Highlights 1 Week EASA Digital Coffee Meetings 2026
The 1 Week EASA Digital Coffee Meetings 2026 once again provided a valuable platform for industry professionals to exchange knowledge, explore emerging challenges, and strengthen connections across the EASA9 network. Throughout the week, members from Europe, Asia, and Africa came together to share expertise, discuss best practices, and gain practical insights relevant to their daily operations.
The event opened with a data-driven session led by Saqib Saeed (Matos by PTR), who presented an overview of how the electromechanical service industry has evolved over the past two years. The session highlighted workforce shifts and regional hiring patterns, the ongoing shortage of skilled technical talent, and strong demand driven by heavy industry, renewables, and electrification. It also addressed the increasing pressure created by supply chain delays and rising material costs, as well as the gradual adoption of advanced monitoring technologies, with artificial intelligence still in its early stages.
Monday afternoon shifted the focus to digital visibility and communication, with the EASA9 Marketing Committee, Anja Leipold, Kirstie Davies, and James Stevens, delivering a practical session on using LinkedIn effectively. Participants received guidance on profile optimization, understanding the platform’s algorithm, developing relevant content, and avoiding common mistakes, helping members strengthen their professional presence without becoming “influencers.”
On Tuesday, Frédéric Beghain shared key EASA9 developments and priorities for 2026, offering important updates for members and outlining upcoming initiatives. The afternoon session featured Billy Higgs and Craig Whitworth from EASA’s Technical Support team, who explored the next generation of technical support services. This included practical guidance on using Eddy, EASA’s AI assistant, and the importance of clear prompting to obtain accurate and useful technical information.
Wednesday’s sessions focused on people development and learning. In the morning, Neil Gallant (EASA9 People Development Committee) addressed the growing importance of retention, highlighting the industry’s ageing workforce, the skills gap, and the need for flexible working environments, structured training, and clear career pathways. In the afternoon, Victoria Kanevsky, Director of Education, presented EASA’s next generation of learning programs, including the Online Learning Center, ERT Certificate Program, and technical webinars, emphasizing the role of continuous training in maintaining quality and safety standards.
Thursday was dedicated to technical insights. Martin Killeen led an in-depth session on the latest updates to IEC 60079-19 (Edition 5, August 2025), covering new requirements related to the Responsible Person, quality management systems, mechanical standards, and copy winding. Participants gained valuable guidance on aligning internal procedures with evolving compliance requirements.
The week concluded with a highly technical session led by Eric Boulai and Kirk Belian from the EASA9 Technical Services Committee on “Power Pathways for AVR in Alternators.” The presentation explained excitation principles and compared shunt, PMG, and AREP systems, helping participants better understand voltage regulation and troubleshoot generator performance issues.
Thank you to all speakers, committee members, and participants for making the 2026 edition of the EASA Digital Coffee Meetings such a success. We look forward to continuing the conversation in future events!
Thank you to the sponsors:
