What is the Bentley Tech Summit—and why does it matter?

• 28 December 2025
• Construction Focus
• 903 Views

As Germany prepares for a historic US$500 billion investment in its national infrastructure, Bentley Systems has convened its second annual Tech Summit in the heart of Berlin. The event marks a strategic shift for the software giant, moving beyond simple product training toward a “community of technologists” dedicated to solving global infrastructure challenges.

In a recent Bentley Talks interview with Tomas Kellner, Andy Rahden, Vice President of Solutions Engineering & Services, highlighted that the summit is no longer just an internal meeting. For the first time, Bentley has invited customers to join its engineering, services, and support teams to co-create solutions.

Key Takeaways from the Berlin Summit

Last year’s focus was on how the software functions; this year, the focus has shifted to real-world industry workflows. The goal is to solve the complex, day-to-day problems faced by firms on the ground.

In a unique move, customers are not just attending—they are leading sessions to teach Bentley’s internal teams how the technology is being applied in the field.

Rahden noted that Berlin is the ideal location given Germany’s massive infrastructure push. He emphasized that technology is the only way to meet the sheer demand for new designs and construction effectively.

Rahden also stressed that the ultimate goal of the software is to improve the daily lives of citizens—from the roads they drive on to the walkways they use every morning.

A Vision for 2027: Building a “Global Community”

Looking ahead to the next summit in early 2027, Rahden’s vision is to foster a permanent “community of practice.”

“The event is the event,” Rahden explained, “but the community of practice and getting to know who’s working within the industry… that’s something special. We want to create a community of technologists who influence others to be progressive with the technology being used.”

By bridging the gap between those who build the software and those who use it to build the world, Bentley aims to accelerate the pace of global infrastructure development.

• Technology and Engineering
• Bentley Systems
• BTS2025