The ICV at the ManCon 2026 Partner Event

In early June, I attended ManCon in Bad Oeynhausen on behalf of Young Finance Professionals (YFP) and the International Controller Association (ICV). Together with Thomas Meyer, head of the ICV Westphalia Working Group (on the right in the photo), I staffed the ICV booth. My personal takeaway: ManCon provided a good overview of current trends in finance and controlling. For me, the event was above all a great opportunity to nurture existing contacts, gain new insights, and get a sense of the topics currently on the finance community’s mind.

At the ICV booth, we had some interesting conversations with many visitors. I was particularly pleased to have the opportunity to once again share my enthusiasm for the Young Finance Professionals. Interacting with young people interested in finance and controlling in particular shows just how important networks like the ICV and the YFP are for entering and advancing in the industry.

Another striking feature was the comparatively young audience. This was evident both in the conversations at the ICV booth and during the presentations attended, underscoring the keen interest of the next generation of finance professionals in topics such as AI, data analysis, and modern corporate management.

As with many professional events, my focus was not only on the presentation program but also on networking. I was particularly pleased to see so many familiar faces from the ICV network as well as from the controlling and finance community. The conversations between presentations and at the trade show were often just as interesting as the program items themselves.

In terms of content, ManCon addressed many topics currently shaping the world of finance. Artificial intelligence, data analytics, digitalization, and sustainability featured prominently throughout the program. It became clear that the role of controlling continues to evolve and that data-driven decisions are becoming increasingly important.

I was particularly impressed by the presentation by Steven Lehmann, Head of Data Science & Analytics Strategy EMEA at Johnson & Johnson. He demonstrated how companies can strategically use data analysis to support decision-making and create added value for the business. I found the way the Data Science department defined its goals particularly fascinating. Data science was not viewed as a technological gimmick, but was evaluated based on its concrete contributions to the company’s success. Equally interesting was the approach Johnson & Johnson uses to identify and prioritize relevant projects. The examples presented made it clear how important a clear focus on business-relevant questions is if analytical resources are to make a real contribution. One thought that stuck with me: The greatest benefit of AI often arises when it supports people in tasks that aren’t among their personal strengths. Those who know their own strengths and weaknesses can use AI strategically to fill gaps in knowledge and skills, thereby working more productively.