Some events leave a lasting impression – not just in our minds, but in the way we connect and collaborate. The PLCnext Community Summit, held on September 30 and October 1 at Festo in Esslingen, was one of those moments. Two days that revealed what happens when people come together with ideas, curiosity and a genuine passion for technology.

A spirit of openness

From the very beginning, it was clear: this was a space filled with voices that truly listened to one another. Developers, partners and tech enthusiasts came together not just to talk about automation, but to rethink it collaboratively.

The conversations among the roughly one hundred attendees were dynamic, direct and often surprising. Whether over coffee, in breakout sessions, or at the mini expo booths – fresh ideas and new impulses emerged everywhere.

Technological innovations and practical insights

The content was as diverse as the PLCnext Community itself:

• New features in the PLCnext Store and the Release 25.0 sparked lively discussions.
• The presentation about the Cyber Resilience Act became a launchpad for deep conversations about cybersecurity and responsibility in industrial environments.
• Integration solutions with Festo and Yaskawa showcased the openness of the PLCnext Technology Ecosystem and the potential that unfolds when technologies complement rather than compete.

The mini expo was a true highlight. The PLCnext Community showcased their own innovative devices, apps and services. It was inspiring to witness the creativity and expertise within the community and how ideas flowed and evolved through open exchange.

Moving forward together

The open space in the end offered room for reflection and concrete ideas on how each individual can actively shape the PLCnext Technology Ecosystem. The PLCnext Community Summit was a place of connection and exchange. Those who attended did not just gain new insights, they experienced what it truly means to be part of a community that is open to ideas, to people and to meaningful collaboration.

We are grateful for the feedback from participants and are happy to receive further input on the organization and running of the event. We would like to extend our heartfelt thank you to all participants for their engagement, openness and contributions throughout the event. A special thank you goes to Festo for hosting the summit and providing an inspiring setting for exchange and innovation.

We are excited about everything that will grow from this and we are already looking forward to the next time, when connection once again turns into movement.