The landmark International Journalism Festival in Perugia is nearly upon us. Its the key date in the diary of many journalists, with four days of cutting-edge talks and priceless connection.

From 15-18 April 2026, you're looking at close to 500 speakers across 150 sessions. We'll be tuning in both online and in-person. Of course, nobody can attend all the talks, what with brain fry and long queues. But these are the ones we've earmarked.

NB: Only English-speaking sessions included, stated times in local time (CEST, +1 BST)

Unmissable speakers

Brian Morrissey, founder and host, The Rebooting: We all love the show, right? Morrisey records a live episode of his beloved media business show that explores key differences between US and European news models| Catch the session on 16 April, 12:30

Maria Ressa, co-founder, Rappler: A pillar of press freedom and one of the most well-known faces on the Perugia stage. You've got four chances to catch Ressa speak across the event, a stand-out being the session with Julie Posetti – a world-leading researcher on online violence against women – on the new impacts of AI on this space | Catch the session on 17 April, 10:30

Julia Angwin, founder, Proof News: Fresh from starting a lawsuit against Grammarly over the non-consensual use of her writing (and other journalists) to train its AI-powered Expert Review feature, Angwin talks about the responsibility of journalists in the age of AI | Catch the session on 17 April, 14:00

Charlie Beckett, director, JournalismAI project: Beckett is another long-time Perugia speaker and his no-nonsense approach is a perfect fit for the returning "An honest f*ck up" format – this talk was a hit last year, and he appears alongside notable speakers such as Lea Korsgaard, co-founder of Zetland | Catch the session on 18 April, 16:00

Pro tips and advice

How to survive Perugia (and journalism in general) as an introvert: Start with this session if you're a newcomer or if you're just not a natural social butterfly. This will help you get the most out of the conference's true value: networking. We've also got some introvert-friendly tips for you to go in with | Catch the session on 16 April, 10:30

A framework for reporting on AI beyond the buzzwords: Meanwhile, DW Akademie presents a method to help journalists identify inflated claims, hidden assumptions, and misleading narratives in the big topic of our time: AI. This way, journalists and readers alike are better informed | Catch the session on 16 April, 10:30

Practical ways to get sh* done: We've all been there. Projects that never get off the ground and the to-do that never seems to shrink. Shift your mindset with this session led by journalist-turned-product-leader Michaël Jarjour | Catch the session on 17 April, 15:00

How to build your own brand: More and more journalists are taking the leap to launch their own independent ventures. A dynamic duo of digital journalist Sophia Smith Galer and Thomson Reuters Foundation CEO Antonio Zappulla help you weigh up the risks and rewards of making the jump | Catch the session on 18 April, 12:30

Big industry talking points

Liquid content in the AI age: User needs pioneer Dmitry Shishkin ignited a fascinating discussion this year on "liquid content", prompting Digiday to take a closer look, as they described it, the 'next step in the personalisation of content.' A panel of top speakers from BBC, New York Times and Washington Post will dig a little deeper to understand how newsrooms need to adapt | Catch the session on 16 April, 9:30

When AI becomes the new intern: A crucial part of the AI discussion. Outsourcing menial newsroom tasks to the tech promises new efficiencies, but compromises a crucial training ground for emerging journalists to cut their teeth. How do we find a happy medium? | Catch the session on 17 April, 10:30

Publisher's response to the 'creator wave': As Reuters Institute research reveals some two-thirds of publishers fret about the competition posed by new content creators, leaders from Mediahuis, Yoof and CNN explain how they're fighting fire with fire | Catch the session on 17 April, 15:00

Who is still funding journalism? The collapse of USAID has caused a ripple effect, resulting in increased competition for EU grants and vanishing support for climate and democracy. But new forms of support are stepping into the void | Catch the session on 18 April, 17:00

Shaping the news agenda

Where did the media get Epstein coverage wrong? The long-anticipated release of the files of dead, convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein poses serious questions about the media's reporting on sexual abuse and power, while ensuring survivors' safety. This panel significantly includes Jess Michaels, an Epstein childhood sexual assault survivor | Catch the session on 16 April, 11:30

Tackling Trumpism: Recently appointed The New World editor-at-large and Media Confidential co-host Alan Rusbridger is in discussion with academic and author Ayala Panievsky to explore the newfound effects of a US president, a mastermind in media-bashing | Catch the session on 16 April, 12:30

Stories for people without power and privilege: How do news organisations stop reporting for the elite, and start reporting for underserved communities?

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