The GS1 InterACT event in Vienna was a fantastic gathering of industry minds, focusing on the exciting future of next-generation barcodes. Held at the beautiful Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn, this event provided an ideal blend of insights, industry showcases, and a genuine sense of community—all in an elegant setting that reminded us of the timeless charm of Vienna.
A Venue Full of Character
Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn itself added a lot of character to the event. Nestled near Schönbrunn Palace, it offers an atmosphere rich in history and grandeur. From the tranquil garden views to the echoes of imperial architecture, it was a lovely place for a conference, sparking conversations and ideas among attendees in a comfortable, inspiring environment. The whole event—from the organization to the catering—was seamless, with every detail thoughtfully considered to make us feel welcome and connected.
Labellink at GS1 InterACT
Labellink was well represented, with both myself, and Thomas Butorovic, our Regional Director for French-Speaking Territories, in attendance. The agenda of the day was packed with valuable content. We started off with GS1’s insightful session, “Next-Generation Barcodes: One Barcode Fits All!” where regulatory updates and 2D barcode implementation took the spotlight. This was followed by “Industry Use Cases on Next-Generation Barcodes,” showcasing how companies across different sectors are already reaping the benefits of these advancements.
Panel Discussions and Insights
The morning concluded with an engaging Panel Discussion involving EU Associations, which highlighted the evolving landscape of industry regulations and practices. After a refreshing lunch, we dove into “Unveiling Transparency: GS1’s Data Sharing,” where the role of data in modern supply chains was front and center—followed by more real-world use cases on data, master data management, and traceability. One of the highlights was Ruben Bringsken’s live demo of GS1 QR Codes in action—a perfect reminder of how far we have come and how much more potential there is to unlock.
Industry Showcases
We also had the pleasure of seeing impressive showcases from Metro Austria, Jake’s Beverages, Lactalis, Procter & Gamble, Ocado, and others. The level of innovation and creativity on display was truly inspiring, and it was a privilege to witness how different sectors are making strides towards a smarter and more transparent future.
A Moment of Unity
A particularly special moment was when Wouter Schaekers from Procter & Gamble called on everyone in the room to hold hands as a symbol of unity. It was a powerful gesture, reminding us that we are truly in this together—working as a collective to advance not just our companies, but also the standards that benefit everyone. It was a beautiful expression of what GS1 represents: a community that, at its core, thrives on collaboration and openness. In this sense, GS1 felt more like an Open Source community than a corporate one—and as someone who actively participates in the Open Source space, I could not be happier about that.
Looking Forward
The spirit of collaboration and shared growth at GS1 InterACT makes us even more excited for the future. We at Labellink are already looking forward to the next GS1 InterACT, where we hope to present our platform, share our own case studies, and contribute further to this incredible community.
Until next time, a big thank you to everyone who made this event what it was—an inspiring, educational, and very warm gathering in every sense of the word!
Global (English)
