New attendance record at the 20th Management Conference on Ice Rinks in Munich on 19-21 May 2025
Specialist presentations, panels of experts, networking events, company exhibitions and exciting insights into Europe's most modern sports arena – the 20th IAKS Management Conference on Ice Rinks 2025 brought together facility managers, ice rink technicians and specialists from across the German-speaking world. This year's conference was held in the Bavarian capital of Munich, which provided the perfect setting for three enlightening days with its state-of-the-art venues, impressive infrastructure and its active passion for ice sports.
Impressions of the event can be found in the gallery.
All conference presentations are exclusively available to participants and to all IAKS members.
Password required for download. Forgot your password? Simply reach out to the HQ team
Insights into Europe's most advanced sports arena
The event kicked off with a tour of the SAP Garden, the new showpiece of Munich's ice sports scene. After a reception in the exclusive VIP lounge, Oliver Wesp, Managing Director of Red Bull Stadion München GmbH, and Andreas Mayer, Head of Arena Operations, welcomed the participants with an introductory presentation on the design and ongoing operation of this state-of-the-art multifunctional arena.
The SAP Garden team then gave a tour of the impressive facility. During the walk-through, Engo, Cento Design & Production, Lanz Manufaktur Germany and Walter Wettstein supplied information at various key points on their technical innovations developed specifically for the SAP Garden.
At the end of the first day of the event, the ‘Bavarian Evening’ at the Wirtshaus zur Brez'n provided regional cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere for lively conversation.
Specialist presentations, exhibitor tour and further viewing – focus on strategy and technology
On the second day, Smartvillage Bogenhausen in Arabellapark opened its doors to conference guests. Following the opening of the company exhibition and official welcome addresses by Klaus Meinel (IAKS) and Peter Lautenschlager (VDEM), Thomas Reichard from the City of Munich's Department of Education and Sport provided insight into the development and strategy of ice sports in the state capital. For the ageing ice sports infrastructure including several outdoor ice rinks, the SAP Garden with its three ice sports training halls is a significant step towards safeguarding the range of sporting activities on offer.
In an exciting presentation on the energy strategy and the refrigeration and building services engineering at the SAP Garden, Benjamin Bührer from BBP Ingenieurbüro presented specific technical details and sustainable solutions. Huge energy savings have been achieved by taking a holistic approach to refrigeration, air conditioning and the heat supply.
The afternoon was devoted to the practical implementation of sustainability measures. Daniel Merz (energy manager) presented the energy transformation plan for Villingen-Schwenningen ice rink. Peter Lautenschlager reported on the latest changes resulting from the revision of DIN 18036. Explaining the requirements for the accessible design of modern websites for public sports facilities, Christoph Irmer (Stileffekt) and Michael Loy (Locaboo) highlighted the potential of digital sports facility management.
Two exhibitor tours gave the participating companies the opportunity to present their innovative products and solutions.
The evening continued with a tour of the CASA indoor street park, where participants were given an exciting introduction to Munich's skateboarding and biking scene by the operator HIGH FIVE e.V. The community-oriented, weather-independent usage concept makes CASA a year-round hub for the scene and left a lasting and positive impression on participants.
Afterwards, participants had a chance to unwind in the Augustiner Keller beer garden in early summer temperatures – a perfect combination of shop talking and Bavarian hospitality.
Operator responsibility and sustainability
The third day of the event began with the VDEM general meeting, followed by a presentation on data protection for operators and clubs by Michael Schmitz (Schmitz GbR).
In a panel discussion on sustainability for league matches and public ice sports, Thorsten Licht (DEB), Jürgen Fottner (ARENA Nuremberg) and Milton Tauche (Grosse Kreisstadt Weisswasser/O.L. Eisarena) exchanged information on the opportunities, challenges and measures already implemented.
A brief coffee break in the exhibition area was followed by an interactive barcamp format with open rounds of discussion, during which participants were able to actively contribute and raise topics of their own choosing.
The conference closed with a keynote speech on operator responsibility and sustainable building management by Wolfgang Inderwies (IndeConsult). In the subsequent panel discussion, Dirk König (Klosterpark Adelberg) and Dominik Petzka (Kaufbeuren Ice Stadium) outlined where it made sense to outsource building services at public ice sports facilities.
The IAKS Management Conference 2025 ended with a networking lunch – three busy days packed with hands-on knowledge, the sharing of ideas and face-to-face conversations that will be remembered not only professionally but also in terms of forging personal ties. A big thank you to everyone involved, our partner companies and, above all, our hosts in Munich for their great work and hospitality!
Thanks to our event partners for the kind support
