• Industry meeting for technical documentation on May 20, 2026 in Dusseldorf.
• AI in content management systems, Digital Product Passport, modular documentation, and product compliance.
• Practical presentations by ZAUGG, WITTENSTEIN, and technotrans provide insights into real projects in technical documentation.
• Specialist presentations, roundtable discussions, and networking bring together the technical communication community.
With gdslive 2026, gds GmbH is inviting experts from technical documentation, information management, and mechanical engineering to an industry meeting in Dusseldorf. With practical presentations, technical papers, and interactive discussion formats, the conference will demonstrate how businesses can fine-tune their information processes and respond to new regulatory requirements.
Key topics of technical communication such as artificial intelligence in content management systems, modular content, product compliance, and the Digital Product Passport will take center stage.
gdslive will be held on May 20, 2026 in the Conference Center DUSconference plus at Dusseldorf Airport and combines specialist presentations, case studies, and networking within the technical communication community.
“gdslive is a platform for knowledge sharing within the industry. The direct dialogue between users, experts, and businesses adds real value. Precisely this knowledge sharing brings new perspectives and ideas for technical communication,” says Ulrich Pelster, Managing Director of gds GmbH.
Case studies from businesses
One particular focus area of the event is the practical presentations from industry that showcase specific projects and experiences from businesses.
For example, Marcel Samuel, Head of Technical Documentation at ZAUGG AG, and Thomas Bačani from Congree Language Technologies will be talking about the use of an author assistance system in technical documentation. The presentation will show how author support helps editors to comply with terminology and style guide rules, thus making technical information easier to understand.
Another case study comes from WITTENSTEIN SE. The presentation accompanies participants along WITTENSTEIN’s journey from the initial strategic realignment to the rollout of state-of-the-art, topic-based content management – and conveys practical knowledge that can be transferred directly to in-house projects. At its heart lies the rollout of the XML-based content management system XR. The presentation will show how product structure, metadata, and organizational realignment have emerged step by step – accompanied by practical experiences, unexpected challenges, and valuable insights. A glimpse of the next developments will also be provided, including the planned rollout of the content delivery portal easybrowse and the associated preparations in the content management team and in the company. Overall, it makes clear how technical innovation, organizational change, and close collaboration intermesh.
Taking technotrans SE as an example, another best-practice example illustrates how product compliance in mechanical engineering can be implemented digitally, automatically, and in line with regulatory requirements. The example shows how a company not only ensures compliance, but also uses it to drive innovation.
The case studies provide specific insights into real projects and show which organizational, technical, and methodology changes are required to implement modern documentation strategies successfully.
Future topics of technical communication
Besides hands-on projects, gdslive will also address key future topics in the industry. Richard Merkel from VDMA will, for example, be explaining the impact that the Digital Product Passport will have on mechanical engineering and what requirements result for companies.
In addition, a presentation from gds expert Tobias Kreimann will show how artificial intelligence can change work in content management systems. Live insights will show how AI assistants will be able to support in future tasks such as document creation or variant management.
Interactive roundtable discussions - time for an open exchange of experience
One particular feature of gdslive is the interactive roundtable discussions where topical issues from technical communications will be discussed. Small groups of participants explore specific challenges and exchange ideas with experts and industry colleagues – from regulatory requirements, content strategies, through to the use of new technologies.
The limited number of participants for each roundtable enables intensive discussions and an open exchange of experience. The aim is to develop practical solutions and to bring together various perspectives from industry, content management, and consulting.
Afterward, the key insights from the discussions will be summarized and presented in the plenary session. That way, all participants will gain an overview of the key results of the individual discussion sessions. “Many challenges in technical documentation are similar across the industry. gdslive creates a space in which users can learn from each other and discuss solutions together,” explains Anne Kudla, Sales Manager at gds GmbH.
Networking and exchange
Besides the specialist program, gdslive will also provide numerous opportunities for networking. A get-together on the evening before the event encourages participants to make new contacts and talk to fellow attendees in a relaxed atmosphere.
This concept turns gdslive into a platform for knowledge transfer, networking, and an exchange of views about best practices in technical communication.
“The topics of technical communication are currently developing very dynamically – from AI, new regulatory requirements, through to state-of-the-art content strategies. With gdslive we would like to provide guidance and show how companies can implement these developments practically,” is how Ulrich Pelster sums it up.