INTernational Conference the program
18.-19.09 – Zukunft im Urbanen Raum
A conference about the future of the city – with creative impulses, urban ideas, and interdisciplinary exchange!
Vacancy, structural change, declining quality of stay – our city centers are facing major challenges. How can we rethink and redesign urban spaces? What role do scenography, visual marketing, and creative concepts play in transforming urban living environments?
The conference brings together experts from retail, urban planning, the creative industries, and academia. Through engaging presentations and practical insights, forward-thinking approaches will be presented that show how cities can remain vibrant, attractive, and sustainable.
Experience the power of design as a driving force for change – inspiring, interdisciplinary, and focused on the urban future.
our Program
18. September 2025
Arrival & check-in at the hotel individually
Optional: 16.00 Uhr | KultTour through Dusseldorf
Meeting point Düsseldorf city center:
Guided by our retail experts
18.30h | Prof. Dipl. Ing. Bernhard Franken
Keynote und Networking Evening
at the HSD-Retail-Studio in the Kö-Galerie
19. September 2025
09.00 – 09.15h | Julia K. M. Greven
Welcome by the moderator
09.15 – 09.45h | Prof. Sabine Krieg
VMM Vice President and Dean of HSD
Welcome and Prologue
09.45 – 10.30h | Andreas Rebbelmund
Managing Director of Breuninger Dusseldorf
etail in Motion – How Brick-and-Mortar Stores Are Reinventing Themselves in the City
10.30 – 11.00h – Coffee break I Networking
11.00 – 11.45h | Jens Nussbaum
Stadt + Handel
What Does the Future Hold? – Trends in
Retail and City Center Development
11.45 – 12.30h | Björn Krischick
Managing Director of LEVI mbH
Development in the Heart of
the City – Leverkusen 4.0
12.30 – 13.45h – Lunch I Networking
13.45 – 14.30h | Katrin Legandt
Ideas That Move – City & Retail
meets Creative Marketing
14.30 – 15.30h | Matthew Brown
Retail Trend Futurist I Echochamber
How City Centers Can Succeed Through
Creativity and Innovation
15.30 – 16.00h – Coffee break I Networking
16.00 – 17.30h | Panel Discussion
Discussions in the Tension Field Between
Designers, Retailers, and Municipalities
17.30h – End of the meeting
ab 19.00h
Networking Dinner and After-Show-Party
our Extras for the conference
Conference Venue: Hochschule Dusseldorf / Building 6
This year’s conference will take place in Building 6 of the Hochschule Düsseldorf (University of Applied Sciences) – a modern space for learning, research, and creative exchange. The striking building on the Derendorf campus impresses with its clean lines, contemporary architecture, and an open atmosphere that fosters creative thinking.
Building 6 is part of the university’s Design Department, one of the most renowned institutions for creative education. With generous rooms, bright interior spaces, and state-of-the-art technical equipment, it offers the perfect setting for inspiration, interdisciplinary dialogue, and exchange.
For more information click here
Secure discounted rooms now through our hotel contingent!
Hotel contingent
The hotels MERCURE HOTEL DUSSELDORF CITY NORD and NH DUSSELDORF CITY NORD have reserved a room contingent for our conference.
Since only a limited number of rooms have been reserved at the hotels, we kindly ask you to book your room as soon as possible.
NH Dusseldorf City Nord 4
Single room (18.09.2025–19.09.2025): 162,35 €/night
Single room (19.09.2025–20.09.2025): 136,40 €/night
Mercure Dusseldorf City Nord 4
Single room (18.09.2025–20.09.2025): 119,00 €/night
Rooms can only be booked through this link. The prices listed are per room, per night, and include our breakfast as well as applicable taxes.
Other room options on request.
MERCURE HOTEL DUSSELDORF CITY NORD
This modern 4-star hotel is located in the Mörsenbroich district, just a few kilometers from the city center, central station, and airport. Thanks to its convenient location, the hotel is an ideal base for business and city travelers alike. With 190 rooms and a spacious conference area, it combines functionality with urban comfort in the dynamic Rhine metropolis of Dusseldorf.
MERCURE HOTEL
DUESSELDORF CITY NORD
Noerdlicher Zubringer 7
Moersenbroicher Ei
40470 Düsseldorf
NH DUSSELDORF CITY NORD
This newly renovated hotel is situated in the quiet Derendorf district, between the city center, the airport, and the exhibition grounds. With direct access to the S-Bahn, tram, and highways, it is perfectly located for business travelers and city tourists. 330 bright rooms, 22 conference spaces, and a fitness area with sauna and sun terrace offer comfort and functionality in the heart of Dusseldorf.
NH DÜSSELDORF CITY-NORD
Münsterstr. 230-238
40470 Düsseldorf
the tickets
OUR TICKETS INCLUDE THE KEYNOTE SPEECH ON THURSDAY, THE CONFERENCE AND THE NETWORKING DINNER ON FRIDAY.
THE CULT TOUR ON THURSDAY CAN ALSO BE BOOKED AS AN OPTION.
VMM Member
580€ incl. 19% VAT.
Non Member
790€ incl. 19% VAT.
Student Trainee Ticket
110€ incl. 19% VAT.
KultTour
Optionally bookable
Service including tickets
Become a member now and start saving!
Regular members receive a discount of €205 on the conference fee. Annual membership costs only €120 for employees or €220 for self-employed professionals – meaning your membership already pays off with just one conference participation.
