When the entire Shopware team comes together, it’s always a major event. And when that gathering also looks back on the most successful year in Shopware’s history, it becomes even more special. That’s exactly what happened on January 15 at the Shopware Global Kick-Off 2026 in Duisburg. In this post, we take a look back at the annual Shopware event and revisit the highlights of the day.
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A video says more than a thousand words
Before we dive into the details: An event like the Shopware Global Kick-Off 2026 is hard to capture in words alone – all the better that our recap video brings the highlights of the day to life and offers a perfect overall impression. So sit back and enjoy the key moments in motion.
A warm reunion at Landschaftspark Duisburg
As in the previous year, the Gebläsehalle at Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord proved to be the perfect setting for the Shopware Global Kick-Off 2026. With its impressive industrial architecture and atmospheric lighting, the venue creates a truly unique ambiance. It also holds a special place in Shopware’s history: Numerous Shopware Community Days have taken place here, and many team members associate the location with memorable events and shared experiences.
Outside, the sky was winter gray, but inside, colorful lights filled the hall with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. From the very first moments at check-in and during the shared breakfast, a sense of excitement and curiosity was in the air – especially as some colleagues who had previously worked together only remotely were meeting in person for the first time. Whether from the Münsterland, where the headquarters is located, from other parts of Germany, or traveling in from countries such as the United States, Spain, or the United Kingdom, the event brought the global Shopware team together in one place.
The day featured a series of inspiring and insightful talks, complemented by regular breaks for snacks and conversation. In the evening, the program concluded with a shared dinner followed by a lively party.
Insights, reflections, and big plans
The Shopware Global Kick-Off 2026 opened with Shopware’s two CEOs and founders, Sebastian and Stefan Hamann, taking the stage together. Sebastian Hamann and CFO Joachim Weber looked back on the past year – reflecting on the goals that were set and how successfully they were achieved. To quote Joachim: “We smashed it.” Shopware recorded the most successful financial year in its history, a clear sign that the hard work has paid off and that the company is on the right path.
With that momentum, the team is heading into 2026 with confidence and renewed motivation. New ambitious goals have been defined and explored in more depth across four talks focused on key strategic themes, open to all Shopware employees. One of these sessions was led by Stefan Hamann and focused on agentic commerce, which will continue to play a central role in Shopware’s innovation strategy.
Most of the talks focused on internal topics, but this much can be shared: They covered key learnings, new strategies, valuable customer insights, and planned updates to the roadmap. Overall, one thing is clear: 2026 will be an exciting year – full of opportunities, innovation, and clear goals.
In addition to the sessions centered on Shopware’s focus areas for 2026, the agenda included several further program highlights:
Our investor and long-standing partner PayPal reflected on the close collaboration and the successes of the past year. Susanne Steinwart (Partnerships Manager, PayPal) summarized these achievements in three pillars, showing how they also form the foundation for the year ahead.
Eva Gengler took the stage as a guest speaker. She is the founder of the feminist AI community and conducts research on artificial intelligence from a feminist perspective. In her talk, she presented her research and work, offering a nuanced view of AI, power structures, and social responsibility.
At the Luminary Awards, employees were recognized for each of Shopware’s three core values – open, authentic, and visionary. Viktor Khliupko (Open), Jennifer Can (Authentic), and Robin Schulte (Visionary) were honored for embodying these values throughout the past year.
Moderator and Shopware team member Heike Zellerhoff kept the program lively with an interactive quiz throughout the day. Using their smartphones, employees answered questions about Shopware and the content of the talks. In the end, Kevin Rudde was named the winner after correctly answering all nine questions in the fastest time.
In the final session, Sebastian and Stefan Hamann, Joachim Weber, as well as Mark Stanley (Shopware CPTO), Jason Nyhus (Shopware General Manager US), and Alexey Pronin (Shopware General Manager EMEA) returned to the stage. During a fireside chat, they answered questions submitted in advance by Shopware employees via Slido, giving the team the opportunity to get to know the Shopware leadership both professionally and on a personal level.
Conclusion: Staying on the path of success in 2026
The Shopware Global Kick-Off 2026 marked a successful start to the new year. With inspiring talks, emotional moments, and a strong sense of community, Shopware is now looking ahead with confidence and motivation.
The event not only provided space for valuable insights and fresh ideas, but also highlighted how essential collaboration, diversity, and strong partnerships are for achieving shared success.
Join the next Shopware event
The next Shopware event is already just around the corner: Shopware Community Day 2026 will take place on June 10 in Cologne. Look forward to engaging panel discussions, hands-on deep-dive sessions, and unique networking opportunities. Secure your ticket now at the Super Early Bird price – available only until January 31, after which the Early Bird price will apply.
Interested in joining the Shopware team and attending the next Kick-Off? Check out our current job openings – we’d love to hear from you!
