir Komsic, Stuttgarter Bäder, and Dirk Olschewski, Building Department of the State Capital of Stuttgart
Grid-Integrated Operation of a Municipal Swimming Pool – Updates from the EnergyFLOW Research Project
Speakers: Sebastian Clärding, aquila Wasseraufbereitungstechnik GmbH, and Leander Waerder, RWTH Aachen University
Approx. 11:20 a.m. Break
Designing Swimming Pools with Large-Format Ceramic Tiles
Speaker: Mario Sommer, Sopro Bauchemie GmbH
TBA
Speaker: TBA
Concrete Repair in Swimming Pools
Speaker: Jan-Bennet Hübner, MC-Bauchemie Müller GmbH & Co. KG
Personnel and pool operations
This new session is aimed at pool operators, swimming pool staff and all professionals in the aquatic facilities sector who are interested in the operational and strategic management of a swimming pool facility.
- Moderated by Anja Doerenkamp, Chair of the AK Personnel working group and Eric Voß, DGfdB
Programme:
AI in Swimming Pool Operations – Opportunities, Challenges, and Legal Guidelines
Speakers: Julia Bayer and Mario Klotzsche, Bayer & Klotzsche AI Coaching
Approx. 11:30 a.m. Break
TBA
Speaker: TBA
Honoring the top trainees of the year in the Swimming Pool Operations Specialist program
Challenges of Master Craftsman/Woman Training – Joint Examination Board for Master Craftsmen and Women in Swimming Pool Operations
Speakers: Dr. Grit Schütz, State Directorate of Saxony; Thomas Beutel, Chair of the Joint Examination Board for Master Craftsmen and Women in Swimming Pool Operations; and Maximilian Faber, Vice Chair of the DGfdB’s Working Group on Operations Management
