A specialist conference with 130 participants, where the evening event often brings more than the presentations - can that work? For eight years, TACON has shown that a genuine exchange between software testing experts requires the right format, not quantity. Instead of sales shows, there are authentic practical reports from IT departments - including the stumbling blocks that are otherwise concealed in keynotes. Why test automation experts from banks, insurance companies and public authorities meet in Leipzig year after year and what the next editions will bring.
In this episode, I talk to André Köhler about TACON, the specialist conference for test automation, which is now in its ninth year and takes place in Leipzig. André explains why 130 participants is the perfect size to enable real exchange and why the evening event is so valuable. We talk about how TACON deliberately offers practical reports instead of sales shows, what unusual highlights there have been in recent years and how AI will shape the next editions. Make a note now: TACON will take place this year on September 16 and 17, 2026.
"Nobody stands up on stage and says everything is great here." - André Köhler
André Köhler is the founder and managing director of summit. The summit team organizes numerous specialist conferences, congresses and community days on IT management topics. This includes the TACON (Test Automation Conference), which takes place once a year and brings together interested people from this domain. André is also a professor of IT management at IU International University, where he teaches and researches IT service management and IT project management.
Anyone interested in the topic of test automation can hardly avoid Tacon. The conference in Leipzig is a fixed meeting place for experts in the field of software quality. I was there for the first time this year and spoke to André Köhler, one of the organizers. In this blog post, I explain what makes Tacon special, how it came about and why it is more important than just any large, anonymous event.
André Köhler is a software engineer and professor at heart. He has observed that many in the field of test automation struggle with similar tasks. But in large companies, test managers are often alone in the field. You have responsibility, but there is a lack of opportunity for open exchange.
Tacon was created to change this. It was intended to create a place where people with similar challenges could come together, learn from each other and give each other inspiration. In the beginning, the topics of test automation and test management were often still in their infancy - that has changed, but the need for exchange has remained.
Focused topic: Tacon clearly focuses on test automation. Of course, we also talk about test management, test data, agile development and processes. But the core remains automated testing. If you want to discuss tools, frameworks or specific solutions, this is the place to be.
Build a network and get inspiration: Many participants appreciate precisely this: a strong professional group comes together. You can make really good contacts here and know who to ask for tips after the conference. The network survives the two days of the conference and often helps with projects months later.
Atmosphere and community: Tacon is manageable, with around 130 people attending. This keeps it informal. You see lots of familiar faces, but newcomers are also quickly welcomed. You don't feel lost here - on the contrary. The size is just right so that conversations can take place and the atmosphere remains relaxed.
Better real practice than empty slogans - that's what the presentations are chosen for. André and his team approach companies and invite those who have led specific projects. The sessions are not just about showing successes. Mistakes, hurdles and dead ends are also addressed openly. It is precisely from these stories that you can learn the most, because most people are familiar with similar problems.
Another highlight: the gaming area. This is where you can meet people outside of purely technical discussions and simply switch off or get into conversation. This year there were large Jangaturm, Tetris and Pac Man. Networking doesn't always have to look like a business card.
Almost everyone says that the unofficial parts of the conference are often the most important. Over dinner or at the bar, you get into intimate conversations. Things that might not be said during the day are brought up here. This creates connections and new ideas that you wouldn't otherwise get.
The topics at Tacon are changing. At the moment, the focus is on AI in test automation - many are trying out what is possible and what is not. The next few years will show what remains and what develops into the next. The conference grows a little every year. The team welcomes feedback and suggestions. Anyone who has wishes should bring them in - Tacon thrives on them.
In addition to the main event, there are other specialist conferences and smaller Community Days. Here the groups are even smaller and the discussions even more open. This ensures that close contact is maintained and problems are discussed directly 15:24.
The next dates have already been set: September 16 and 17, 2026 in Leipzig. Anyone who wants to become part of the community is welcome. Tacon is not a closed world, but open to new faces, ideas and topics. The concept is in place - but it would be nothing without the people. If you enjoy exchange, practice and genuine community, this is the right place for you.