Bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, technology leaders, creators, policymakers, and innovators from around the world, WMF 2026 will host more than 100 events exploring the future of AI, digital technology, entrepreneurship, media, and the creator economy.
The three-day event serves as a hub for multiple specialized conferences and festivals, including the AI Global Summit, World Startup Fest, Open Innovation & VC Fest, Creators Fest, Web Marketing Festival, and Digital Job Fair.
Participants will have access to educational sessions, networking opportunities, startup showcases, investor meetings, and live demonstrations of emerging technologies.
AI remains a central focus of this year’s program. The AI Global Summit will feature speakers from leading organizations including OpenAI, NVIDIA, Microsoft, AMD, and other technology innovators discussing the latest developments and applications of AI.
The event will also spotlight the growing creator economy through Creators Fest, bringing together content creators, brands, agencies, and digital media professionals. Additional tracks will cover digital marketing, e-commerce, software development, journalism, tourism, GovTech, and innovation in public services.
For startups and investors, WMF’s World Startup Fest and Open Innovation & VC Fest will provide a platform for pitching ventures, forming partnerships, and connecting with venture capital firms and corporate innovation leaders from across the globe.
“WMF was created as a platform designed to connect diverse sectors through innovation,” said Cosmano Lombardo, Founder and CEO of Search On Media Group and creator of WMF. “While each event serves as an entry point into a specific field, it is the intersection of these industries that generates new opportunities for development, collaboration, and growth.”
As a media partner, The Vertical will provide coverage of key discussions, startup trends, investment insights, and emerging technologies showcased during the event, featuring top global founders, investors, and innovation leaders with developments shaping the future of the digital economy.
WMF 2026 is organized by Search On Media Group under the patronage of the European Commission and the Municipality of Bologna, with support from major institutional and industry partners. The event is expected to attract thousands of attendees from more than 90 countries.
