A Night to Remember — Highlights from the IFA Opening Gala
A Night to Remember — Highlights from the IFA Opening Gala
Highlights from the IFA Opening Gala
For one evening, the city’s tech community trades badges for black tie. The IFA Gala brings together industry leaders, innovators and Berlin’s political circle for an evening of celebration and connection. More than just a party, it’s where conversations spark, alliances form, and the spirit of IFA meets the glamour of Berlin nights.
From left: Dr. Ralf Kleinhenz (Senior Vice President Messe Berlin), Dirk Hoffmann (Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer), Dr. Sara Warneke (Managing Director GFU), Leif Lindner (CEO IFA), Mario Tobias (CEO Messe Berlin)
From left: Philipp Maurer (Aufsichtsratsvorsitzender GFU), Dr. Sara Warneke (Managing Director GFU), Kai Wegner (Governing Mayor of Berlin), Dr. Reinhard Zinkann (Executive Director and Co-Proprietor Miele), Leif Lindner (CEO IFA)
Lisa Hannant (CEO, Clarion Events), Chris Brow (Host & Moderator), Kai Wegner (Governing Mayor of Berlin)
Opening Speech by Leif Lindner (CEO IFA)
Dorothee Bär MdB, Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space
Man-Young Kim (Executive Vice President & Managing Director Samsung Electronics), Dr. Sara Warneke (Managing Director GFU)
Full house at the IFA 2025 Opening Gala: Berlin’s political, business and tech leaders gathered with the global industry.
IFA Experience
The first days on the exhibition floor featured Michelin-star chefs duelling over stovetops while robots cleaned pools, mowed lawns and showed off their AI skills. There was plenty of two-wheeled fun out on the Mobility Track as test-riders jumped on e-scooters and e-bikes for a trip around the test area. At the Beauty Hub, self-care was the name of the game as attendees were pampered with wellness tech, while in the gaming halls VR headsets took their wearers into new worlds.
Retail Leaders Summit
More than 100 senior leaders gathered for the first-ever Retail Leaders Summit. It was a full house that turned into a full success, with ideas and connections spanning industries, generations and borders.
“The Retail Leaders Summit is taking place for the very first time, and it feels incredibly important. In our daily work we rarely look beyond our own markets or companies. This event brings the industry together, builds community and sparks the kind of dialogue where real partnerships can grow. The roundtable format is especially exciting – that’s where the conversations truly matter.”
– Lisa Young, Director of Consumer Tech, WGSN