It is undisputed that the increasingly widespread use of digital technologies has a wide-ranging impact on social discourse and thus also on learning processes and educational institutions. The German Adult Education Association (DVV) sought to create a nationwide forum for exchange, information and development for adult education centres (vhs) by holding an interdisciplinary conference (FüK) on the topic of ‘Future Skills’ on 26–27 May 2025 at the Volkshaus Jena. A good 430 participants from all over Germany accepted the invitation to strengthen future-relevant skills in all departments and functions of adult education centres. The FüK was moderated by Sascha Rex, Head of the Policy and Association Development Department at the DVV. Close cooperation with the National Coordination Office of the European Agenda for Adult Learning at the National Agency of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (NA at BiBB), the Thuringian Adult Education Association and the vhs Jena in the planning and implementation of the event made it clear that networking is also an important skill for the future.

The conference programme made it clear that dealing with future skills is not just about theoretical knowledge, but also about transferring this knowledge to one's own institution and one's own framework conditions.

In addition to keynote speeches, welcoming addresses, reflection sessions and workshops, the following formats ensured this:

• A workbook designed specifically for the conference served as an individual guide for each participant and provided space for notes and sketches of their own ideas.
• Accompanying the conference programme, a diverse education fair offered the opportunity to gain insights into various European education projects carried out by adult education centres and/or regional associations. The National Agency at the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (NA at BIBB) was represented by a large team to provide information about funding opportunities through the Erasmus+ programme, the Europass and the electronic platform for adult education in Europe EPALE.
• The Digi-Mobil of the Lower Saxony regional association presented its portfolio on robotics and virtual reality, while other partners of the adult education centres, such as telc GmbH, y-not GmbH and DVV International, provided insights into current education and examination products as well as marketing materials for adult education centres.
• The ‘Office for the Use of Mistakes and Coincidences’ offered a creative approach by issuing certificates for participants' mistake and coincidence skills, thus providing an inspiring counterpoint to formal educational requirements.