Symposium in German language.

Following the successful first Swiss VDT Symposium (December 11, 2025), the date has now been set for the follow-up event under the same title: “What Kind of Sound Engineers Does the Market Need?” On October 21, 2026, career starters, students, and trainees will once again come together with industry professionals to discuss the future of sound engineering professions. Already the first event hosted by the Regional Group Switzerland clearly demonstrated that the job requirements for today’s sound professionals have changed significantly. The demand is for well-trained all-rounders with solid knowledge of IT and network technology, rather than traditional sound engineers. However, analytical listening skills and musical leadership competencies remain essential alongside these new challenges.
In October, the event will focus on work in private studios as well as event technology and sound design in the industry. Training opportunities and degree programs related to the audio industry will also be presented.

Goals of the event:

• To provide career starters, students, and trainees nearing graduation with sound guidance for their future career paths.
• To offer input on the structure and content of degree and training programs – with the aim of ensuring the future availability of qualified professionals.

Organization:

The event is hosted by the heads of the VDT Regional Group Switzerland, Johannes Widmer (Chair) and Wolfgang Müller (Vice Chair), who will also serve as moderators. The hosts at ZHdK are Prof. Andreas Werner and Andreas Brüll (Sound Engineering Specialization, Management Team). In cooperation with the VDT’s “Education and Training” and “Young Talent” departments.
Round Table – Industry representatives with HR responsibility from:

• Private studios
• Event technology / Live sound
• Sound design in industry
• Training programs / Degree programs

This selection is not exhaustive. Rather, the plan is to follow up the symposium in Zurich with further events. The speakers will be announced at a later date.

Schedule:

The roundtable participants will first provide a brief overview of their companies’ areas of activity and the requirements for future employees. This will be followed by a moderated discussion with questions from the audience.
The program will be complemented by a guided tour of the ZHdK studios. Refreshments will be available at the ZHdK cafeteria. Afterward, there will be an opportunity to join a group dinner at a restaurant near the university—please indicate upon registration if you wish to participate.
Please register by by October 12, 2026, with the regional group leadership.

With warm, collegial regards,
Johannes Widmer and Wolfgang Müller