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Key takeaways from T3CON25 in Düsseldorf

Hi, I'm Ivaylo ツ and, as is sometimes the case in day-to-day business, it takes a quiet moment to let experiences sink in and time to write down your thoughts.
As the year draws to a close, here's a little throwback to my key takeaways from this year's T3CON25 in Düsseldorf. It was an all-round successful event with consistently interesting and informative sessions, and networking with the many participants on site rounded off the event perfectly. Maybe there's a topic or two that you'd like to tackle right away in the new year!

Enjoy reading!

Janus Boye – Understand the Content Management

The main message to the TYPO3 community here was that while the TYPO3 ecosystem is growing impressively, websites are tending to become dirtier (heavier and more complex).

Customers continue to expect faster, lighter and more responsive digital experiences. This is an industry-wide challenge and not just a TYPO3 problem, as the entire industry is producing more complex websites than most teams really need. Janus Boye also emphasised how TYPO3 can maintain its leadership position in this market environment by focusing on clarity, speed and market insights.

In summary, the discussion centred on how the TYPO3 community can ensure the quality and performance of digital solutions and position TYPO3 as a clear, fast and market-compliant solution in the face of growing complexity and changing market requirements.

For even more insights, visit https://www.boye-co.com/blog/2025/11/t3con25-insights

Benni Mack – What's New in TYPO3 v14?

Benni Mack's presentation ‘What's New in TYPO3 v14?’ was one of the highlights of T3CON25, as he presented the brand new sprint version TYPO3 v14.0 directly from the conference stage in Düsseldorf.

The presentation marked the launch of the v14 series and laid the foundation for the anticipated TYPO3 v14 LTS (Long-Term Support) version. The most important new features presented by Benni Mack and highlighted in the following recaps are:

• Modernised backend design
  The backend user interface has been further developed and modernised to offer more intuitive navigation and improved user-friendliness.
• Improved editor experience
  The focus is on improvements in user-friendliness and editorial workflows.
• Switch to Fluid 5
  An update to the Fluid template engine with new view helpers and functions.
• Modernised translation workflow
  Introduction of a guided workflow for multilingual sites (Guided Translation Workflow), which is designed to simplify the management of localisations.
• Technical foundations
  The v14.0 Sprint version brought over 2,000 changes and now requires PHP 8.2+, further modernising the technological basis.

Presentation templates can be downloaded from the following link:
 https://b13.com/de/blog/typo3-v14-der-weg-in-eine-moderne-zukunft

Jens Krumm, Markus Buff, Kai Storjohann – The wedi website story 

This session took the form of a round of interviews in which wedi GmbH and the agency +Pluswerk discussed their successful collaboration on the design and implementation of the relaunch of the wedi website.

• Happy Path method
  The focus was on how the Happy Path method – which concentrates on the optimal, smooth path for the user (or the project) – supported the process from the initial idea to implementation.

The central message was that every successful digital project begins with clear goals and a strong common basis between the client and the agency.

Cyril Wolfangel – Leveraging Semantic Analysis for Advanced TYPO3 SEO

Let's now move on to the first lessons learned ツ

The key findings and recommendations from Cyril Wolfangels' presentation focus on transforming internal linking from a manual to a data-driven and semantically optimised practice.

• Control SEO optimisation based on data
  Don't rely solely on manual assessments for internal linking. Use tools and TYPO3 extensions to collect data on semantic relevance and actual link distribution.
• Use semantic analysis
  Internal links should not only fit thematically, but also maximise the semantic proximity between the linking page and the target page. Modern algorithms (as demonstrated in his extensions) can analyse web pages based on their content and suggest the most relevant link targets.
• Understand link strength and weighting
  Link juice (the inheritance of link power) is important. Identify websites with high authority in order to transfer their strength to pages that need a better ranking. The session showed how to control the internal link hierarchy more consciously.
• Prioritise relevant anchor texts
  Anchor texts (the clickable text of the link) are crucial for SEO because they convey the context of the target page to Google. Use relevant, specific and varied anchor texts (variance) that correspond to the semantic theme of the target page.
• TYPO3 extensions as a solution
  TYPO3 provides a good foundation, but can be expanded with specialised SEO extensions (such as semantic_suggestion and page_link_insights, developed by Wolfangel itself). These help to generate link suggestions directly in the backend based on semantic algorithms, thus minimising manual work.
• Internal links as a navigation aid (pillar pages)
  Think of internal linking as a structure that guides both search engines and users through the content. Strengthen thematic clusters by supporting pillar pages (main topics) with many specific links from cluster pages (subtopics).

My key takeaway here: The happy path in advanced TYPO3 SEO leads through automation and semantic optimisation of internal linking, away from simple, manual links.

Do you have questions about SEO for TYPO3?

Joost de Valk – Beyond Google: Marketing in the Era of AI and Regulation 

The presentation by Joost de Valk (founder of Yoast SEO) entitled ‘Beyond Google: Marketing in the Era of AI and Regulation’ was a keynote speech at T3CON25, which took place on Wednesday, 26 November 2025 (Solution Day) on the Core Stage.

The talk addressed the profound changes that artificial intelligence (AI) and new legal frameworks (such as the Digital Markets Act – DMA) are having on traditional search engine marketing (SEO).

Lessons Learned: Marketing in the Age of AI and Regulation

In his presentation, Joost de Valks focused on how marketers need to realign their strategies in light of the dominance of AI-powered search results and stricter regulations:

• AI adoption by search engines (e.g. Google SGE)
  Focus on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness): Since AI often provides summaries instead of sending users to the website, the quality and trustworthiness of the source (E-E-A-T) becomes a critical differentiator. The brand must be established as the reliable source in the respective field.
• Regulatory intervention (e.g. DMA)
  Diversification and independence: The Digital Markets Act (DMA) forces large platforms to facilitate data access and interoperability. Marketers should use this to reduce their dependence on individual gatekeepers (such as Google). Building your own channels and first-party data is becoming more important.
• Change in search behaviour
  Optimisation for AI responses (Featured Snippets 2.0): Content must be structured in such a way that it can be easily understood by AI models and adopted as the definitive answer. This requires clear, concise and well-formatted content.
• Generative AI creation
  Human authenticity and depth: As a lot of generated content floods the market, human added value (personal experience, unique analysis, emotion) becomes a competitive advantage. Content that cannot be replicated by machines is worth its weight in gold.
• Data protection and tracking
  Compliance as a competitive advantage: Strict regulations require clean data practices. Companies that take compliance and transparency seriously build trust. This includes the use of  cookie-free and data protection-compliant analysis tools.

My key takeaway here: Marketers need to think beyond Google. It is no longer enough to simply optimise for rankings. The focus is shifting to building brand authority (E-E-A-T) and direct customer relationships, while actively leveraging technical and legal changes in the AI-driven market to strengthen  digital sovereignty.

Starfruit AI – Your business AI

Martin Helmich – AI Is Eating Your Servers... And Your CMS

Martin Helmich's presentation dealt with the technical and economic implications of using artificial intelligence (AI) on the infrastructure and operation of content management systems (CMS).

Lessons learned: The impact of AI on servers and CMS operations

In this presentation, the key findings focused on cost traps, performance challenges and strategic decisions when dealing with AI in the CMS environment:

• Uncontrolled API usage
  Budgeting and limitation: The use of external AI services (e.g. OpenAI APIs) can quickly lead to skyrocketing costs. Agencies and customers need to implement clear budgets and technical limits (rate limiting) to avoid unexpected bills.
• The resource hunger of AI
  Choose efficient architecture: AI operations (especially when processing vector data locally or during training) are extremely computationally intensive (CPU, RAM, GPU). For simple AI applications in the CMS (e.g. text generation), the use of optimised external APIs should be preferred over the local infrastructure.
• Avoid vendor lock-in
  Use abstraction layers: Do not rely on the API of a single AI provider. Implement an abstraction layer (e.g. your own microservice) to separate AI usage from the rest of the TYPO3 code. This makes it easy to switch providers (e.g. from OpenAI to an open source model) in the event of cost or strategy changes.
• Data sovereignty and data protection
  Check location and processing: Pay close attention to what data is sent to external AI providers. For sensitive data, data protection-compliant solutions (e.g. on-premise models or European cloud providers that do not use data for training) must be checked and used.
• The use case counts
  Ask yourself whether the AI function really offers significant added value that justifies the additional costs and administrative effort. AI integration should specifically improve use cases such as automatic metadata generation or image description, rather than just being a gimmick.

Tristan Post – From Mainframe to Generative AI: The Next Paradigm Shift

Tristan Post's talk highlighted how generative AI is not just a technological advancement, but a fundamental paradigm shift comparable to the introduction of the personal computer or the internet, and what impact this has on the digital economy.

Lessons learned: There is a need to understand the profound implications of generative AI and to strategically adapt to it.

• Change in the value chain
  Focus on what to build instead of how to build: In previous cycles (mainframe, PC, internet), the focus was on the efficiency and automation of existing processes. Generative AI shifts the focus to the creation and fundamental redefinition of digital products and services. The value lies in the idea and the unique knowledge that feeds the AI.
• The shift from the code-first to the prompt-first era
  Importance of prompt engineering: The ability to communicate with AI models and achieve precise results is becoming a key competence (prompt engineering). Developers and agencies must learn to effectively control AI as co-pilots.
• Democratisation of technology
  Lowering barriers to entry: Generative AI lowers the hurdles for creating complex content (text, code, images). This leads to faster iteration, but also to a flood of generic content. The competitive advantage lies in human-centred quality and experience (E-E-A-T).
• The agentic future
  Autonomous agents plan: The next level is AI agents that can independently perform complex tasks (chains of actions). Companies must prepare to interact with these autonomous systems and integrate them into their workflows (e.g. marketing automation, content creation).
• The need for realignment
  Proactive transformation: Agencies and companies that fail to make the transition from the PC paradigm (rigid software) to the AI paradigm (fluid, generative systems) run the risk of becoming obsolete. It is time to critically examine business models and use AI as a catalytic force.

Generative AI is the next wave that will transform all areas of the digital economy. It is not just about optimising processes, but about creating new digital realities. Strategic adaptation requires an understanding that value creation is shifting from pure execution (code) to intelligence and creation (prompt).

Tim Walters – Moore's Law, Zombies, and the Future of Customer Experience

This talk used the metaphor of zombies (referring to outdated but persistent digital practices) and the speed of Moore's Law to discuss stagnation and the necessary realignment in the area of customer experience (CX) and digital marketing.

Lessons learned: Companies must free their strategies from outdated, zombie-like practices and leverage the capabilities of modern technology (artificial intelligence and rapid data processing) to create genuine, value-adding customer experiences:

• Content-walled gardens
  Focus on experience rather than content: It is no longer enough to simply produce content en masse. The future lies in delivering integrated, personalised and seamless experiences across all touchpoints. Content must enable the experience, not dominate it.
• Focus on touchpoint optimisation
  Think holistically about the customer journey: Optimising individual touchpoints (e.g. website forms, email marketing) is too short-sighted. True customer experience excellence comes from orchestrated transitions and consistency across the entire purchasing and service process.
• Rigid, slow implementation
  Leverage agility through Moore's Law: The speed of technological development (Moore's Law) requires us to abandon rigid, monolithic project approaches. Rely on composable DXP (digital experience platforms) and microservices to respond quickly to changing customer requirements.
• Data silos and fragmented view
  Create a single view of the customer: The technology is available to consolidate all customer data. The biggest hurdle is organisational. Companies need to break down their internal silos to gain a unified understanding of the customer, which is the basis for true personalisation.
• Fear of AI and automation
  Integrate intelligence into the process: AI is not just a tool, but a catalyst for superior customer experience. Use AI to analyse the customer journey in real time and make hyper-personalised decisions that human agents cannot.

The presentation encouraged listeners to identify and eliminate digital zombies – old ways of thinking and fragmented systems. Only those who embrace the technological power driven by Moore's Law and rely on an integrated, agile and customer-focused experience platform can survive in a competitive environment.

Markus Wachovius – Digital Sovereignty Now! 

Lessons Learned: How Europe can regain its technological independence

• Dependence on US/Chinese technology
  Prioritisation of open source and open standards: Digital sovereignty can only be achieved through the use of open source, as these solutions ensure transparency, verifiability and control over the source code. The use of open standards prevents vendor lock-in and promotes competition.
• Lack of control over data
  Investment in infrastructure: Europe must invest in its own cloud-native infrastructure that is subject to European law and control (e.g. GAIA-X or similar projects). Data must remain in the EU and be protected by European laws.
• Lack of competitiveness
  Promotion of European ecosystems: Strengthening regional tech ecosystems (such as the TYPO3 ecosystem) is crucial. Cooperation between companies, research and public administration must be promoted in order to develop competitive European alternatives.
• Vendor lock-in
  Rethinking procurement policy: The public sector and European companies must actively demand openness and combinability in tenders and software procurement. Exclusive, proprietary systems should be avoided.
• The cultural shift
  Building knowledge and expertise: Digital sovereignty is not just a question of technology, but also of expertise. Training and expertise in promising areas (cloud-native, open source, AI ethics) must be developed in order to be able to control the technology itself.

Digital independence requires immediate action. The path to achieving this involves a conscious decision in favour of open source, controlled European infrastructure and the targeted strengthening of technological know-how in Europe.

Digital sovereignty for your company – get advice now!

Olivier Dobberkau – Pimp My Solr Search

The talk by our managing director and TYPO3 president Olivier Dobberkau focused on the latest AI features in Apache Solr and their integration into TYPO3 projects to improve search functionality.

Lessons learned: Developers and integrators can benefit greatly from the new vector search capabilities in Apache Solr.

• Vector database integration in Solr
  Enable semantic search: Classic search is based on keywords. The new Solr functionality makes it possible to convert content into vectors (known as embeddings) that capture the meaning (semantics) of the content. This allows searches based on the user's intention, even if the exact keywords are missing.
• Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
  More accurate answers with RAG: RAG is an architecture that gives generative AI models (e.g. LLMs) access to their own trusted source data. Instead of just providing generic answers, the system can deliver specific, accurate answers based on the TYPO3 content in the Solr index.
• Increased relevance through hybrid search
  Combination of keywords and vectors: Hybrid search achieves the highest quality results. It combines the precision of classic keyword search with the thematic relevance of vector search. TYPO3 integrators can and should use both methods in parallel to achieve optimal rankings.
• Use of LLMs via Solr
  Enabling chatting with Solr: The vector database allows Solr to serve as a knowledge base for a large language model (LLM). Users can ask questions in natural language, and the LLM can search the vector database to provide a summarised, AI-generated answer based on the page content.

Solr has evolved from a pure keyword search engine to an intelligent retrieval system. The integration of the vector database and the use of RAG architectures enable TYPO3 websites to offer their users a semantically deeper and more conversational search that is capable of answering natural questions.

Karim Marucchi – Why 2026 Could Spark Europe's Open Source Renaissance and Sovereign Enterprise Future

The talk examined macroeconomic and geopolitical trends – in particular regulatory developments in the EU and the growing need for technological independence – and concluded that open source is the only viable basis for Europe's digital sovereignty.

The year 2026 could represent a turning point for open source and the European economy, driven by regulatory pressure and strategic necessity:

• The DMA effect (Digital Markets Act)
  Breakthrough for open interfaces: The DMA forces tech giants to open up their ecosystems and ensure combinability. This creates a historically unique opportunity for open source solutions to establish themselves as the standard, interoperable and transparent alternative.
• Geopolitical instability
  Technology as a geopolitical buffer: Dependence on technology from the US or China carries significant risks (e.g. access by foreign intelligence services, supply chain problems). Europe must build digital resilience by relying on open source software developed and operated under European jurisdiction and control.
• The Sovereign Enterprise
  Control of IT value creation: Companies must regain control over their critical infrastructure. Open source is the only way for companies to ensure deep control, adaptability and auditability of their digital tools and data and free themselves from vendor lock-in.
• The renaissance of the open source community
  Promoting commercial acceptance: The open source community must focus on enterprise readiness and the provision of professional support and commercial services (as is already happening in the TYPO3 ecosystem). Only then will open source become the first choice for critical business applications.
• The time factor
  2026 as a critical threshold: The combination of regulatory pressure, public perception and the maturity of many open source projects makes the period around 2026 a crucial moment for making strategic decisions in favour of sovereignty and open source before proprietary AI ecosystems become permanently established.

Europe is at a crucial crossroads. The combination of political regulation and the need for independence is propelling open source into a new era of commercial relevance. Companies that now rely on open, controllable solutions are securing their future in the digital economy.

T3CON25 has impressively demonstrated that we are in the midst of fundamental changes – from AI-supported technologies and regulatory requirements to the need for digital sovereignty. The key message is that quality, speed and strategic independence are becoming the decisive competitive factors, with open source and data-based approaches pointing the way to the future. I hope this summary inspires you to tackle one or two of these topics in the coming year – the conference certainly made it clear to me that now is the right time to take action!

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