When Benzing hosts a summit, the pigeon world pays attention. And rightly so. In September, the picturesque town of Schruns in Austria became the epicenter of the sport, as the 2nd International Benzing Partner Summit gathered business partners and pigeon experts from twelve countries. Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary, Malta, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia were all represented – proof that the passion for racing pigeons is truly global.
From the very first evening, Managing Director Michael Gantner and Business Unit Manager Thomas Zimmermann welcomed the international guests with warmth and enthusiasm. This wasn’t just a meeting. It was a family reunion with the future of pigeon sport on the agenda.
Racing Pigeons Meet Innovation
The first day set the tone: dialogue, discovery, and collaboration. Partners openly shared how pigeon racing is evolving in their countries – the challenges, the opportunities, and the projects already shaping tomorrow. And the setting couldn’t have been more fitting: the brand-new Benzing headquarters, surrounded by the dramatic Montafon mountains. A place where tradition meets innovation, and where ideas feel at home.
A tour of the headquarters gave everyone a behind-the-scenes look at workflows and direct contact with the dedicated employees. The feeling? Pride and passion at every step.
Visionaries on Stage
Day two transformed the summit into a powerhouse of ideas. Four top experts took the stage and electrified the room:
Franz Marchat, President of the Austrian Racing Pigeon Breeders Association, sharing OLR expertise.
Hugo Kipp, the German marathon champion with a visionary take on endurance.
Dr. Andreas Warkentin, CEO of WST Smart Technology, delivering a deep dive into cutting-edge solutions.
Wiktor Furman, CEO and founder of Pigebook, connecting pigeon sport with the digital age.
They didn’t just talk. They inspired. From success stories to raw challenges, from fresh outlooks to big dreams – this was pigeon sport at its sharpest edge.
Benzing Unveils the Future
Of course, the spotlight was also firmly on Benzing’s innovations. And wow, they didn’t disappoint:
BENZING Smart Club – live basketing with the new Live ClubSystem and automatic result lists.
The brand-new Benzing App, tested live during the summit.
Plus a preview of new features designed to make the life of every fancier easier, faster, and smarter.
Even better, it wasn’t a one-way presentation. Partners fired off questions, gave feedback, and helped shape the products in real-time. That’s the Benzing way – innovation developed hand-in-hand with the community.
Beyond Technology – The Spirit of Montafon
But let’s be clear: the Partner Summit wasn’t just business. It was an experience. Participants explored Montafon with sporting activities, cultural highlights, and even a descent into the historic Bartholomäberg mine.
And then came the highlight of highlights: the closing dinner. Exquisite food, warm atmosphere, and the Benzing Partner Awards, honoring loyal and long-term collaborations. What started as a conference ended in laughter, clinking glasses, and friendships that will fuel the sport for years to come.
Pigeon Boss Verdict
The 2nd International Benzing Partner Summit was more than just a success. It was a statement. A statement that Benzing is not only the leader in pigeon clocking systems but also a driving force in shaping the future of racing pigeons worldwide.
From innovation to community, from tradition to vision, the summit proved one thing beyond doubt: this is a family. And it’s a family with unstoppable momentum.
For us at Pigeon Boss, the takeaway is simple: Benzing is not just building systems – it’s building the future of pigeon racing. The best or nothing. And that’s why it carries the full Pigeon Boss Approved stamp. ✅
The story doesn’t end here. It only gets bigger. And you can bet the Pigeon Boss will be there at the next summit, front row, where the future of our sport is written.
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss