The Forum
Where mission relies on people and technology
October 13 - 14, 2026
10:00 am
Welcome to the COF2026 Forum, where professionals involved in designing, managing, and operating systems come together to discuss the future of critical operations. Join us for two days of enriching discussions, networking, and sharing of valuable insights. This forum provides a unique opportunity to explore the interaction of technology and people in high-risk environments, including transportation networks, energy grids, healthcare systems, emergency response, and industrial operations.
About COF2026
Exploring Critical Operations
Modern society relies on critical operations that must perform flawlessly — from energy networks, disaster management, medical systems to emergency response or control rooms. In these environments, human and technical performance are inseparable! The Critical Operations Forum brings together professionals who design, operate, and improve these high-reliability systems.
COF provides an outstanding opportunity for experiencing new perspectives, learning from other critical domains and discussing challenges in today’s complex world.
Design for mission critical apps
Design that performs under pressure — explore how user experience shapes safety, speed, and decision quality in critical operations.
Stress and Usability
Understand how stress affects human performance, and learn how better design and procedures can keep people effective when it matters most.
Business
Continuity
From disruption to resilience — discover strategies, systems, and human factors that keep critical operations running when the unexpected happens.
Who should attend?
Where UX meets mission!
October 13 - 14, 2026
10:00 am
This forum is designed for practitioners, managers, engineers, UX and HMI designers, safety experts, and first responders who work in or with critical systems and infrastructure. It’s ideal for anyone responsible for operations that can’t afford failure. If your work connects people and technology under pressure, this event is for you.
Safety Officers
Where human factors meet operational safety — explore new ways to strengthen reliability in critical environments.
At the COF, safety officers gain fresh insights into how human factors, interface design, and operational procedures can reduce risk and strengthen reliability in high-stakes environments. Join discussions that turn experience from the field into actionable safety improvements.
Executives and Strategic Leaders
Discover how technology, design, and collaboration shape the future of resilient operations and informed decision-making.
For leaders responsible for continuity and resilience, the forum offers a platform to explore strategic approaches to risk management, innovation, and collaboration across critical sectors. Discover how integrated human–technology systems can secure performance and trust — even under pressure.
Emergency Services
Learn, share, and connect across disciplines to enhance coordination, situational awareness, and response under pressure.
First responders and blue-light organizations will connect with peers and industry experts to exchange real-world experience on coordination, communication, and decision-making in complex, time-critical situations. Learn how design, data, and teamwork can enhance every second that matters.
Corporations and Service Providers
Showcase innovation, exchange best practices, and collaborate on solutions that drive safer, smarter critical operations.
For corporations and service providers supporting critical infrastructure, the forum opens opportunities to showcase solutions, share best practices, and engage directly with operators and safety professionals. It’s the place to connect innovation with real operational challenges and needs.
Our Partners
What’s on offer?
Across two days, participants will experience a mix of expert talks, hands-on workshops, and panel discussions led by international specialists from industry and applied research. Sessions focus on real-world challenges, lessons learned, and new technologies that support reliability, situational awareness, and decision-making.
The forum also offers valuable opportunities for networking and exchange — connecting professionals from different domains who share a commitment to safe, efficient, and resilient operations.
Agenda
We are currently planning the expert talks, workshops and panel discussions.
The agenda will be published as soon as possible.
Apply as a Speaker
COF invites professionals, researchers, and innovators to contribute to the program with talks or workshops. The forum brings together experts from across industries to explore how human and technical factors interact.
We are looking for practical, applied, and inspiring contributions that address real challenges and solutions in critical operations. Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):
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UX and HMI design in safety-critical systems
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Human factors and cognitive ergonomics under pressure
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Stress, decision-making, and operational performance
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Automation, AI, and the human role in complex systems
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Safety management, procedures, and organizational resilience
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Business continuity and system recovery
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Communication and coordination across agencies or domains
Whether you’re an engineer, designer, psychologist, operator, or leader — if your work helps people and systems perform safely and effectively, we want to hear from you.
Team
Behind the Critical Operations Forum stands a multidisciplinary team that lives critical decision-making every day. A senior UX psychologist, an experienced organizer and UX expert, and an entrepreneur with a background in mission-critical systems combine their expertise to shape a conference that is as human-centered as it is technically rigorous. Their shared goal: turning complex real-world risks into actionable insights you can apply when everything is on the line.
Verena Seibert-Giller
UX Psychologist
Christopher Leder
BCM Expert
Mario Schwaiger
Systems Specialist
Johannes Robier
Lead Organisation
Register Now
XMAS VOUCHER
Code "CrisisMas"
GET 15% OFF: 01.12.-24.12.
Tickets can be purchased online through the conference website. Early registration is recommended as places are limited.
