Flight simulation conferences have become something of a pilgrimage for those of us in the industry. Whether you're an industry contributor, a developer, a hobbyist or just someone who marvels at the idea of replicating real-world aviation in your living room, these events are where the magic happens. Today, I want to share my thoughts on one such gathering—the FSConference in Paderborn, Germany. But rather than a mere recounting of my visit last weekend, consider this a love letter (or perhaps a firm but polite nudge) to the developers and players in our niche industry.

The Unexpected Charm of FSConference

I’ll admit, FSConference wasn’t exactly on my radar until recently. My introduction came last year at FSWeekend, where I met Winfried, CEO and co-founder of Aerosoft. FSWeekend, much like its American counterpart, FSExpo, is a flagship event in the flight simulation world, drawing enthusiasts and developers from around the globe. If I remember correctly, FSExpo has between three and four thousand visitors. FSWeekend hosted nearly five thousand earlier this year. (You can read about my experience in this article). In comparison, FSConference is smaller, quieter, and, dare I say, more intimate, with about a tenth of the visitor count. But don’t let its size fool you—this event punches well above its weight in character and connections.

Hosted in the terminal building of Paderborn Airport, FSConference immediately stands out. How many events can boast of an active airport terminal as their venue? It’s a logistical marvel and a touch of genius—complete with all the airport facilities you could wish for. Coffee on demand, anyone? That said, the venue does have its limitations. Growth might be challenging in such a space, but its charm more than compensates.

Travel and Accomodation

Travelling to this venue was a breeze, located right at Paderborn Airport. My flight took me from Oslo via Munich, and upon landing, it was only a short walk to my lodging. The AiREA Hotel is a strong recommendation. It’s not large, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in quality. The rooms are clean and modern enough, the facilities are top-notch, and the staff are incredibly friendly. They’re so accommodating that you half expect them to come out waving foam hands to cheer you on as you leave for the day’s events.

Even better, the hotel is just a two-minute walk from the terminal building, making it the ideal place to stay. For future events, I’d suggest that the event planners consider the hotel for a Saturday evening gathering after the Captain’s Dinner. It would provide exhibitors and attendees with a perfect setting to continue conversations and strengthen connections once the conference hall closes. This year, such a plan might have been tricky, as the hotel’s bar and restaurant were already bustling with a lively birthday party.

For those travelling by other means, Paderborn is well-connected to the rest of Europe. The city’s train station links to Germany’s excellent rail network, providing easy access to nearby cities like Dortmund, Kassel, and Hannover. If you prefer to drive, the Autobahn network makes Paderborn highly accessible by car, with the A33 running close to the airport. Whether flying in, driving, or taking the train, reaching the venue is straightforward and hassle-free.

A Bit of History

For those unfamiliar, FSConference has quite a legacy. It began in 1991 as a local event held in one of the hangars at Paderborn Airport. Back then it was held under the name ‘FS Konferenz’. For a decade, it thrived in this setting until the events of 9/11 brought increased security requirements, forcing a relocation. The event then moved around various locations in Germany and Europe until 2020, when the pandemic brought it to a halt. The 2024 event marks its revival, returning it to its birthplace in Paderborn.

Why You Should Go

Now, here’s the real takeaway: if you’re a developer of any kind in this industry, you need to attend events like this. The big ones—FSWeekend and FSExpo—are a must, but smaller conferences like FSConference have their special appeal. The scale is less overwhelming, the pace more relaxed, and the networking opportunities are unparalleled. It’s not just about meeting people; it’s about actually having the time to talk to them.

The exhibitions are one thing—you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn about products—but the real value often lies in the conversations outside the exhibition halls. In the evenings, connections are made, ideas are shared, and partnerships are born. You get to know the people behind the products.

At larger events, balancing being a guest, an exhibitor, and a “networker” can be a Herculean task. You’ll exhaust yourself. FSConference, on the other hand, feels more manageable—like a tight-knit gathering where everyone knows your name (or soon will).

Cruiselevel, our dear German "rivals" in the flight simulation news trade, had a stand where they dubiously handed out free beer to anyone with a thirsty throat. The expression “Kein Bier vor Vier” is obviously not a thing here. As a Norwegian, I fell for this "trap" numerous times throughout the event.

Connections That Count

The highlight of FSConference is, without a doubt, the people. Industry veterans, up-and-coming developers, and passionate enthusiasts make up the community, and every interaction feels meaningful.

While I can’t name everyone I had the pleasure of meeting or reconnecting with (my brain simply isn’t built for that), know that you’re appreciated. And if by the next event, I’ve forgotten your name, I apologise—it’s definitely me, not you.

Some standout shoutouts: Evan from FSExpo, Torsten from ToLiss, Marten Krull from Flight Sim Systems (a legend in the addon scene for both X-Plane and MSFS), Lars Pinkenburg of Contrail, Greg from FSElite (you missed out big time, Callum 😉), and Jo Erlend, whose scenery work continues to amaze. Not to forget PILOT’s Stefan and Jerome, among others.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone at Aerosoft for their incredible hospitality and for creating this fantastic opportunity to connect and reconnect at a time that feels like an eternity between FSWeekend and FSExpo. And, of course, Rafi and the team at cruiselevel—you guys rock!

A Firm Landing and an Unexpected Journey

Paderborn isn’t exactly bustling with air traffic at this time of year, which is part of what makes hosting an exhibition in the terminal building possible. However, one scheduled arrival on Saturday evening was a Lufthansa CRJ900.

With a prime spot overlooking the entire airport, the majority of us flight nerds gathered for the Captain’s Dinner couldn’t resist heading out to the terrace to rate the landing. As the aircraft touched down, a collective “oof” rippled through the crowd. It was a firm landing—no two ways about it. I joked to those around me that it was probably my flight home the next morning. Little did I know...

Later that night, Lufthansa kindly texted me that my flight had been cancelled. At first light, I headed to the terminal as planned, hoping for more information. Sure enough, the cancellation was confirmed, and when I asked why, the answer was almost poetic: “Too firm of a landing.”

Lufthansa didn’t miss a beat, though. Within minutes, I was in a cab bound for Frankfurt. And with the fastest taxi ride I have ever experienced in my life, thanks to the German Autobahn, I caught a flight back to Norway and arrived one hour earlier than I would have done via Munich. All things considered, it was a pretty smooth recovery from a less-than-smooth landing.

Final Thoughts

FSConference may not be the largest or most glamorous event in the flight simulation calendar, but it has a unique charm that’s impossible to ignore. For developers, it’s a golden opportunity to build relationships, find inspiration, and remind yourself why you do what you do. For everyone else, it’s a chance to connect with the community and immerse yourself in the magic of this hobby. If you're a local and a sim-nut, then this event is just silly to miss out on. You will get much more time with the developers and producers you would like to meet.

So, next time you plan your conference calendar, don’t overlook the smaller gatherings. You might just find that they offer the biggest rewards.

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