DIGITAL FASHION
& RETAIL DAYS
Less gut feeling. More margin.
Discover how AI and digitalisation lead to better decisions – and significantly boost your bottom line.
An event for decision-makers who value clear insights over empty phrases.
No buzzwords. No repetitions.
Just ideas that work. Strategies that pay off.
And technologies that deliver results – not someday, but today.
- September 18 & 19, 2025
- Öschberghof Donaueschingen
Voices
There’s a reason people come back.
Those who speak here have been part of it – often more than once.
These voices show what the Digital Fashion & Retail Days are all about: relevance, real exchange, and practical insights.
Authentic voices from the industry – direct, unfiltered, and honest.
🎧 What they say gets to the heart of the event – and makes you want to be part of it this year.
Note: All videos are recorded in German.
Speakers
Hear from top minds – honest, clear, straight to the point.
No theory on conference day.
Just people who lead, shape change, and make things happen.
They’ll speak openly about success – and setbacks.
It’s about relevance over empty talk.
The insights don’t end on stage.
They turn into strategies you can apply the next day.
Schedule
& Agenda
Two days.
No fluff.
Just what matters.
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Networking Day & Masterclasses
Thursday marks your entry into two intensive days of relaxed networking, sporting activities, and exclusive Boot Camp sessions.
The atmosphere: open, personal, informal.
Perfect for exchanging ideas, making connections, and discussing topics in depth.
And the evening? The ideal opportunity to continue conversations – with no set agenda.
Overview
A relaxed, personal and inspiring exchange – on equal footing.
Whether on the golf course, on an e-bike or over your first coffee:
Thursday’s kick-off brings you together with people who are concerned about similar issues and have similar responsibilities.
No stiff formats, no compulsory programme.
Just space for real conversations.
All with a view of the green of the Black Forest.
- 08:30 Registration of participants
- 09:30 Welcome and golf flights assignments
- 10:15 Start golf tournament (9 holes)
- 10:15 Guided mountain bike tour. Duration approx. 90 minutes
- 10:15 Golf taster course
- From 12:15 Lunch / Fingerfood
-
13:00 What to expect:
Boot Camp at a glance & partner intro -
From 13:45 Boot Camp: Solutions, innovations and partner perspectives
Details on topics and timing can be found under the "Boot Camp" tab. -
From 19:30 Networking Night at the Öventhütte
Expected to end around 23:00
Social Events
Decisions are made where people move
Whether on the golf course, in the saddle or sharing a smile on the tee: our social events create connections that go beyond the moment. Active, high-quality and approachable – the perfect setting for genuine dialogue away from the stage.
A social event is selected in advance – all activities are an integral part of the programme. Should the weather change, we have suitable alternatives up our sleeves.
Option 1:
Golf Challenge
A sporting kick-off for all levels of experience. Texas Scramble is played in teams of 2. The flights are organised on site – based on the handicap or playing level of the participants. The pace of play remains relaxed and the focus is on socialising.
Option 2:
Golf taster course
Never played golf before? Perfect. In this course you will learn what is important when chipping and putting – practical, entertaining and with an extra portion of fun. We provide the equipment, all you need to bring is curiosity and comfortable clothing. An exchange at eye level included.
Option 3:
Mountainbike tour
Not in the mood for drives and putts? Then get on your bike. The guided tour takes you through the most beautiful corners of the region – with views, potential for conversation and enough speed to wake you up without breaking a sweat. Hire bikes are available. All you have to do is get on.
Boot Camp
From those who do it.
For those who decide.
Our Boot Camp is not a supporting programme, but a real added value of the Digital Fashion & Retail Days.
Partners open up their projects, share practical experiences and show what works and what doesn’t.
You can look forward to content with substance. Discussions with depth. And perspectives that have an impact beyond the stage.
From 13:00
What you can expect:
Boot Camp at a glance & partner intro
14:00 to 15:00 Uhr
Masterclasses from SPH & WAIR and Colect
- Mission more Marge
-
Seasonal merchandise follows a strict rhythm: order too much, and markdowns loom. Order too little, and sales are lost. Decisions often have to be made months in advance, and once the season has started, there is hardly any room for adjustments.
Even NOS items, which may seem easier at first glance, carry similar risks: overstock ties up capital and also leads to markdowns. For retailers, finding the right balance is therefore a constant challenge.
Success depends not only on a precisely planned supply chain, but also on how well one adapts to the given conditions.
This is exactly where our AI comes in—with a forecasting accuracy once thought unattainable in the industry, but now a reality.
- Digital Order Entry and AI Trends in Wholesale: Predict, Personalize, and Convert
-
Dive into the future of AI-powered wholesale. In this session, you’ll discover how leading fashion brands are already using AI to make faster decisions, build stronger customer loyalty – and increase revenue without overburdening their teams.
You’ll learn how to:
- Build orders faster and more accurately with AI.
- Stop guessing – and start acting on data-driven insights.
- Monitor buyer loyalty and order status in real time.
- Generate brand-compliant model images in seconds.
15:05 to 16:05
Masterclasses by SPH & K3 and Colect
- Threading Agility into Fashion: The K3 & Microsoft Advantage
-
Speaker: Mark Cockings
Discover how SMB/SME fashion brands can stay ahead of trends and market shifts with agile operations powered by K3 Pebblestone and Microsoft 365 Business Central. Learn how to streamline your supply chain, improve visibility, and scale your brand — all with one integrated solution.
- How to Become a Digital Category Leader with Brand Visibility & Content Leadership
- In this presentation, you will learn how a strong brand presence (brand visibility) and content leadership play a decisive role in helping companies become the digital No. 1 - the category leader - in their industry. Using practical examples and strategies, we will show you how to build visibility in a targeted manner, create trust and strengthen your market position in the long term.
16:10 to 17:10
Masterclasses from rezolve and textbroker
- The checkout experience is undergoing a profound transformation. Digital wallets, stablecoins, and AI-driven agents are not only redefining how customers pay but also elevating the strategic role of checkout in the customer journey.
-
Speaker: Ercan Kilic
This Masterclass will explore how fashion retailers can adapt to these disruptive shifts, from optimizing current payment flows to preparing for a wallet-first, crypto-enabled, and AI-assisted commerce environment. Participants will walk away with a strategic framework to evaluate emerging technologies, identify business opportunities, and define clear next steps for future-ready checkout strategies.
Objective: This session will examine the evolution of checkout from a traditional conversion funnel to wallet-first commerce, crypto-backed virtual cards, stablecoin payments, culminating in agentic AI-driven customer journeys.
The key question: How are digital wallets, crypto/stablecoins, and intelligent agents reshaping the future of payments, and what does this mean for merchants?
- Strategic clarity on the future of checkout and payments
- Technological orientation to navigate AI, wallet-first, and crypto innovations
- Real-world best practices from leading fashion and ecommerce players
- Actionable guidance to adapt and future-proof their checkout strategies
- Open AI on Azure - AI for SMEs using the example of Dynamics CRM
-
Speaker: Matthias Baumann
Experience in this practical masterclass how medium-sized companies can use artificial intelligence (AI) profitably. Using Microsoft Azure and Dynamics CRM as examples, we will show how OpenAI technologies optimise business processes, improve customer interactions and open up new automation potential. Participants will gain an insight into specific use cases, implementation strategies and best practices for successful AI integration - specifically tailored to the needs of SMEs.
17:15 to 18:15
Masterclasses from smartPerform and TrueCommerce
- A Quantum of smartPerform: Present Like James Bond
-
Speakers: Ralph Westenburger and Marc Armbruster
On a mission for your brand: experience how smartperform transforms your brand presentation into something special. inspire your audience, make your messages unforgettable, and boost your sales success. digital. intuitive. smartperform.
- Cloud EDI for Decision Makers
-
Speaker: Kai Menzel
In an increasingly digitalized business world, fashion companies face the challenge of making their IT infrastructure efficient while remaining flexible in responding to market changes. We explain how you can optimize electronic data interchange (EDI) without overburdening your internal resources.
Networking Night
An evening that connects.
Beyond small talk.
From 19:30, the day’s programme turns into an evening among like-minded people. In the Öventhütte at the Öschberghof, there is room for genuine dialogue – personal, respectful, relaxed.
No loud battles, no stiff gala dinner.
Instead, a setting in which conversations can continue, with time, relevance and impact.
Shuttle
Smoothly organised. So that you have a clear head.
We take care of the setting so you can focus on what really matters – the exchange, the inspiration, the experience. The event hotel is the Öschberghof. All program elements – from networking to the conference – will take place in and around the Öschberghof. Therefore, we recommend staying at the venue. Reserved room blocks are available for our guests. Alternatively, we recommend the following nearby hotels:
For both hotels, we will organize a shuttle service to and from the Öventhütte on the networking day. Exact departure times will be provided in advance of the event. Please note: Overnight stays must be booked individually. All recommended hotels are aligned with the event schedule and are easily accessible.
Friday, September 19, 2025
Conference Day & Masterclasses
A day for straight talk and actionable outcomes.
Friday is all about focus – not polished slide decks, but real substance.
Expect firsthand experiences, tested strategies, and honest insights into what AI and digitalisation can already deliver today.
Start of the conference day & keynote
Hosted by Prof. Dr. Jochen Strähle, Dean, Faculty of Texoversum
- 7:45 - 8:30
- Registration & Networking
- 8:30 – 8:45
- Opening & Welcome
-
Detlef Beiter
CEO | SPH
Prof. Dr. Jochen Strähle
Dean, Faculty of Texoversum | Reutlingen University
Shifting Economy – Seizing the Winning Opportunities
- 8:45 – 9:15
- Economic Outlook 2026: Global Interconnections and Their Impact on Financial Markets
-
Prof. Dr. Jan Viebig
CIO bei ODDO BHF
- 9:15 – 9:35
- AI: Next Step Clean Core
-
Peter Wienand
Senior Partner | Digital Global Head of IT Excellence bei Roland Berger
- 9:35 – 9:55
- (Female) Leadership as a Business Case: Shaping High-Performer Teams and Building Crisis-Resilient Companies through Modern Leadership
-
Nina Kristin Pütz
CEO at parfumdreams & Niche-Beauty.com
- 9:55 – 10:15
- Turnaround in the Fashion Industry – Crisis as an Opportunity
-
Didi Axt
Owner DAXcon and Managing Director OWG GmbH
- 10:15 – 10:35
- Opportunities Amidst the Upheaval of the Media Landscape
-
André Soulier
CEO at Nayoki Performance
- 10:35 – 10:55
-
Panel Discussion
How Can Germany Get Back on Track?
- Prof. Dr. Jochen Strähle Dean, Faculty of Texoversum | Reutlingen University
- 10:55 - 11:15
- Coffee Break
Customer Use Cases
Technology that works. Practice that delivers.
In just 15 minutes, our partners show what works – straight from real business cases and everyday operations.
- 11:15 - 11:30
- From Search to Sale: Unlocking Retail Growth with Agentic Commerce
- Peter Vesco
- Microsoft Dynamics Customer Insights – Real-time Marketing in Practice
- Matthias Baumann
- 11:30 - 11:45
- Cloud instead of On-Premises: EDI Relaunch at Ölmühle Moog
- Pauline Rößle
- The Secret to Marc‘O Polo’s Success: Scalable Wholesale in 15 Minutes
- Robert Bolland
- 11:45 - 12:00
- Case Study: Doctorlib / Healthcare Sector
- El-Hadi Zahri
- Approaches to Overcoming Challenges in Digitalisation Projects
- Prof. Dr. Alexander Fischer
- 12:00 - 13:00
- Lunch / Fingerfood
IT for Fashion & Retail
- 13:00 - 13:20
- 5 Reasons Why Your Legacy ERP Is Holding Back Your Growth
-
Michael Vogler
Account Director at SPH AG
- 13:20 – 13:40
-
Rethinking ERP: From data chaos to decision intelligence with AI.
How Microsoft is taking AI from hype to everyday business for everyone, not just techies.
-
Sebastian Schneider
Head of Consulting at SPH AG
Maik Martens
Partner Solution Architect at Microsoft
- 13:40 – 14:00
- Fashion Forward: How K3 Accelerates Digital Transformation
-
Mark Cockings
Managing Director at K3
- 14:00 - 14:20
- Shrinkage Reduction through Smart In-Store Communication
-
Marc Armbruster
Managing Director at smartPerform
Real Success with AI Solutions in Practice
- 14:20 – 14:40
-
Success Factor: Supply Chain
Benchmarks for agile, demand-driven processes with inventory and margin optimization
-
Oliver Hein
Former COO at s.Oliver
- 14:40 – 15:00
- How Shoeby Achieves Double-Digit Growth with AI Year After Year
-
Wolfgang Schenke
Head of Excellence Center at SPH AG
Mitch van Deursen
CEO at Shoeby
- 15:00 – 15:20
- Wake up, VMI! How AI is making inventory management smarter with real-life examples of growth successes
-
Arjan Maat
Formerly Head of International Sales at OPUS, now Country Manager BeNeLux at zero
- 15:20 - 15:40
- Panel discussion
-
Jelena Faber
Deputy Editor-in-Chief at TextilWirtschaft
- 15:40 - 15:45
- Closing Remarks and Transition to the Masterclasses
- 15:45 - 16:00
- Coffee Break
Masterclasses
- 16:00 - 17:00
- Masterclasses (see contents below). The classes will take place in parallel.
- Less Waste, More Wins: Achieving Inventory Excellence in Fashion
-
Speaker: Rik Veltman
Inventory is one of the most significant costs in the fashion industry — and one of the hardest to control. Many tools promise to reduce excess stock, but few deliver true results. So what is inventory excellence, and how can your brand achieve it? Join us to explore the strategies, technologies, and practical steps SMB/SME fashion brands can take to turn inventory into an asset rather than a liability.
- Deep Dive: Smart In-Store Communication with smartPerform
-
Speakers: Ralph Westenburger and Marc Armbruster
We will present the background and provide an example of how our solution reduces markdowns through smart in-store communication. We will explore how digital displays and interactive elements at the point of sale can be used to boost sales of products with high inventory levels.
- Mission more Marge
-
Seasonal products follow a strict rhythm: Order too much, and markdowns are inevitable. Order too little, and you miss out on sales. Decisions often have to be made months in advance – and once the season starts, there’s hardly any room for adjustments.
Even NOS items, which at first seem easier to manage, come with similar risks: overordering ties up capital and can just as easily result in markdowns. For retailers, finding the right balance is an ongoing challenge.
Success depends not only on a precisely planned supply chain, but also on how well companies deal with the conditions at hand.
This is exactly where our AI comes in – delivering a level of forecasting accuracy that the industry long considered out of reach, and which is now a reality.
- Approx. 17:00
- End of the Event
Recap
A packed agenda. Strong opinions. Real takeaways.
The Digital Fashion & Retail Days 2024 were anything but a standard event.
Two days full of insights, impulses, and honest discussions about what truly drives the industry – from smart inventory management to the strategic role of artificial intelligence.
Who joined us: decision-makers ready to act, not just listen.
What they took away: actionable ideas to reposition fashion and retail – focused, tangible, and business-minded.
If you were there in 2024, you felt it:
This is where lasting impact begins.
In 2025, we’re taking it further.
With new speakers, fresh perspectives, and even more hands-on relevance.
Now is the right time to secure your spot.
Location
THE ÖSCHBERGHOF in Donaueschingen –
The 5-star resort in the Black Forest
Since the very beginning, our venue of choice.
Because high standards deserve a home – and excellence needs a place that reflects it.
Clean design, calm energy, and flawless service on and off the stage.
The Öschberghof is equal parts business retreat, haven of well-being, and space for fresh thinking.
Whether it’s the conference hall, the terrace, or the bar: this is where focus happens.
And sometimes, the best idea of the day comes with your espresso –after dinner.
Where to Stay
Stay where the event takes place –
as long as rooms are still available.
Our room contingent at the Öschberghof is almost exhausted.
If you would like to stay at the Öschberghof, please contact the Öschberghof directly via e-mail.
Should the Öschberghof be fully booked, we’ve secured rooms at two comfortable nearby hotels in Donaueschingen:
Burg Aasen
Flair Hotel Grüner Baum and
Hotel Sombea.
For guests in those hotels, we’ll provide a smooth shuttle service to and from the Networking Night – reliable, easy, and with all details shared well in advance.
Partners
& Sponsors
Meaningful input – powered by strong partnerships
More than sponsoring:
Our partners are not just logos on a slide.
They actively shape the content.
They show what technology can do – with real use cases, measurable impact, and a focus on what matters most.
We don’t call it sponsoring – we call it co-creation.
Thank you for the trust and collaboration at eye level.
Together, we shape the future of success in fashion & retail.
What started in 2020 as a platform for exchange and innovation has evolved into an essential event for decision-makers from fashion, sports, and lifestyle – and for good reason.
Request
to Attend
We're glad you’re interested in joining the Digital Fashion & Retail Days 2025 at the Öschberghof in Donaueschingen.
This event is not public. Not random. But intentionally exclusive.
The Digital Fashion & Retail Days are aimed at decision-makers from fashion, retail, and sports – people with responsibility who are looking for more than standard solutions.
Now more than ever, we need places where real conversations can happen.
Open. At eye level. With attitude.
Have you received a personal invitation? Please enter your personal voucher code. Your participation will be confirmed directly.
All other requests will be reviewed individually. Once you submit the form, you’ll receive a personal response from our event team – usually within three working days.
Participation is free of charge.
Travel and accommodation are to be arranged and covered individually.
