The hub for process optimization, quality, and operational excellence
The 2026 Six Sigma Conference is the premier gathering for professionals and executives who are actively shaping process optimization, quality, and operational excellence. Meet the community that not only discusses these methods but also successfully puts them into practice.
On September 16 and 17, 2026, we look forward to welcoming you to the Voith Arena in Heidenheim. The event will be complemented by an exclusive get-together the evening before. You can look forward to two days full of inspiration, discussion, and concrete solutions for your organization.
Key Details About the Event
- 📅 September 16–17, 2026
- 📅 Get-together on September 15 starting at 7:00 p.m. (optional but highly recommended)
- 📍 Voith Arena, Heidenheim
- 💰 Non-ESSC members: 690.- €. For ESSC members: 590.- €
WHY PARTICIPATE
Practical Insights
Explore real-world case studies and concrete applications of Six Sigma across various industries.
Interactive Workshops
Deepen your knowledge through active participation and direct interaction with experts.
Expand Your Network
Make valuable connections and exchange ideas with experts and executives.
Direct Value
Take home actionable ideas and methods for your daily practice.
HIGHLIGHTS
- High-Profile Keynotes from Industry and Consulting
- Best-Practice Examples from Real-World Projects
- Interactive workshops and panel discussions
- Networking in an exclusive setting
- Get-together the night before
Sporty and elegant
- The conference will take place at the Voith Arena in Heidenheim
- Our get-together and conference dinner will take place at the Schlosshotel Hellenstein in 89522 Heidenheim an der Brenz
Get-together – September 15, 2026
Starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Schlosshotel Hellenstein
This agenda is updated regularly. Check back often so you don’t miss any new presentations, descriptions, or speakers.
Agenda for the 2026 Six Sigma Conference at the Voith Arena
Day 1 – September 16, 2026: Conference Opening and Workshops
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Sign-up / Registration starting at 8:00 a.m. -
Welcome and Opening Remarks by the ESSC Board of Directors 8:30 a.m.Lena Thiele, Chairwoman | Prof. Dr. Bert Leyendecker, Vice Chair · Moderator, Day 1 | Hendrik Bienert, Chief Financial Officer | Björn Noreik, Board Member | Gennadii Tsybelman, Board Member
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Holistic Six Sigma – Keynote Address to Kick Off the Conference 8:50 a.m.Why 50% of all statistically perfect Six Sigma projects fail after 6 months: An explanation beyond the Gaussian distribution. – And how holistic Six Sigma ensures sustainable success. --- Speaker: Prof. Dr. Dr. Thomas Münster, Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Professor of Quality Management and Process Optimization at the Institute for General Mechanical Engineering, Sigma Master Black Belt
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Workshop A: Which Tool Is Right for You? A Structured Comparison of Data Analysis Tools 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.The search for suitable alternatives is a recurring theme in our professional practice as well as in the feedback from ESSC association meetings. We’ll examine the requirements of different personas, compare statistical software, open source tools, scripting, and AI with proven Six Sigma methods, and open the results up for discussion. Of course, we’ve also prepared a few live demonstrations featuring real-world use cases. We look forward to the discussion and are happy to share the workshop results. --- Speakers: Thomas Rittler, Björn Noreik
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Workshop B: Improving Performance in Shop Floor Management Through AI-Supported Coaching 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.In this workshop, you’ll use a Lean simulation game to learn how to evaluate the quality of shop floor meetings with the help of an innovative AI solution, in order to identify specific areas for improvement in SFM development by the coaches. As a result, shop floor meetings will receive more targeted support tailored to their specific coaching needs, the coaches’ time will be optimized, and the SFM will become more efficient and effective overall --- Speakers: Marcel Sambale and Tayfun Kaymakci, EFESO Management Consultants
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Workshop C: From Data to Impact: Presenting Messages Compellingly Through Data Storytelling 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Data is everywhere. But they only have an impact when they are communicated in a way that is understandable, targeted, and compelling. In this interactive workshop, participants will receive a practical guide to effective data storytelling as well as specific criteria for selecting and designing meaningful visualizations.--- Speakers: Dr. Ralf Rosenberger, ADDITIVE Software and Hardware for Technology and Science GmbH, and Dr. Michael Ohler, exceedium GmbH, Senior Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Lunch Break & Distribution of Conference Materials
Lunch break and distribution of conference materials
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Limited experimental data, too much uncertainty 12:30 p.m.Bayesian methods complement traditional Six Sigma: realistically modeling uncertainties, leveraging expert knowledge, and making better decisions. Examples of applications in manufacturing using MCMC methods. ---Speaker: Dr. Steffen Kühn, Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH, Certified Green Belt, Black Belt in training
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The Marble in the Dish – The Ball in the Bowl 1:10 p.m.Higher Quality. Higher Output. Less Waste. Why AI Only Delivers Results When Used in the Right System. --- Speaker: Dr. Sven Brose, OLOIDO GmbH & Co. KG
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More Data + More AI = Better Decisions? 1:50 p.m.The illusion that better analyses automatically lead to better decisions. --- Speaker: Björn Noreik, BNB Quality Statistics and Training, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
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Coffee Break and Networking 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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Zeiss SMT Company Presentation 3:00 p.m.Speaker: Dr. Wolfgang Seitz Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Digital Transformation Officer (DTO) Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
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Successful Process Optimization – 20 Years of Six Sigma at Zeiss 3:30 p.m.For more than 20 years, Six Sigma has been an integral part of continuous improvement at ZEISS. More than 1,000 certified Six Sigma Belts are driving measurable improvements across a wide range of business areas using data-driven methods. But what factors make a Six Sigma program successful over decades? This presentation provides a practical insight into the structure and ongoing development of the ZEISS Six Sigma Program. The focus is on the close integration of training and real-world improvement projects, consistent evaluation based on numbers, data, and facts, and the role of controlling in validating the economic benefits. --- Speakers: Martin Kunz & Dr. Andreas Kirchner, both Six Sigma Master Black Belts, ZEISS SMT
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From an Idea to a Successful Six Sigma Project 4:10 p.m.Greater Success for Six Sigma Projects: With clear roles, structured gates, and AI-powered coaching, you can significantly increase speed, quality, and success rates. --- Speaker: Eugen Alexandrow, Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co KG, Six Sigma Master Black Belt
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World Café – Networking and Collective Knowledge. Group Dinner 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. World Café – Networking and Collective Knowledge. 8:00 p.m. Group dinner & evening event
Day 2 – September 17, 2026
- Welcome & Recap of Day 1 · Update on Voting for the Best Presentation Award 8:30 a.m.
Lena Thiele, President · Moderator, Day 2 | Prof. Dr. Bert Leyendecker, Vice President | Hendrik Bienert, Chief Financial Officer | Björn Noreik, Board Member | Gennadii Tsybelman, Board Member
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German Six Sigma Award (Practical Application): Optimization of the Beam Shape in an Electron Beam System 8:40 a.m.Speaker: Steffen Kühn, Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
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German Six Sigma Award (Research Paper): Process Optimization of Rework in Front Axle Carrier Manufacturing 9:20 a.m.Speaker: Levin Strasen, Landshut University of Applied Sciences
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Coffee Break and Networking 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
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Six Sigma in Higher Education: Process Optimization in the Production-Oriented Teaching Lab at Landshut University of Applied Sciences 10:30 a.m.Speaker: Prof. Dr. Thomas Faldum, Department of Electrical Engineering and Industrial Engineering, Landshut University of Applied Sciences
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We have plenty of data. Do we have knowledge, too? 11:10The Path from Data Overload to Informed Maintenance Decisions. --- Speaker: Louise Millen
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Six Sigma 5.0: Real-Time Quality Control and Regulation Using an Engineering AI System 11:50 a.m.How to Use Six Sigma and Engineering AI to Create Robust Products and Processes—Featuring a Live AI Demo and Real-World Examples. --- Speaker: Frank Thurner, Contech Software & Engineering GmbH, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
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ESSC Working Group Update & Community Exchange 12:30 p.m.Speaker: Daniel Fügner, Six Sigma Master Black Belt & ESS Club Board Member, ADDITIVE Software and Hardware for Technology and Science GmbH
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Announcement of the Best Presentation Award – Live Voting Results & Awards Ceremony 12:50 p.m.
1:00 p.m. Closing & Farewell · Outlook for Fako 2027 · Finger food · End of the ESSC Conference 2026
Sponsors of the Conference
Zeiss
ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology is a leading global technology partner to the semiconductor industry and develops high-precision optical systems that enable the production of state-of-the-art microchips and significantly drive technological innovation.ADDITIVE Software and Hardware for Technology and Science GmbH
ADDITIVE is a specialized provider of software and hardware solutions for technology and science, supporting companies and research institutions with innovative technologies for the efficient implementation of demanding development and analysis processes.- Minitab GmbH
By integrating statistical process analysis, predictive modeling, real-time monitoring, and continuous improvement solutions with built-in AI capabilities, Minitab helps companies consolidate data, gain insights, accelerate decision-making, and achieve measurable results.
Registration for the 2026 ESSC Conference
You can easily register for the 2026 Six Sigma Conference using the online form on this website or, alternatively, by emailing buero@sixsigmaclub.de.
Once we receive your registration, our office will review it. We will then issue an invoice to the billing address and using the billing information you provided.
To avoid delays, we ask that you provide all information relevant to billing (e.g., internal order or purchase order number) in full at the time of registration. By registering, you are securing a binding spot in the event.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are free of charge up to 3 weeks before the event begins.
As of August 27, 2026, refunds of the registration fee will no longer be possible.
If you are unable to attend, you may, of course, designate a substitute. You may notify us of the substitute up to one day before the event begins.
Note on Registration
Registration for the conference is only possible after full payment has been received. The registration fee for non-members of the ESSC is 690.-€. For ESSC members, the fee is only 590.-€.
