When data protection officers, supervisory authorities and experts meet in Berlin on May 5th and 6th, 2026, it will be about much more than classic data protection. The BvD association days are increasingly positioning themselves as a strategic forum for digital transformation.
Under the guiding theme “Future-proof data protection!” It becomes clear: data protection and freedom of information have long since become central building blocks of modern IT and governance structures.
Platform for exchange and orientation
The event at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz combines technical depth with political classification and practical relevance. It offers orientation, especially in an environment in which regulatory requirements and technological developments are increasingly closely interlinked.
In addition to the specialist lectures, informal formats play a central role. Breaks and evening events are deliberately designed as spaces for networking – an important factor in a discipline that relies heavily on exchange and interpretation.
Digital omnibus as a common thread
A focus of this year’s event is the so-called digital omnibus. The topic is taken up in an expert discussion at the start and runs through several program points.
This concerns fundamental questions about the regulation of digital services and their impact on companies and authorities. This is complemented by discussions on digital sovereignty, AI and fundamental rights as well as current developments in the area of cybercrime.
Cybersecurity and regulation in focus
A second focus is clearly on information security and cybersecurity. The topics range from NIS2 to international perspectives to specific threat scenarios.
The program thus reflects the reality of many organizations: data protection can no longer be viewed in isolation, but is closely linked to security strategies and compliance requirements.
Future topics on the second day of the event
May 6th consistently takes up this development. Lectures on ISO 42001, European data protection law and deregulation as well as technologies such as Microsoft 365 Copilot show how much the job profile is changing.
A particular emphasis is on the question of how to define the “state of the art” in 2026 – a key challenge for everyone responsible for compliance and security.
The finale will be a keynote speech on new risks posed by artificial intelligence, followed by panels on digital sovereignty and the role of supervisory authorities.
International perspectives are becoming increasingly important
The association days will again be accompanied by the English-language EFDPO conference. It has established itself as a European platform and expands the view beyond national borders.
This perspective is particularly crucial in data protection, as regulatory developments increasingly take place at the European level and require international coordination.
Data protection as a strategic factor
The BvD Association Days 2026 make it clear that data protection goes far beyond compliance. It is developing into a strategic element of digital transformation.
For companies, this means: Anyone who understands data protection as an integral part of their processes not only strengthens their own security, but also the trust of customers and partners.