From May 7th to 9th, 2026, the executives of FABRI companies gathered for this year's meeting in Würzburg. The event focused on current forward-looking topics, practical expert presentations, and intensive exchange within the group. Both days offered a wealth of inspiration for the further development of the companies and the challenges of the coming years. It also became clear how crucial support within the FABRI Group is for issues that extend beyond daily operations and are increasingly gaining importance for businesses.‍Claudia Simon kicked off the event with a presentation on "Cybersecurity Awareness." She emphasized that IT security has long been a core business issue. Using practical examples, she highlighted the risks of cyberattacks for medium-sized trade businesses and fostered a conscious approach to digital threats in daily work. She also explained the growing importance of the NIS-2 directive – particularly for companies collaborating with public sector clients or larger industrial partners.‍Another key focus was occupational safety in the technical building services sector. Holger Vogel from IfS Sicherheitstechnik GmbH discussed risks, responsibilities, and specific requirements on construction sites and in daily operations. Through vivid case studies, he underscored the importance of a shared understanding of safety and clear procedures in day-to-day work.‍A particular highlight was the presentation by extreme athlete Hubert Schwarz. Drawing on impressive insights from elite sports and his experiences in the "Race Across America," he spoke about mental strength, clarity of goals, motivation, and leadership responsibility. He masterfully conveyed the parallels between extreme sports and corporate leadership. He succinctly articulated his credo on responsibility, consistency, and leading by example: "Success comes not from wanting, but from doing."‍Beyond the professional topics, the social program also provided ample opportunities for personal conversations and networking within the FABRI Group. The joint barbecue party and the traditional glass of wine on the Old Main Bridge concluded the event.‍The meeting once again demonstrated the value of strong networks, shared insights, and personal exchange within the FABRI Group. Armed with many new ideas and motivating impressions, the group's companies look forward to the upcoming challenges and continued collaborative development.

The YOUNG FABRI’s met for the fourth time in March in Würzburg. The focus was on the targeted development of our young talent, as well as on exchange and practical insights for everyday work.‍The two days were entirely dedicated to leadership, personal development, and the future of the skilled trades. In addition to getting to know one another, the main focus was on the question of what development actually means today—and how it takes effect in everyday life.‍A special insight came from Hubert Schwarz, who, drawing on his experiences in extreme sports, offered an impressive perspective on performance and goal achievement. His central message: Much is decided in the mind. Clarity of goals, dealing with setbacks, and the ability to persist consistently even during difficult phases are decisive factors for sustainable development.‍On the second day, Susanne Lührmann brought a very practical approach. The focus was on employee reviews and the importance of structured preparation. It became clear: Good conversations do not happen by chance. Clear objectives, a defined framework, and the right questions are crucial not only for conducting reviews but also for actually achieving results.‍Another key focus was on the topic of artificial intelligence in the skilled trades, including insights from Dominik of the Institut Perspektive Handwerk. The central insight: Most AI initiatives fail not because of the technology, but because they are not consistently implemented in everyday practice. Ideas and tools alone do not create added value—what matters is their practical application.‍The decisive factor, therefore, lies not in the next tool, but in clearly defined use cases, functioning processes, and above all in the people who take responsibility and actively drive issues forward. It is not the best idea that prevails, but the one that is implemented.‍The meeting demonstrated once again that decisive progress rarely arises from technology alone. Rather, it is mindset, preparation, and consistent implementation that make the difference.‍The YOUNG FABRI meeting in Würzburg thus once again underscored the importance of formats that facilitate exchange, broaden perspectives, and provide concrete inspiration for everyday work. Our young professionals are ready to take on responsibility and actively shape the future of the FABRI Group.