Bologna is about to become the global capital of digital innovation once again. WMF — We Make Future 2026 returns to BolognaFiere from June 24 to 26 with an edition that sets new records: over 73,000 attendees from more than 90 countries, 700 exhibitors, 1,000+ international speakers, and a training programme spanning more than 90 stages dedicated to AI, digital marketing and tech innovation. Year after year, the WMF has grown into the most comprehensive innovation event of its kind in Europe — and the 2026 edition is the most ambitious yet.
What is WMF — We Make Future?
The WMF is an International Trade Fair and Festival on Innovation — AI, Tech and Digital — conceived, organised and produced by Search On Media Group. The event is held under the Patronage of the European Commission and the Municipality of Bologna, with the support of MAECI, ICE and the Emilia-Romagna Region, in partnership with Visit Emilia-Romagna and in collaboration with BolognaFiere, Cineca and ESA — European Space Agency. Main Sponsors for the 2026 edition are Philip Morris, Dell Technologies and Intel.
Across three full days at BolognaFiere, the WMF brings together companies, startups, Big Tech players, institutions, investors, digital professionals and the general public in a unique ecosystem combining advanced training, business development, networking, culture and live entertainment. It is not just a trade fair: it is also live concerts on the Mainstage, artistic performances, tech shows and inspirational speeches from world-class guests.
“Building the future today means choosing what to develop, what to support, and what to grow. And it means doing it together, as a global community.” — WMF – We Make Future 2026
Programme 2026: stages, speakers and districts
The heart of the WMF is its training programme: over 90 stages with more than 1,000 international speakers, covering every dimension of the contemporary digital landscape. Stages are organised into four types with differentiated access:
- Premium Stage | Advanced Training — in-depth speeches and case studies for hands-on skill building (42 stages, Full Ticket only)
- Discover Stage | Business & Innovation Solutions — pitches, roundtables and showcases to explore new business opportunities (26 stages, Full & Visitor Ticket)
- Open Stage | Knowledge & Divulgation — open talks for cross-sector discovery and inspiration (21 stages, all ticket types)
- Mainstage | Vision & Keynote — global keynotes, vision talks, interviews and concerts with world-class guests (Full & Visitor Ticket)
Topics for the 2026 edition range from Artificial Intelligence and Governance to Cybersecurity, Digital Health (with a dedicated stage in partnership with Fondazione Gimbe), Fintech & Digital Assets, Creator Economy, Space Economy and much more. Already confirmed on the Mainstage: representatives from Google, Microsoft and NVIDIA, alongside journalists and cultural figures of international standing. The Music Fest programme features live concerts across all three days.
The exhibition area spans 70,000 sqm and hosts 14 thematic districts, over 2,800 pre-arranged B2B meetings, robotics and AI demos, gaming zones, test-drive experiences and sports activities.
📅 June 24–26, 2026 · 📍 BolognaFiere, Viale della Fiera 20, Bologna · Area: 70,000 sqm · Exhibitors: 700+ · Districts: 14 · Speakers: 1,000+ from 90+ countries · 🌐 en.wemakefuture.it
Tickets: which pass is right for you?
The WMF offers three main ticket types, all fully nominal and valid for the entire three-day event:
- Full Ticket — complete access to all 90+ training stages, the Mainstage, the exhibition area, B2B meetings and the Music Fest. Designed for professionals and companies who want to make the most of every WMF experience. Standard price: €179 + VAT
- Visitor Ticket — access to the exhibition area, the Mainstage and the Music Fest. Perfect for exploring the fair and enjoying live events. Standard price: €49 + VAT
- Fair Ticket — access to the exhibition area only. Ideal for those attending with a focused business and networking agenda.
Student and women-specific discounted rates are also available, as well as corporate team packages. Tickets are purchased on the official website en.wemakefuture.it/ticket. They are nominative but can be transferred free of charge until the day before the event starts.
Getting to BolognaFiere
BolognaFiere is easy to reach by train: a direct shuttle from Bologna Central Station takes around 15 minutes, and the BRT bus line stops directly at the fairgrounds. Arriving by air? The Marconi Express connects Bologna Airport to the Central Station in just 7 minutes. By car, take the Bologna Fiera exit from the A14 motorway. For international visitors, the most convenient choice by far is staying within walking distance of the entrance — which means staying at Bologna Fair Tower.
Where to stay near WMF 2026: Bologna Fair Tower
Three days of keynotes, concerts, B2B meetings and evening networking demand an accommodation that removes logistical friction, not adds it. Bologna Fair Tower is a 5-minute walk from BolognaFiere’s main entrance — no shuttles, no queues, no commuting stress. Step out of your room and you are already at the fair. The rooms — Bologna, Mary and San Luca — are tailored for business travellers: private bathroom, terrace, fast Wi‑Fi for late-night work, and a coffee & tea corner to start early before the gates open.
- 5-minute walk to BolognaFiere — the most practical base for all 3 days of WMF
- Rooms with private bathroom, terrace and complimentary coffee & tea
- Direct booking — no commission, no middlemen
- Available for the full WMF run: June 24, 25 and 26, 2026
Bologna Fair Tower — 5 min from BolognaFiere
Book your stay for WMF 2026
Rooms available June 24–26. Walking distance from the fair, private bathroom, Wi‑Fi included.
Book NowDirect booking — no commission fees