Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The GLCI Congress is a premier event focused on Lean Construction, taking place on November 25, 2026, at KAP Europa in Frankfurt am Main. This congress brings together professionals from the construction industry to explore innovative practices and methodologies.
Attendees can expect a day filled with expert presentations, breakout sessions, and valuable networking opportunities. GLCI Congress takes place in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: November 2026 at KAP Europa, Frankfurt am Main, Germany - the Europaviertel congress centre next to Messe Frankfurt; confirm the exact congress days on glci.de.
- 2Scale and Focus: 12th edition of the GLCI Kongress, the annual meeting of the German Lean Construction Institute (GLCI) for Lean construction practice across German and DACH projects.
- 3Programme and Tracks: a main congress day plus a separate Learning Day, with sessions on the Lean Planning System (LPS), takt planning, BIM coordination, Integrated Project Delivery (IPA) and current Lean research.
- 4Organiser: German Lean Construction Institute (GLCI), the network behind the GLCI academy seminars and the register.glci.network registration portal.
- 5Entry: registration runs through register.glci.network for the congress day, the Learning Day or both - check glci.de for current ticket categories and agenda updates.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights into the latest Lean Construction practices, network with industry experts, and participate in interactive sessions. Dates and Venue: The GLCI Congress takes place on November 25, 2026, at KAP Europa, Frankfurt am Main. Scale and Focus: This event is a key gathering for Lean Construction professionals, featuring expert talks and networking. Buyer Authority: Attendees include industry leaders, project managers, and construction professionals.
Why exhibit
Meet qualified buyers and partners including Lean construction software developers, Construction equipment manufacturers, Consulting firms specializing in Lean practices. Audience: contractors, planning and BIM managers, project leads, client organisations and Lean coaches working on German and international construction projects. Attending GLCI Congress on 2026-11-25 to 2026-11-25 in Frankfurt am Main lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations,.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Lean construction managers and site production leads on German and DACH projects
Planning and design managers and architects applying LPS and BIM workflows
Integrated project alliance (IPA) and collaborative contract specialists
Construction technology and software vendors delivering planning and BIM tools
Contractors, clients and project owners running Lean pilots and benchmarks
Lean coaches, academy trainers and Lean Construction researchers
Public-sector infrastructure and municipal construction representatives
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Lean construction software developers
Construction equipment manufacturers
Consulting firms specializing in Lean practices
Training providers for Lean methodologies
Construction service providers
Sustainable building material suppliers
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Last Planner System (LPS) and pull planning software and services
BIM coordination, digital twin and model-based delivery tools for construction
Takt planning, flow and takt-time scheduling services
Integrated Project Allianz (IPA) and collaborative delivery consulting
Lean construction training and academy programmes for site and planning teams
Lean Construction benchmarking, studies and scientific publications
Site logistics, prefabrication and supply-chain Lean solutions
Location & Facilities
Venue
KAP Europa
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Facilities
Parking
KAP Europa in Frankfurt am Main typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: KAP Europa in Frankfurt am Main typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at KAP Europa for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
German Lean Construction Institute - GLCI e.V.
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
The 11th GLCI Kongress took place in 2025 as the most recent completed edition. The event featured a conference day, Learning Day, and networking meeting. Sessions included the 2E Lean Logistics Guideline 2.0. An extended video recap is available on YouTube.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Why it matters
Attending GLCI Congress on 2026-11-25 to 2026-11-25 in Frankfurt am Main lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
PDF Lean Construction in Germany - Empirical Findings on The Current State ...
ReadLean Construction in Germany - Empirical Findings on ... - ResearchGate
ReadGerman Lean Construction Institute - GLCI e.V.
ReadLean Construction in Germany: Study On The Status Quo of ... - Scribd
ReadPossible Futures for Lean Construction: A Scenario Analysis for Germany
ReadLean Construction in Germany - Empirical Findings on the Curre...
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · EUR
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Frankfurt Airport
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Domicil Hotel Frankfurt
midscale
Frankfurt am MainBreakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking, air conditioning, pet-friendly, restaurant, airport shuttle, kid-friendly, smoke-free; guest rating 3.5. Approx. USD per night - add a taxi or S-Bahn leg to Kap Europa.
Premier Inn Frankfurt Eschborn Hotel
budget-midscale
Eschborn (outskirt of Frankfurt)Breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), bar, restaurant, accessible, kid-friendly; guest rating 4.7. Approx. USD per night, but outside the city - budget S-Bahn commuting time to the Messe district.
Campanile Frankfurt Offenbach
budget
Frankfurt OffenbachBreakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), air conditioning, pet-friendly, bar, restaurant, accessible; guest rating 4.1. Approx. USD per night - longer transit ride to Kap Europa.
the sQuare Hotel Frankfurt
budget
Frankfurt am MainFree Wi-Fi, parking, pet-friendly, restaurant; guest rating 3.0. Approx. USD per night - lowest price and lowest rating in the set; check recent reviews.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forFrankfurt Airport (FRA) to KAP Europa, Europaviertel
Airport taxi or rideshare to the Messe/Europaviertel district; traffic on the A5/Messe approach and night surcharges can push the fare to the upper end of the band. Confirm live pricing in the taxi or app before departure.
S-Bahn / U-Bahn
Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forFrankfurt Airport (FRA) to KAP Europa
RMV S-Bahn services run from FRA into Frankfurt and connect with U-Bahn and tram services through the Messe/Festhalle area; validate your ticket before boarding and keep it until you exit. Check the RMV journey planner for the current lines, stops and any event shuttle.
car / parking
Estimated costApprox. EUR 20-30 per day for a Messe/Europaviertel garage; confirm current rates on site
Best forKAP Europa and Skyline Plaza parking garages, Europaviertel
The Skyline Plaza / Kap Europa garage listed on Parkopedia serves the congress centre, and the Messe Frankfurt arrival page gives the official driving approach. Garages in the Messe district fill quickly during Messe Frankfurt fair weeks; public transport is usually quicker then.
walking
Estimated cost0
Best forEuropaviertel hotels to KAP Europa
Hotel nhow Frankfurt (approx. 90 m), Skyline Hotel Europaviertel Frankfurt (approx. 170 m) and Tante ALMA Bristol Hotel (approx. 390 m) are within walking distance of the congress centre; the routes are open-air, so plan for November rain.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
Late autumn in Frankfurt am Main: November is cool, cloudy and changeable, with a typical daytime band around 7-10 C, overnight lows around 2-4 C and night frost possible late in the month. Wet days are frequent rather than continuous, and daylight fades early in the afternoon. Congress transfers between KAP Europa, the Europaviertel hotels and the Messe district are open-air walks, so plan a waterproof layer. Approximate climatological band - confirm a live forecast in the week before travel. No organiser-published weather guidance was found for this edition.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Germany applies EU roaming rules, so most EU/EEA mobile plans keep working in Frankfurt am Main at no extra cost; visitors from outside the EU should check roaming rates or buy a prepaid German SIM (Telekom, Vodafone, O2) at Frankfurt Airport or in the city. The Europaviertel and central Frankfurt hotels listed here advertise free or included Wi-Fi, and congress venues in the Messe district normally provide visitor Wi-Fi - confirm the network name and any charge with the organiser on arrival. Power is 230 V / 50 Hz with Type F (Schuko) sockets, so non-European plugs need an adapter.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Currency and payment
Germany uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted in Frankfurt am Main, but keep some cash for small purchases, ticket machines and smaller restaurants; many venues in the Messe district are card-friendly.
Business etiquette
German business meetings are punctual and agenda-led. Address counterparts formally (Herr/Frau plus surname) until invited otherwise, and bring printed or PDF materials for contract, standards and project-documentation discussions.
Construction-sector norms
German construction work is heavily documented, with formal contract and claims management alongside technical delivery. GLCI audiences typically discuss LPS, takt planning, BIM coordination and IPA in both German and English, so bilingual material is a practical advantage.
Public transport ticketing
Buy and validate an RMV ticket before boarding S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram or bus, and keep it until you exit. Ticket machines take cards and coins; airport and station machines are the easiest places to buy a day or multi-ride ticket.
Opening hours and tipping
Most shops in Frankfurt close on Sundays, so buy any supplies or SIM cards on a weekday. Service charges are usually included in restaurant bills; rounding up or adding around 5-10 percent is customary for good service.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: FRA
Book into Frankfurt Airport (FRA) when possible for the shortest transfer to KAP Europa. Frankfurt Hahn (HHN) is a low-cost airport well outside the city and adds a substantial onward journey, so compare total travel time rather than headline fare. Travellers already in Germany can use Deutsche Bahn long-distance services to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, then S-Bahn or U-Bahn to the Messe district. If your dates coincide with other Messe Frankfurt fairs, book flights and hotels early; fares and room rates rise sharply on peak fair weeks.
Visa
Schengen short-stay rules apply for Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for short business visits; others need a Schengen business visa arranged before travel.
Processing: Check the responsible German mission for current Schengen appointment wait and processing times; the Federal Foreign Office visa pages in the capture are the reference.
Verify nationality-specific rules on the Federal Foreign Office business and visitor visa pages (germany.info, auswaertiges-amt.de) and the Schengen business visa checklist from the German missions before booking travel to Frankfurt am Main.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Allow road or rail time to KAP Europa; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near KAP Europa: Frankfurt am Main: Domicil Hotel Frankfurt; Eschborn (outskirt of Frankfurt): Premier Inn Frankfurt Eschborn Hotel; Frankfurt Offenbach: Campanile Frankfurt Offenbach.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps operate in Frankfurt am Main: international platforms such as Uber and FREE NOW are commonly used, alongside licensed taxis that queue at Frankfurt Airport, the main station and major hotels. Confirm availability and live pricing in the app before you travel, since the airport-to-venue run can take roughly 45-60 minutes in peak traffic. For the last kilometre from a Europaviertel hotel, walking is usually faster than waiting for a car.
Public transit: Frankfurt am Main public transport runs under the RMV network: S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram and bus services link Frankfurt Airport, the main station and the city centre to the Messe/Festhalle area around KAP Europa. Buy and validate your ticket before boarding and keep it until you leave; day and multi-ride tickets reduce cost across a congress week. Messe Frankfurt publishes official arrival guidance for the venue district - use that page and the RMV journey planner for current lines, stops and any event shuttle, and confirm live fares on the day. Expect crowded trains during Messe Frankfurt fair weeks.
Parking: KAP Europa has an underground car park serving the congress centre, and the adjacent Skyline Plaza garage serves the same block, both listed on Parkopedia. Expect paid hourly and daily rates typical for the Messe district; confirm current rates, opening hours and vehicle height limits with the garage before driving. During Messe Frankfurt fair weeks surrounding roads and garages fill quickly, so public transport is usually the faster option.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Typical late-November conditions in Frankfurt am Main: daytime highs around 7-10 C and overnight lows around 2-4 C, with night frost possible late in the month. This is an approximate climatological band - check a live forecast before travel.
Seasonality: November is one of the cloudier, wetter months in Frankfurt am Main, with rain on roughly a third of days and short daylight hours. The walk between KAP Europa, the Europaviertel hotels and Messe district stops is open-air, so plan for wet transfers rather than a single indoor corridor.
Packing: Pack layers, a waterproof jacket or compact umbrella and closed waterproof shoes for a cool, rainy late-autumn week. Bring smart business attire for congress sessions plus comfortable walking shoes for the Europaviertel and Messe district, a warm mid-layer for evening events, and a Type F plug adapter plus power bank for long conference days.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at GLCI Congress usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your ticket category through the register.glci.network portal for the 12th GLCI Kongress 2026 and decide whether you attend the conference day, the Learning Day or both.
T-2
Back-check the published agenda on glci.de for LPS, takt planning, BIM, IPA and Lean research sessions, and shortlist the ones that map to your current project stage.
T-3
Book accommodation early in the Europaviertel cluster (Hotel nhow Frankfurt, Skyline Hotel Europaviertel Frankfurt) or central Frankfurt if you also have client meetings; Messe Frankfurt fair weeks push rates up.
T-4
Plan your FRA arrival and onward S-Bahn or taxi transfer to the Messe/Europaviertel district, and check whether the organiser runs an airport or main-station shuttle.
T-5
Load an RMV journey plan and a contactless payment option, and keep a couple of euro coins for ticket machines.
T-6
Check German Schengen entry rules on the Federal Foreign Office business visa pages and apply in time if a visa is required.
T-7
Download the GLCI Kongress app and the glci.de programme pages so you can follow session changes on site.
T-8
Prepare a one-page summary of your current Lean rollout (LPS status, takt maturity, BIM handover pain points) to compare notes with other GLCI member organisations.
T-9
Review the GLCI academy seminar descriptions if you plan to add a training format around the congress.
T-10
Pack for cool, rainy late-autumn weather in Frankfurt am Main, plus comfortable shoes for the Messe and Europaviertel walking routes between halls and hotels.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at KAP Europa
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2GLCI Congress registration concourse
KAP Europa
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
KAP Europa
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights€190.00
- Per diem × 2€150.00
Estimated total€340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether GLCI Congress fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is the GLCI Kongress 2026?
The 12th GLCI Kongress 2026 is listed on glci.de and on the register.glci.network portal. Frankfurt am Main is the host city and the venue is the Kap Europa congress centre in the Messe Frankfurt district; check the organiser domain for the confirmed session dates and arrival guidance.
How do I register for the GLCI Kongress 2026?
Registration runs through the organiser portal at register.glci.network/kongress-2026, linked from the glci.de event page for the 12th GLCI Kongress. Confirm ticket categories, day passes and Learning Day add-ons there before booking travel.
Is there a Learning Day and a conference day?
Yes. The GLCI Kongress programme in the capture combines a conference day with a Learning Day, a networking meeting and additional formats such as the academy seminars and regional practice group meetings listed on glci.de.
How do I get to Kap Europa in Frankfurt am Main?
Kap Europa is part of the Messe Frankfurt congress locations in the Europaviertel. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the main gateway, and Messe Frankfurt publishes official arrival guidance covering public transport and parking for the Messe district.
Where should I stay for the GLCI Kongress?
Google Hotels results near Kap Europa show the closest cluster in the Europaviertel: Hotel nhow Frankfurt (about 90 m), Skyline Hotel Europaviertel Frankfurt (about 170 m) and Tante ALMA Bristol Hotel (about 390 m). Central Frankfurt and suburbs such as Eschborn or Offenbach offer further options at lower rates.
Do I need a visa to attend a Lean Construction congress in Frankfurt am Main?
Frankfurt am Main is in the Schengen area; short-stay business entry follows German Federal Foreign Office visa rules. Check your nationality on the official pages linked from the GLCI travel planning sources and apply early if a Schengen business visa is required.
What topics does the GLCI Kongress cover?
The GLCI programme in the capture covers Lean Construction practice in Germany, LPS and BIM training, integrated project alliance formats and the outcomes of recent German studies on Lean Construction diffusion and application.
Glossary
- GLCI
- German Lean Construction Institute - the association organising the GLCI Kongress and related Lean construction events, academy seminars and regional practice groups in Germany.
- Lean Construction
- A project-delivery approach that applies Lean principles to design and construction, reducing waste and improving flow; the 2025 German study surfaced in the capture examines the current state of Lean Construction practice in Germany.
- Last Planner System (LPS)
- A collaborative planning method referenced in GLCI academy flyers in the capture, covering pull planning, look-ahead planning and weekly work planning.
- BIM
- Building Information Modelling; GLCI academy material in the capture combines LPS and BIM training, reflecting the digital delivery focus of the congress.
- Learning Day
- A dedicated training day attached to the GLCI Kongress programme, aimed at practitioners new to Lean Construction and at teams deepening their method skills.
- IPA
- Integrated Project Allianz; the GLCI event stream and practice-group meetings in the capture include an IPA conference and IPA-related Lean management sessions.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- GLCI Congress
- Lean Construction Conference
- Construction Events in Frankfurt
- GLCI Congress 2026
- GLCI 2026
- GLCI Congress Frankfurt am Main
- GLCI Congress Frankfurt am Main 2026
- GLCI
- GLCI Frankfurt am Main
- GLCI Frankfurt am Main 2026
10 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.