For the fifth year in a row, LRS participated in the recent Hamburg Strategy Days event hosted by the IT Executive Club (ITEC). I was proud to once again represent our company and learn how IT leaders throughout DACH are addressing the daunting challenges in this era of growing technology risks and shrinking technology budgets.
One of my favorite parts of these events is the ITEC Cares Award ceremony, of which LRS is a sponsor. The idea is simple, yet powerful: identify and support the next generation of IT experts who will solve society’s problems today and in the years to come. Skilled, passionate technology workers are our future, and it is in everyone’s interest to invest in efforts to increase their numbers and expertise.
LRS’ Leo Kaltenhauser presents the Diversity Award to Almuth Frommhold from CrossMedia Tour e.V.
Attending these award events for the last several years, I’ve gotten to speak directly with those who roll up their sleeves and do this important work every day. This experience has reinforced my decision to support this outstanding initiative in the long term in order to pragmatically and proactively address a very current issue through social commitment: the shortage of skilled workers in our industry. Every sign of support, no matter how small, helps inspire and encourage young people to pursue technical and digital careers.
LRS is socially engaged both here in Europe and in our company’s native USA. Like other technology leaders, we face the question of where we will find talented innovators to solve future problems as many current IT professionals prepare for retirement. So, it is in both our own interest and the interest of humanity to promote groups that are building the IT workforce of tomorrow. As in past years, I left the 2026 ITEC event more confident than ever that our future is in good hands.
Below, I had a chance to ask prize winner Almuth Frommhold from CrossMedia Tour e.V. what motivates her group to bring engaging technology activities to young people in both big cities and rural areas where such experiences are less common.
NOTE: Interview is in German.