The first Control – Expert Days were a resounding success. The quality assurance sector experienced an engaging get-together on 20 and 21 May 2026, which offered maximum efficiency and value as a superlative mix including trade fair and information-gathering opportunities. The new event format, held for the first time this year, effectively complemented the Control trade fair and brought quality assurance experts together on an equal footing. A world-class presentation programme shared know-how from actual practice for actual practice, and was very well received.

“Jam-packed programme, full house, resounding success. That’s our conclusion for the first Control – Expert Days as trade fair promoters,” says project manager Fabian Krüger in summing up the debut of the new format as a supplement to the trade fair. “Over the past two days, exhibitors, speakers and expert visitors have made it clear just how important it is for them to come together each year to discuss the latest developments in quality assurance. The Control – Expert Days served as an outstanding platform to this end, and were virtually unbeatable in terms of sheer intensity.”

Michael Fischer, founder and CEO of Eleven Dynamics, spoke enthusiastically about the “sensational format” – his exhibition team spent “two fantastic days” with customers and prospective clients at the Control – Expert Days, and is looking forward to returning next time around. Dr. Ralf Christoph, managing director of Werth Messtechnik, also expressed his satisfaction that the gap between the major Control trade fairs — which will now take place once every two years — has been successfully bridged, and thanked the trade fair promoters for their decision. This makes it possible to maintain presence of the globally established Control trademark each and every year. “We don’t want to forego the annual presence and the important exchange of ideas that goes along with it,” emphasised Florian Schwarz. The CEO of CAQ AG Factory Systems praised the compact format of the Control – Expert Days as “a great opportunity for in-depth technical discussions and networking … with other exhibitors as well.”

A well-focused industry meet featuring in-depth discussions and effective networking – this is how many of the 1.306 expert visitors described their impressions of the first Control – Expert Days. It’s been an important platform for inspiration, fresh ideas, and forward-looking concepts in order to stay competitive within the market. The range of topics was well put together: the presentations and discussions on the first day, hosted by moderator and editor-in-chief Wolfgang Kräußlich, centred on quality assurance and sustainability. On the second day, hosted by moderator and editor-in-chief Dr. Peter Ebert, the topic of artificial intelligence drew a full house and captured everyone’s attention.

“Our goal as a service provider for Control exhibitors is to offer an expert platform that unites trade fair, business and communication. The Control Expert Days have successfully combined these aspects,” emphasises Bettina Schall, managing director of trade fair promoters P. E. Schall. “For the globally established Control trademark, this compact, intensive format represents a genuine upgrade and a valuable addition, because it combines cutting-edge expertise, an efficient event experience and meaningful personal interaction,” says Bettina Schall.

The trade fair promoters are getting ready for the next Control – Expert Days in 2028, and the industry is looking forward to the Control international trade fair for quality assurance, which will take place in Stuttgart from the 11^th through the 14^th of May, 2027.

To the website: Control-Expert Days
Specialist information on the trade fair and industry: control-messe.de/control-expertdays/news-stories
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Schall has developed successful business platforms with internationally recognised trade fairs for quality assurance (Control), optical technologies, components and systems (Optatec), stamping technology (Stanztec), automation in production and assembly (Motek), bonding technology (Bondexpo), plastics processing (Fakuma), sheet metal working (Blechexpo) and joining technology (Schweisstec). This has given rise to completely new markets in various sectors, whose protagonists are characterised by a high level of innovative strength, comprehensive system competence and practical application solutions.

The Control Expert Days have been launched successfully with a jam-packed line-up of world-class presentations. On 20 and 21 May 2026, the quality assurance industry is convening at this event which supports and complements the Control international trade fair for quality assurance. In addition to the exhibition, attention will also be focused on professional communication, the sharing of expert knowledge and personal networking. The presentations held on the first day of the event dealt with “Quality Management and Sustainability”. The second day will address the question of: “AI in Quality Assurance – Where do We Stand Today?” The expert meeting will take place in hall 9 of the Stuttgart Exhibition Centre from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The newly launched Control Expert Days combine trade fair, business, communication and networking. “This expert forum represents a genuine upgrade to the highest standard for the globally established Control trademark,” emphasised Bettina Schall, managing director of trade fair promoters P. E. Schall, in her welcome address. “The Control Expert Days bring expert knowledge from the industry to the industry. Suppliers and users meet here on equal terms for an extremely beneficial, face-to-face exchange of ideas. Right from the start it was apparent that both the exhibition and the presentation forum were well attended. “Our goal is to use this supplementary trade fair platform to create added value through efficiency and benefits for all involved,” highlights project manager Fabian Krüger. “The focus is on the added value derived from the direct transfer of knowledge and face-to-face interaction in a friendly working environment.”

The technical presentations on the first day of the event covered topics including test process management, smart data analysis, laser-ultrasonic inspection in production and measurement solutions for sustainable mobility. “The goal in the choice of topics has been to transfer knowledge from daily practice to daily practice,” explains project manager Krüger. “Our target audience is looking for specific, workable solutions. Right from the start of the Control Expert Days, it became clear that this format provides an excellent platform for sharing expertise and showcasing the latest industry innovations. We’re very pleased with the positive feedback from the participants, as well as their levels of satisfaction.”

The keynote speech held by Dipl.-Ing. Michael Salamon from the Development Centre for X-Ray Technology at the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS in Fürth on the topic of “Future X-Ray Technology – Sustainability in Quality Assurance and the Consumer Sector” was also met with great interest. A moderated panel discussion dealing with the topic of “Quality Management Plus Sustainability” – featuring representatives from industry and research – demonstrated that various quality management measures can support sustainable production and cost-effective business practices. Panellists included Guido Nilgen, director of quality management at Miele, Prof. Sigune Lopp from the faculties of Oecotrophology and Quality Management at the Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Jörg von Ploetz, CEO of Böhme und Weihs, Florian Schwarz, CEO of CAQ and Dr Markus Kröll, head of the Sustainable Production and Quality department at Fraunhofer IPA.

The second day of the Control Expert Days will focus on the question: “AI in Quality Assurance – Where do We Stand Today?” Experts will discuss where AI is already making a real difference in QA and in which applications it will still be a while before AI can be used. The keynote speech entitled “AI in Quality Control – Opportunities and Challenges in Industrial Applications” will be held by Dr. Henrike Stephani from the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics (ITWM). Expert visitors will gain practical insights and valuable food for thought from the company presentations which will cover topics such as smart quality control through sensor fusion and integrated management systems in everyday practice, and will deal with how AR and AI can optimise visual quality inspection. The second day will also end with an engaging panel discussion. Expert visitors benefit from the easily accessible location adjacent to Stuttgart International Airport. Parking is available at P26 and P30, as well as in the Bosch car park. Admission is free for interested experts who would like to take advantage of the opportunity for a personal exchange of ideas on both days. Programme details: https://www.control-messe.de/control-expertdays/en/event-program/

To the website: Control-Expert Days
Specialist information on the trade fair and industry: control-messe.de/control-expertdays/news-stories
Register for the newsletter: control-messe.de/control-expertdays/#newsletter
Follow us on Linkedin: linkedin.com/showcase/control-expertdays

Schall has developed successful business platforms with internationally recognised trade fairs for quality assurance (Control), optical technologies, components and systems (Optatec), stamping technology (Stanztec), automation in production and assembly (Motek), bonding technology (Bondexpo), plastics processing (Fakuma), sheet metal working (Blechexpo) and joining technology (Schweisstec). This has given rise to completely new markets in various sectors, whose protagonists are characterised by a high level of innovative strength, comprehensive system competence and practical application solutions.

Visitors can look forward to a jam-packed programme at the first Control Expert Days, taking place in Stuttgart on the 20^th and 21^st of May, 2026. The knowledge and communication platform supports and complements the Control international trade fair for quality assurance. This years’ event will delve deeper into the topics of sustainability and AI. Visitors will benefit from expert knowledge from the industry, for the industry – with presentations, keynote speeches, panel discussions and a wide range of networking opportunities on an equal footing.

The QA expert community is looking forward to the first Control Expert Days in Stuttgart on the 20^th and 21^st of May, 2026. A concise, efficient and highly relevant format is at the heart of this new companion event, which brings suppliers and users together on equal terms for a face-to-face exchange of ideas. Control’s strong, globally established trademark is provided with a genuine upgrade by this platform, offering added value through efficiency and benefits for all stakeholders. The full programme on both event days promises to deliver relevant expertise for routine operations at manufacturing as well as service-oriented companies.

The first day of the event will focus on the topic of “Quality Management plus Sustainability: How to Get Your QM Department Ready for the Future”. QA experts from various companies will hold presentations on topics such as laser ultrasound for inline testing of internal defects in production, intelligent data analysis and modern test process management. Event participants are looking forward to the keynote speech by Dipl.-Ing. Michael Salamon from the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS in Fürth, Development Centre for X-Ray Technology, on the topic of “Future X-Ray Technology – Sustainability in Quality Assurance and the Consumer Sector”. Not least of all, the moderated panel discussion on the topic of “Quality Management plus Sustainability” is also being eagerly anticipated.

The second day of the Control Expert Days will focus on the question: “AI in Quality Assurance – Where do We Stand Today?” Experts will discuss where AI is already making a real difference in QA, and in which applications it will still be a while before AI can be used and quality assurance can be conducted on demand. The keynote speech by Dr Henrike Stephani from the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics (ITWM) entitled “AI in Quality Control – Opportunities and Challenges in Industrial Applications” is being awaited with great interest. Expert visitors will gain practical insights and valuable food for thought from the company presentations which will cover topics such as smart quality control through sensor fusion and integrated management systems in everyday practice, and will offer insights into how AR and AI can optimise visual quality inspection. The second day will also conclude with an engaging panel discussion.

Expert visitors can look forward to two days of world-class business and networking at the Control Expert Days. Trade fair promoters P. E. Schall offer an exciting transfer of knowledge with this new event format featuring a concise and practical focus. Participants will exchange ideas on practical aspects and explore new approaches to how various QA measures can support sustainable production and cost-effective operations – cost reductions and economic efficiency are issues that have rarely been as important as they are today. Participants at the expert gathering can expect to gain valuable insights and practical benefits, and discover how closely quality assurance, innovation and sustainable business practices are interwoven.

The 2026 Control Expert Days will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the 20^th and 21^st of May, 2026. The event will be held in hall 9 at the west entrance of the Stuttgart Exhibition Centre. Participants and expert visitors will benefit from the easily accessible location adjacent to Stuttgart International Airport. Parking is available at P26 and P30. Admission is free for interested experts who would like to take advantage of the opportunity for a personal exchange of ideas on both days.

To the website: Control-Expert Days
Specialist information on the trade fair and industry: control-messe.de/control-expertdays/news-stories
Register for the newsletter: control-messe.de/control-expertdays/#newsletter
Follow us on Linkedin: linkedin.com/showcase/control-expertdays

Schall has developed successful business platforms with internationally recognised trade fairs for quality assurance (Control), optical technologies, components and systems (Optatec), stamping technology (Stanztec), automation in production and assembly (Motek), bonding technology (Bondexpo), plastics processing (Fakuma), sheet metal working (Blechexpo) and joining technology (Schweisstec). This has given rise to completely new markets in various sectors, whose protagonists are characterised by a high level of innovative strength, comprehensive system competence and practical application solutions.

The QA expert community is looking forward to the Control Expert Days in Stuttgart on the 20^th and 21^st of May, 2026. The newly launched industry event accompanies and complements the Control international trade fair for quality assurance, which will take place again in 2027. The Control Expert Days feature expert presentations, keynote speeches, panel discussions and a variety of networking opportunities. This year’s focus is on sustainability and AI.

The Control Expert Days, taking place in Stuttgart on 20 and 21 May 2026, are attracting keen interest from manufacturers and users of QA technologies. More than two months before the event opens, the programme for both days is filling up and promises to be a valuable experience for all participants, because its thematic content focuses on topics that are highly relevant to manufacturing as well as non-manufacturing companies. The headline for the first day of the expert event reads “Quality Management Plus Sustainability: How to Get Your QM Department Ready for the Future”. This topic is highly relevant because numerous quality assurance measures have a direct impact on error prevention, the reduction of scrap, process efficiency, the conservation of resources and cost savings. Distributed over the course of the day, QA experts from various companies will hold presentations on topics such as laser ultrasound for inline testing of internal defects in production, intelligent data analysis and modern test process management. Event participants are looking forward to the keynote speech by Dipl.-Ing. Michael Salamon from the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS in Fürth, Development Centre for X-Ray Technology, on the topic of “Future X-Ray Technology – Sustainability in Quality Assurance and the Consumer Sector”. Not least of all, the moderated panel discussion on the topic of “Quality Management plus Sustainability” is also being eagerly anticipated.

The second day of the Control Expert Days will seek answers to the question “AI in Quality Assurance: Where Do we Stand Today?” Where is AI already helpful in quality assurance, and in which applications will it still be a while before AI can be used and quality assurance can be conducted on demand? Amongst other factors, trust in AI and the reliability of its results will also play an important role. In this regard, the keynote speech by Dr Henrike Stephani from the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics (ITWM) entitled “AI in Quality Control – Opportunities and Challenges in Industrial Applications” is being awaited with great interest. Specific information and valuable food for thought will also be provided at the company presentations, which will deal with topics such as smart quality control through sensor fusion and integrated management systems in everyday practice, and will offer insights into how AR and AI can optimise visual quality inspection. The second day will also end with an exciting Control Expert Days talk within the framework of a moderated panel discussion on the topic of the day.

Guido Nilgen, director of quality management at Miele’s Technology Centre for Drives, also emphasises how closely quality assurance, innovation and sustainable business practices are linked. QA is becoming a genuine driver of sustainable value creation in real-world practice thanks to predictive quality. “The use of AI makes it possible for us to look into the future when analysing quality, process and usage data,” explains Guido Nilgen, who will participate in the panel discussion on the first day of the Control Expert Days and share his practical experience.

“We’re expecting two extremely exciting days at the event,” says Fabian Krüger, project manager at trade fair promoters P. E. Schall. The new QA industry event, which supplements the trade fair, combines various communication formats for the exchange of practical information. We want to gain new insights into how different QA measures support sustainable production and cost-efficient management, because companies are currently focused on becoming quicker, more efficient and more cost-effective – which also includes reducing scrap, avoiding waste and optimising workflows and manufacturing processes. Participants at the Control Expert Days can expect valuable information and highly useful, practical benefits.”

Conciseness, efficiency and high levels of technical relevance will be the key features of this new format as a supplement to the trade fair. The 2026 Control Expert Days will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the 20th and 21st of May, 2026. The event will be held in hall 9 at the west entrance of the Stuttgart Exhibition Centre. Participants and expert visitors will benefit from the easily accessible location adjacent to Stuttgart International Airport, just off the motorway and ideally linked to local public transport.

To the website: Control-Expert Days
Specialist information on the trade fair and industry: control-messe.de/control-expertdays/news-stories
Register for the newsletter: control-messe.de/control-expertdays/#newsletter
Follow us on Linkedin: linkedin.com/showcase/control-expertdays

Schall has developed successful business platforms with internationally recognised trade fairs for quality assurance (Control), optical technologies, components and systems (Optatec), stamping technology (Stanztec), automation in production and assembly (Motek), bonding technology (Bondexpo), plastics processing (Fakuma), sheet metal working (Blechexpo) and joining technology (Schweisstec). This has given rise to completely new markets in various sectors, whose protagonists are characterised by a high level of innovative strength, comprehensive system competence and practical application solutions.

The Control Expert Days on 20 and 21 May 2026 are evolving into an exclusive, highly efficient meeting place for experts. Just over three months in advance, the QA industry is looking forward to this two-day highlight featuring business, communication and the transfer of knowledge at the highest levels. The event combines the presentation of specialist information by means of talks, discussions and diverse networking opportunities with an exhibition of technical innovations. This year’s programme focuses on the topics of sustainability and AI.

The Control Expert Days are an add-on format for the Control international trade fair for quality assurance, which will be held once every two years in future. With the new, exclusive expert meet, which will also take place once every two years in alternation with the trade fair, industry players will have the opportunity of maintaining permanent annual presence in the field of quality assurance under the auspices of Control. “Our exhibitors are thus provided with maximum market penetration by utilising both formats,” explains Fabian Krüger, project manager at trade fair promoters P. E. Schall. “The overall concept of the trade fair plus Control Expert Days as an accompanying technical event benefits the industry with increased efficiency and utility, because the compact expert meet focuses on industry news and modern technologies: two days of business, communication and know-how transfer at the highest levels.”

“The main topics covered at this year’s Control Expert Days are generating a great deal of interest among manufacturers and users of QA technologies,” continues Krüger. “QA experts will discuss ‘Quality Management plus Sustainability’ on the first day of the event. This topic is highly relevant and pertinent because various quality assurance measures have a direct impact on error prevention, waste reduction, process efficiency, the conservation of resources and cost savings.” This has a direct impact on sustainable production and business practices and is thus essential for remaining competitive. Companies are currently focused on reducing waste and avoiding scrap, as well as improving workflows and manufacturing processes and complying with legal and regulatory requirements.

The second day will focus on “AI in Quality Assurance: Where do We Stand Today?” Where is AI already making a real difference in QA, and for which applications will it still take considerable time before AI can be deployed and QA is run on demand? “Amongst other things, this involves building up confidence in AI and the reliability of its results. All of this will be explored on the second day,” explains the project manager. As a highly topical and much-discussed subject, artificial intelligence is generating considerable interest for both the morning and the afternoon presentation sessions, as well as for the concluding panel discussion moderated by experts.

The key feature of the Control Expert Days is their unique combination of the transfer of knowledge, discussions and an exhibition, emphasises Fabian Krüger: “Compactness, efficiency and high levels of technical relevance are the core characteristics of this event format as a supplement to the trade fair, which will have a direct impact on business thanks to its direct focus on practical applications.”

“Especially in these economically challenging times, this world-class, highly focused meeting of decision-makers will provide new impetus for all involved parties. It will point the way forward to future applications, trends and research,” stresses Bettina Schall, managing director of trade fair promoters P. E. Schall. “QA specialists contribute their respective expertise to this expert forum through direct communication on an equal footing. Industry knowledge and technological innovations are discussed in a professional, up-to-date and neutral manner. This benefits both suppliers and users alike,” says Bettina Schall.

The 2026 Control Expert Days will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the 20th and 21st of May, 2026. They will be held in hall 9 at the west entrance of the Stuttgart Exhibition Centre. Participants and expert visitors benefit from the easily accessible location at Stuttgart International Airport right off the motorway, as well as easy access to public transportation. Parking is available at P26 and P30, as well as in the Bosch car park.

To the website: Control-Expert Days
Specialist information on the trade fair and industry: control-messe.de/control-expertdays/news-stories
Register for the newsletter: control-messe.de/control-expertdays/#newsletter
Follow us on Linkedin: linkedin.com/showcase/control-expertdays

Schall has developed successful business platforms with internationally recognised trade fairs for quality assurance (Control), optical technologies, components and systems (Optatec), stamping technology (Stanztec), automation in production and assembly (Motek), bonding technology (Bondexpo), plastics processing (Fakuma), sheet metal working (Blechexpo) and joining technology (Schweisstec). This has given rise to completely new markets in various sectors, whose protagonists are characterised by a high level of innovative strength, comprehensive system competence and practical application solutions.