NEXT IS NOW

30 Years of LIGANOVA

THOUGHT-LEADING CONVERSATIONS, INSPIRING PERSPECTIVES & A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY

Celebrating 30 years of creativity and innovation! Under our anniversary theme NEXT IS NOW, we transformed our Headquarters Campus into a space of exchange, celebration and future-thinking: a vibrant mix of stages, exhibitions, and community vibes.

Together with our crew from all locations and group entities , clients, collaborators, and leading voices from across industries, we explored what’s next in business, culture, tech, and retail – and celebrated the LIGANOVA spirit that connects us all.

NEXT IS NOW – still glowing!

From future-facing keynotes and live podcast conversations to unexpected creative moments and connections
– NEXT is NOW inspired and energized us.

Contributors

A selection of forward-thinking industry-leaders
& experts from our community

Curious to learn more about our anniversary voices and their insights?
Find the key takeaways on our socials soon!

Instagram | LinkedIn

GARY BOTT

Managing Director UK, GENTLE MONSTER

Gary shared how the iconic eyewear brand has built a cultural universe beyond frames. From immersive retail spaces to radical collaborations, he revealed what it takes to create a brand that feels like an experience – not just a product.

ALICE CROSSLEY

Foresight Analyst, The Future Laboratory

Alice dives deep into shifting consumer behaviors and emerging societal codes. In her talk, she unpacked how definitions of value are transforming – from material to meaningful – and what brands must do to resonate in emotionally complex times.

JONAS ANDRULIS

Founder & CEO, Aleph Alpha

Jonas is on a mission to build a truly European AI ecosystem. In the Business Punk Live Podcast Session, he called for more transparency, trust, and tech sovereignty – showing how explainable AI could be Europe’s competitive edge in the global AI race.

AFRAM KAKUR

Head of Brand Management, VfB Stuttgart

Afram brought fresh energy to the world of football branding. In the Business Punk Live Podcast Session together with Ralf Koch, he shared how VfB Stuttgart is building deep fan loyalty through real, emotional connections – online, in-stadium, and beyond.

RALF KOCH

Head of Brand & Identity, 1. FC Köln

Ralf joined Afram Kakur in the Business Punk Live Podcast Session to explore how football clubs are turning fans into brand ambassadors. His perspective on community-driven identity showed how even traditional teams can lead with innovation and heart.

JULIA BISCHOF

Retail Director Europe & UK, Le Creuset

In the The Retail Reality Show Live Podcast Session, Julia shared how the iconic cookware brand is stepping into the future of retail – blending digital tools with personal storytelling. Her vision: physical stores that inspire, teach, and bring people together around shared passions.

MEIKE HARTELUST

Managing Director, LIGANOVA B.V.

Meike offered an insider’s look at where retail is headed – and why experience-driven concepts are key in the The Retail Reality Show Live Podcast Session together with Julia Bischof. From AI-assisted sales to lifestyle-driven pop-ups, she’s helping redefine what the store of the future feels like.

KEREN SIERRA & TIM BECKER

Founders, Keren Sierra Aesthetics

Keren and Tim are building the future of holistic beauty. In their Live Podcast Session with Business Punk, they unpacked how self-care goes deeper than skin – combining aesthetics, inner balance, and tech innovation to create a new kind of wellbeing brand.

BUSINESS PUNK

Media Partner

As content partner for our 30th anniversary, Business Punk hosted a series of live podcasts that brought bold perspectives to the stage. From football and AI to beauty and retail – together we curated sessions and explored what’s next in culture, business, and innovation.

THE RETAIL REALITY SHOW

Podcast Partner

The Retail Reality Show brought retail’s biggest challenges and breakthroughs live to the stage. Known for unpacking the evolution of shopping, the podcast hosted dynamic sessions with leading voices from brands and retail to explore what’s next for the industry.

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