Future of communal catering: specialist conference 2026 in Linz

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“Construction and operation of large-scale kitchens and contract catering" is coming to Austria

On October 19 and 20, 2026, Techbase Linz in Upper Austria will become the meeting point for the industry: the specialist conference “Construction and operation of large-scale kitchens and contract catering Austria” will bring together decision-makers, operators, and innovation leaders from the communal catering sector. Organized by Management Forum Starnberg, the event offers exciting insights into current developments and future trends—complemented by best practices and intensive networking opportunities.

As a platinum partner, ventopay will be on site and is looking forward to meeting customers in person. Alongside a high-profile program — including an AI transformation keynote by CEO Johannes Reichenberger — ventopay will showcase innovative AI solutions in the exhibition area and invites attendees to stop by during the breaks. In addition, ventopay is offering 10 exclusive discount codes worth €200 each for participation tickets — so it pays to be quick!

Bau und Betrieb von Großküchen und Betriebsgastronomie Österreich

Experience the future of contract catering up close

Under the main theme “The future of communal catering – People. Spaces. Nutrition. Innovation.” participants can expect exciting insights into the most important developments in the industry. Topics such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, sustainable concepts, and new catering models will take center stage:

Rethinking large-scale kitchens: where innovation meets enjoyment
The cafeteria as the heart of operations: spaces that connect people
Food that moves people: why contract catering can do more
Between trends and the plate: experiencing the future of nutrition
Into the future with AI: smart kitchens, strong concepts
Efficiency with purpose: sustainability that truly works

AI transformation expert Johannes Reichenberger on stage

A special highlight is the presentation by ventopay CEO Johannes Reichenberger, who demonstrates how AI can be leveraged as a growth driver in communal catering.

He will outline the current status quo of AI usage within the industry and illustrate how organizations can transition from traditional digitalization toward a holistic AI transformation. A key focus lies on modern AI platforms and automation solutions that increase efficiency and unlock new potential.

In addition, innovative business models and scaling opportunities enabled by the targeted use of AI will be presented. The talk is rounded off with practical insights drawn from over ten years of AI development, providing concrete learnings and real-world guidance for implementation.

Participants will also have the opportunity to dive deeper into the topic of digitalization in a freely selectable breakout session, where they can discuss specific questions directly with Johannes Reichenberger.

You can find the full conference program at:

management-forum.de/grosskueche-at

Team mocca: Johannes — Johannes Reichenberger, CEO ventopay

ventopay as a driver of innovation in the industry

As a platinum partner, ventopay will demonstrate on the exhibition floor how digital solutions and artificial intelligence can be applied in practice. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage directly with ventopay experts and experience innovations live:

mocca.ai: AI tool for data enrichment, analysis, and revenue forecasting
Research project AIAMES: Forecasting tool for precise demand and sales planning
mocca.vend.v3: Latest generation payment system for vending machines
mocca.order: Ordering system with a modern UI/UX design, including room booking and conference catering
mocca.xperience: Platform for personalized user experiences along the customer journey

ventopay warmly invites attendees to visit the booth during the breaks and take a look at the future of the industry together.