The ALTENPFLEGE exhibition congress 2026 will bring together specialists, executives, decision-makers, nursing researchers, and practitioners from the field of nursing in Essen from April 21 to 22. Over the course of two intensive days, participants will gain in-depth insights, practical inspiration, and new perspectives for shaping the future of nursing.
Right from the opening on April 21 at 10:30 a.m., participants will experience a powerful start: The award-winning documentary series “Herbstresidenz mit Tim Mälzer und André Dietz” will serve as the introductory segment and will be presented by André Dietz (moderator and guide for the participants) and Manfred Kappes (director of St. Raphael Caritas Alten- und Behindertenhilfe). This will be followed by the lecture “Care in Transition: Responsibility and the Future” by Prof. Dr. Heinz Rothgang, Head of the Department of Health, Care, and Old-Age Security at the SOCIUM Research Center for Inequality and Social Policy at the University of Bremen. Immediately afterward, delegates from politics, associations, and funding organizations will discuss the central challenges and strategic directions for the coming years in the session “Shaping Future-Proof Care”.
New Perspectives on Intergenerational Dialogue
A special highlight of the second day of the conference is the Intergenerational Discussion on April 22, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Under the title “Between Social Challenges and Care Standards – How We Can Shape Tomorrow’s Care Today”, actress Andrea Sawatzki, training coordinator Graciana-Virginye Versteeg (Pflegewohnzentren Kaulsdorf-Nord gGmbH), and entrepreneur Helmut Wallrafen will discuss the expectations, values, and responsibilities of different generations in the care sector. The discussion will explore how societal change, shifting career paths, and new demands on the quality of care are shaping the future of the industry and fostering positive development.
Key program areas: Quality, digitalization, human resources, and future healthcare
Once again, the conference will center on the topics that significantly shape nursing practice. Particular emphasis will be placed on quality requirements in long-term care facilities – from PeBeM (staffing standards in inpatient long-term care facilities) and QPR (quality assessment guidelines) to issues related to the further development of care quality. The sessions provide facilities with concrete guidance on how to meet regulatory requirements reliably and sustainably. In addition, the program highlights how digitalization and AI are becoming key drivers in everyday nursing care: Numerous presentations and discussion panels demonstrate how digital tools and AI-based solutions can streamline documentation processes, simplify administrative tasks, and significantly reduce the workload on teams. Another core area is personnel strategy, recruiting, absence management, and modern leadership. The presentations will share practical methods for how care facilities can build strong, resilient, and future-proof teams – a crucial factor for success in times of skilled labor shortages and growing demands.
Care models of the future will also be a major focus in 2026: new housing and neighborhood models, innovative forms of assisted living, and modern senior living approaches demonstrate how self-determination, participation, and quality of life can be sustainably enhanced. This is complemented by key topics such as AMTS (medication therapy safety), violence prevention, and process management, which provide care organizations with important tools for greater safety in everyday life.
New digital opportunities and expanded formats for exchange
For the first time, participants will have access to a trade show and exhibition congress app with a matchmaking feature in 2026. It facilitates targeted networking, offers personalized scheduling, and supports even more efficient interaction. Alongside the exhibition congress, the ALTENPFLEGE 2026 supporting program expands the offerings with numerous inspiring formats: The ALTENPFLEGE ARENA will feature live talks, interactive sessions, and expert forums on topics such as AI and robotics, nutrition, hygiene, resilience, and new care concepts. Visitors will benefit from the close connection between the trade show, the congress, and the community, which offers a wide range of learning and networking opportunities.
The ALTENPFLEGE exhibition congress as a Catalyst for the Industry
In 2026, the ALTENPFLEGE exhibition congress will remain one of the most important platforms for professionals, managers, care facilities, startups, and decision-makers in the care and healthcare sectors. The program combines scientific expertise, practical solutions, and policy perspectives, thereby creating a space where the future of care is actively shaped. The congress provides knowledge that instills confidence, perspectives that facilitate decision-making, and ideas that can be directly applied to everyday care practice. Click here for the complete program of the ALTENPFLEGE exhibition congress: www.altenpflege-messe.de/en/congress/programm
