Herocon 2026: Oliver Kahn and Ralf Moeller as headliners

Two prominent headliners have been confirmed for the Herocon edition in June 2026 – goalkeeping legend Oliver Kahn and actor Ralf Moeller. The "Herocon Champions" initiative will launch concurrently.

This article is part of the special topic Trade fairs for the craft industry

Die Initiative "Heroic Champions" is a voluntary network of industry experts that supports the Knowledge transfer in the skilled trades It is intended to strengthen permanently. 

Oliver Kahn will be featured at Herocon Impulse Peak performance, motivation and leadership to give and contribute his experience as a top athlete and entrepreneur. Ralf Moeller will be part of the initiative "Motivation for Craftsmanship" (initiated by Hans Schaefer Workwear) emphasize the importance of passion, discipline and team spirit for craftsmanship – with a clear focus on youth development.

Both performers actively participate in the stage program and also offer opportunities for direct interaction with participants. The main stage will be moderated on both days. Norbert "Nobby" Dickel, known as Stadium announcer of Borussia Dortmund. Herocon thus relies on a mix of high-profile external impact and practically oriented formats.

Herocon Champions: Practical knowledge as a continuous resource

New for 2026 are the Herocon Champions: volunteer industry experts, who contribute as ambassadors and mentors on practically relevant topics. The goal is to Expertise "from the trades, for the trades" to permanently anchor it in the community and to accelerate the exchange between businesses.

The Champions' topics include, among others:

• Personnel and skilled worker retention
• Inclusion and diversity
• Processes and order management
• Marketing and customer acquisition
• Business succession and young companies
• Artificial intelligence in crafts

The champions named so far include, among others... Kathrin Post-Isenberg, Jörg Mosler, Matthias Brack, Sven Schöpker, Mario Jung, Robin Heintze, Christoph Krause, Michael Heitkötter, Jule Rombey, Sara Hofmann, Sandra Hunke, Katja Lilu Melder and Oliver Oettgen"With the Herocon Champions, we are permanently anchoring practical expertise in the community – from the trades, for the trades," he says. Niklas Palm, initiator of Herocon and Head of Business Development at Hero Software.

Program participation — secure your early-bird spot now!

Who visites until the end of December books a ticket, receives 10 percent early bird discount and at the same time the right to help determine the program: After the Call for Speakers will from 1 to 15 January 2026 the proposals received in a Shortlist published; all ticket buyers then decide which sessions ultimately make it to the stage. 

Tickets and informationThose interested can find tickets and information online here. 

Regarding Herocon and organizer Hero Software

The Herocon It was launched in 2025 by Hero Software and sees itself as a platform for the exchange and networking of craft businesses and experts. Key topics include digitalization, securing skilled workers, and customer acquisition.Lectures, workshops and networking opportunities are offered. Hero Software offers Cloud-based operating software For craft businesses, from the initial customer inquiry through quotation and construction site documentation to invoicing. The company was founded in 2020 and employs more than 200 people.

Herocon 2025 Here you can find all further information about Herocon 2026. 

DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!