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INDUSTRY NEWS
Industry leaders adopt the Kitzbühel Declaration 2030, setting out eight guiding principles under GXN’s One Voice Initiative.
Kitzbühel, Austria | 12 October 2026
The fifth GXN Conference, held from 6 to 9 October 2026 in Kitzbühel, brought together international leaders from the promotional products industry for four days of exchange, strategic debate and collaboration. The defining outcome was the adoption of the Kitzbühel Declaration 2030, a shared commitment to strengthening the industry’s future and its voice in the wider economy and public debate.
The event began on 6 October with an informal networking evening that encouraged open conversation and new connections. On 7 October, participants enjoyed the first GXN golf tournament against the backdrop of the Tyrolean Alps, alongside opportunities for introductory golf, cycling and hiking in beautiful autumn weather.
The conference programme on 8 and 9 October combined forward-looking keynotes and panel discussions. Contributions from Michael Freter and Florian Rotberg set the strategic context, while keynote speaker Achim Berg explored the implications of artificial intelligence for leadership and organizational structures. His presentation challenged CEOs to rethink how organizations are designed, how decisions are made and where AI can create new opportunities.
A central focus of the conference was GXN founder Michael Freter’s One Voice Initiative: an effort to create greater alignment across manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, service providers and industry associations worldwide. Following intensive discussions, delegates adopted the Kitzbühel Declaration 2030 on 9 October. The document describes a defining moment for an industry connecting brands, organizations and consumers through tangible experiences.
The declaration establishes eight guiding principles:
Together, these principles connect commercial accountability with sustainability, responsible production, talent development and a stronger presence in public affairs. They provide a common direction for further industry dialogue and collaboration through 2030, rather than claiming that detailed implementation programmes have already been agreed.
Founded in 2022 as a meeting point for global executives and thought leaders, GXN has evolved into an international community and platform for industry-wide discussion. The Kitzbühel conference demonstrated how relationships built through personal encounters can lead to shared ambitions and collective action.
The adoption of the declaration is an important starting point. GXN aims to use the momentum from Kitzbühel to encourage continued engagement among industry leaders and associations, and to translate the eight principles into future conversations and initiatives.
Global Executive Network (GXN) connects senior leaders and decision-makers across the international promotional products industry. Through its annual conference and ongoing exchanges, GXN promotes dialogue on leadership, technology, sustainability and the future of tangible brand communication.
Media enquiries:
GXN – Michael Freter
Wasserstr. 2, 40213 Düsseldorf
+49 172 850 2941
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