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14. International Restructuring Symposium 2025

From 09:00 To 17:00

FH Kufstein Tirol

Fri 17 Oct

Invitation

Leerer Konferenzsaal mit Bühne, moderner Möblierung und Präsentationsbildschirm, vorbereitet für die Jahreskonferenz 2024. | © FH Kufstein Tirol
© FH Kufstein Tirol

Are you an executive, entrepreneur or interested in innovative business models?

Then don't miss our annual conference on October 17, 2025. Immerse yourself in the world of transformation and turnaround. Experience inspiring talks, take part in interactive workshops and make valuable contacts with industry experts.

Program

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025

WHERE DO WE STAND?

Opening

  • Get together
    08:30 - 09:20
    Registration | Coffee & Croissants
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  • Opening of the 2025 annual conference
    09:20 - 09:45
    Prof. (FH) Dr. Markus W. Exler, Kufstein

We have big plans for our 14th company conference on the topics of transformation and turnaround. This year's motto is: Where do we stand?

We will open with a look at China, which is striving for a new world order. Journalist Felix Lee will give us an overview of how China is currently functioning. Our key industries, the automotive industry and mechanical engineering, are in turmoil. We will present the current challenges facing these two sectors and conclude by discussing what a restructuring report for our country should look like. "Tech to the people" is in the afternoon. Company representatives will have their say and talk about the use of digitalization and AI in companies, the development of data-driven business models and the transformation from a traditional manufacturing company to one with a digital ecosystem.

Keynote

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  • Keynote
    09:45 - 10:30
    Felix Lee, Berlin

CHINA ON THE WAY TO BECOMING A WORLD POWER

A new economic order seems to be taking shape. China is aspiring to global leadership - both politically and economically. But growth has slowed in recent years. Contributing factors include an ageing population, structural imbalances, geopolitical tensions and a shift from an export-driven industrial economy to an innovation-driven consumer economy. To ensure long-term stability, the government is increasingly focusing on technological self-sufficiency, green transformation and digitalization.

Transformation

Porträtfoto von Alexander Jaroschinsky | © privat
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  • Transformation
    10:30 - 11:15
    Dr. Alexander Jaroschinsky, Stuttgart

The party for our automotive industry is over

No return to former glories: The shift to electric mobility is putting pressure on traditional manufacturers as new competitors - especially from China - storm the market with innovative and affordable models. Exports to China have plummeted. High production costs, a shortage of skilled labor, and sluggish approval processes are slowing the pace of innovation. To remain competitive on the global stage, European automakers and suppliers need to fundamentally modernize their business models.

  • Networking
    11:15 - 11:45
    Coffee | Get together
  • Transformation
    11:45 - 12:15
    N.N.

Machine Building – once the backbone of our industry 

The machinery sector is facing mounting challenges. High energy and labor costs, supply chain disruptions, and a severe shortage of skilled workers are putting companies under pressure. At the same time, international competitors—especially from Asia—are catching up technologically and offering more affordable alternatives. What’s more, many companies lack the digitalization and innovation momentum needed to tap into new markets and business models. Without these, the industry risks a gradual decline in relevance on the global stage.

  • Transformation
    12:15 - 12:45
    Panel with the host, Gabriele Schiemer (Vienna), Dr. Alexander Jaroschinsky (Stuttgart), and Felix Lee (Berlin)

From crisis to innovation: a restructuring report for the future

In an exciting panel, host Markus W. Exler will raise the question of what a restructuring report could look like that addresses both the causes of the current crises and the necessary measures for the future of our country. Together with Felix Lee, Alexander Jaroschinsky and other experts, he will discuss what content such a report should contain. A key topic could be the need for society to focus more on digitalization, artificial intelligence and autonomous driving. Under the motto 'Tech to the People', this forward-looking aspect will be explored in greater depth.


Dr. Markus W. Exler, Kufstein, Gabriele Schiemer, Dr. Alexander Jaroschinsky  und Felix Lee  | © privat
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  • Networking
    12:45 - 14:00
    Lunch | Get together

Eine große Gruppe von Menschen versammelt sich im modernen Innenbereich der FH Kufstein. | © FH Kufstein Tirol

Tech to the people

  • Tech
    14:00 - 16:00
    N.N.

Everyone is talking about AI – but what exactly is it

Artificial intelligence is on everyone's lips, but what is it really? This presentation will show what generative AI can actually do and how its use is changing everyday life in our companies. For many companies, it can also be a matter of deriving economic benefits from existing data, for example by selling anonymized information, data-based products, or optimized business processes. Challenges lie in data protection, data security, and data quality.

Porträt Thomas Schmid | © privat
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  • Tech
    14:00 - 16:00
    Thomas Schmid, Lage

AI in mechanical engineering, monetizing data

Artificial intelligence plays a central role in the digital transformation of companies. It helps automate processes, efficiently evaluate large amounts of data, and make informed decisions in real time. New business models that monetize data create interesting sources of revenue for companies undergoing change. Thomas Schmid will report on how the usage of AI can change value creation in mechanical engineering.

Bild Gehringer Johannes | © privat
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  • Tech
    14:00 - 16:00
    Johannes Gehringer, Lichtenfels

Digital transformation in skilled trades

As a contract manufacturer in a multi-stage distribution concept, Gehringer was heavily dependent on two major customers. To reduce this dependency, the woodworking shop decided to enter into direct sales. The realignment of the company with digital tools began with a change of perspective: away from indirect sales to direct-to-connoisseur, away from function to attitude, and away from product to narrative.

CONCLUSION

  • Closing
    16:00 - 16:15
    Results & adoption
  • Networking
    End approx. 17:00
    After-work drinks and finger food in the foyer

PROGRAM THE DAY BEFORE 16.10.2025

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  • Online Salon
    11:00 - 11:45
    Markus Exler with guests Britta Hübner, Grünwald, Dr. Lutz Jäde, Munich, and Annabell Pehlivan, Vienna

In a livestream, we will use Oliver Wyman's 2025 restructuring study as a basis for discussing current developments.

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  • Workshop
    16:00 - 18:00
    Petra Heidenfelder und Andrea Metz, Frankfurt am Main

TMA NOW Germany – Network of Women

In the afternoon, the TMA NOW workshop will once again be for women only.

  • Networking
    from 18:00
    Scene meeting

The scene meeting place in the Kufstein Auracher Löchl for all participants of the 2024 annual conference – on a self-paying basis or at the invitation of the sponsors. Reservations should be made in advance.

Brücke Auracher-Löchl | © FH Kufstein Tirol

The symposium in Kufstein is an exceptional event in every respect with a great host. The passion and dedication with which you plan, organize and host your conference is simply impressive, dear Markus.

Incoronata Cruciano

Lawyer & Notary, Schiebe & Collegen, Wiesbaden

Prof. Exler's charisma was a great asset in guiding us through the interesting symposium. Thanks to you Markus and to everyone who contributed to this excellent event.

Thomas Anderegg

CGS Management AG, Pfäffikon/Schwitzerland

The International Restructuring Symposium in Kufstein offers a perfect mix of in-depth specialist presentations, knowledge exchange and networking. In addition, Markus Exler as host lends the event a special charm.

Corinna Schorn-Roubin

Consultant, Bankhaus Carl Spängler & Co. Aktiengesellschaft, Salzburg