AI Plain Talk at the RiverRoom: When the Mittelstand gets bold
A recap of our hybrid event on April 20, 2026 in Viechtach: Christian Kirsch on four central AI questions for mid-sized companies — and why the questions from the audience reveal more than any survey.
On April 20, 2026, the RiverRoom in Viechtach went into AI mode twice in a single day: once in the morning, once in the evening — both times hybrid, with guests on site and on Zoom. The conversation was about what genuinely lands in mid-sized companies: AI without the hype goggles, without tech posturing, but with concrete levers. “Clarity for the Mittelstand” was the line on the title slide — and that’s exactly what this was about.
Christian Kirsch answered the four central questions head-on: What can AI realistically deliver today? Where are the typical levers across departments — from sales to HR? How do you start a pilot small while still creating impact? And how do you stay compliant with GDPR and the EU AI Act? The thread running through all four answers: AI is not a fire extinguisher, it’s an amplifier — it amplifies clarity just as much as chaos. Anyone who orders processes, data, and responsibilities before rolling out a tool wins twice over.
The real highlight came at the end — in the Q&A. Anyone who thought the Mittelstand was still hesitating on AI was proven wrong that day. The questions were concrete, curious, sometimes critical — and they showed: these aren’t sceptics, these are people seriously ready to take the first steps. That mix of courage and pragmatism is exactly what makes the difference. Those who start now learn faster than their competitors. Thanks to everyone who joined on site and on Zoom — and to Christian for two sessions that delivered exactly what the title promised: plain talk.
Want to talk about your AI starting point? Book a meeting — we’ll figure out together where your biggest levers are and which first pilot fits your company.