Paid time off for a day of networking, inspiration & festival vibes – at #waterkant25
Why SMEs and mid-sized companies belong at Waterkant!// Educational leave// Focus tracks: Future of Work & Leadership// Masterclass Tickets// Be part of the action in the Employer Branding Tent
Dear Waterkant Community,
Waterkant hasn't been a pure startup event for a long time. More and more SMEs are discovering the festival as a space to gain fresh perspectives on digitalization, sustainability, and workforce development – and to connect with innovative minds across industries.
Here’s why #waterkant25 is especially relevant for SME decision-makers:
// Educational Leave for Festival Friday – here's how it works!
// Why SMEs are in the right place with us:
Focus Tracks: "Future of Work" & "Leadership in Organizations"
// Waterkant MASTERCLASSES – Get your limited ticket now!
Your deep dive into practical knowledge and relevant skills
// Visibility, talent, community – your company @ Waterkant
45-minute exclusive session for next-level recruiting and a real culture boost
"Right now, as a technology hub, Schleswig-Holstein needs a festival like this – a space to network, discuss tech ideas, connect sectors and figure out how to bring companies and ideas together to move forward."
– Nicolas F. Steinbacher, CEO Northvolt on #waterkant24
Paid Time Off for a Day of Networking & Inspiration – right by the Kiel Fjord
// Educational Leave – Here's how!
Waterkant Festival is officially recognized by the State of Schleswig-Holstein as a professional training event. That means all employees can apply for paid educational leave to attend – valid for Friday, June 20, 2025.
Educational leave (or "Bildungsfreistellung") is a paid leave specifically for job-related further education. All employees are legally entitled to it – and it doesn’t count against their regular vacation days.
Here’s how to apply:
Download the official recognition notice from our website
Submit it to your employer
Buy your ticket & come to the festival
Important: On the program day, don’t forget to pick up your participation certificate from the helpdesk (from 4 p.m.) and hand it in to your employer afterward.
Why SMEs and mid-sized companies belong at Waterkant!
With our focus tracks “Future of Work” and “Leadership in Organizations”, we tackle the real-life challenges many SME leaders face today – with practical ideas, inspiring speakers, and actionable solutions.
FUTURE OF WORK
The world of work is shifting fast. For SMEs, the key is to strengthen employees, integrate new technologies wisely, and shape future-ready strategies. This track is all about clarity, courage, and practical answers.
Psychological Empowerment in AI Transformation – Maike Ohm (troodi GmbH)
What happens when human meets artificial intelligence – and how can we keep people at the center?
Expedition Future for SMEs – Alice Rombach
How to navigate uncertainty with curiosity and create new paths for action.
Industrial AI – Simon Sack (NEUROLOGIQ)
AI as a real asset in industrial practice – especially for mid-sized companies.
Digital & Sustainable – Future-readiness through cooperation
A panel on innovation partnerships using the world market leader Hako from Schleswig-Holstein as an example.
LEADERSHIP IN ORGANIZATIONS
Leadership is changing – influenced by technological disruption and social transformation alike. This track explores how modern leaders create clarity, make bold choices, and treat regeneration as a real resource.
Regeneration – A Shift in Mindset! – Nikolaj Sveistrup (CIFS)
Why great leadership also means making space for rest – and how it fuels future capacity.
Leading with Intention in Times of Change – Ines Robbers (OYA)
How to move from reactive firefighting to conscious leadership with focus and presence.
Bad Idea? Great! – Dirk Ploss (Beiersdorf AG)
Why so-called "bad" ideas are often the starting point of genuine innovation – and what leaders can learn from them.
Leadership the Lasso Way – Marit Heidrich & Christina Bober
What modern leadership can learn from the Wild West and Beth Dutton – a fresh take on communication, responsibility & self-leadership.
Visibility. Talents. Community.
// Your company at Waterkant
Want to showcase your company, boost visibility, and connect with talent, skilled professionals, or new customers? Waterkant offers a range of opportunities tailored to your needs:
/// Employer Branding – Your exclusive 45-minute slot to position your brand as an employer of the future
/// Expo Area – Your company’s festival presence with booth and direct engagement
Sea you soon 🌊
your Team of the Waterkant Futures Thinking Lab
Get in touch // Instagram // LinkedIn // Mail