What are side events
Exclusive events, meetings, and formats distributed throughout the city, extending the WMF experience beyond the trade fair grounds.
Exclusive events, vertical meetings, parties, and immersive experiences:
during WMF, Bologna becomes a widespread ecosystem of innovation.
Exclusive events, meetings, and formats distributed throughout the city, extending the WMF experience beyond the trade fair grounds.
Private networking events | Industry meetups | Investor dinners | Tech showcase |Cultural & entertainment experiences
Check the calendar, discover the events, and take part: some are open to all, while others are by invitation only or have limited seating. *more information will be added daily
Bring your brand into the official program: organize a Side Event and connect with the WMF global community.
During the days of WMF, innovation spreads throughout the entire city: Side Events involve companies, startups, institutions, and communities in a widespread calendar of appointments, creating new opportunities for networking, business, and cross-contamination.
Generate strategic relationships, organize events and position within the WMF ecosystem
qualified leads | positioning | custom events
Access exclusive events and networking moments with speakers, companies and innovators.
exclusive access | concrete networking
Meet international investors, VCs, partners and stakeholders in high-quality environments.
visibility | investor access

An appointment reserved for a selected audience of stakeholders, institutions, corporates, and innovation leaders, hosted inside the DAMA Technopole, one of the most advanced centres in Europe for supercomputing and data research. In this location of excellence, the heart of the Italian AI and high-performance computing ecosystem, the event will offer a unique context for strategic discussion on the main technological and industrial scenarios.
In program: speech and discussion panels and business aperitif.
A high-value opportunity to foster qualified relationships, targeted networking moments, and high-level discussions on AI, data economy, and digital transformation, with the goal of generating concrete connections between research, business, and institutions, and contributing to the development of the “Business of Tomorrow.”

📅 June 24 - from 21:30 pm
📍 Palazzo Re Enzo, Bologna
TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR 15€ VAT INCLUDED
The official WMF party arrives in Piazza San Francesco in Bologna! An evening of pure fun with music and DJ Set.
Guests already announced: Pau [Negrita] with a 90s-themed DJ set to rock out to the most beloved hits.
New guests will be announced soon, in the meantime, mark your calendar and don't miss the WMF Official Party 2026!

An event bringing together Invitalia and the entrepreneurial community to showcase support resources for startups, active grants and new opportunities for growth and innovation.
The event is exclusive and by invitation only.

Arianna is the corporate AI assistant designed by Ricca IT, an Italian company specializing in System Integration, Cloud Services, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence. Using cloud solutions increases concerns about privacy, security, and regulatory compliance. Arianna offers a concrete alternative: all the power of Artificial Intelligence available on the market, but completely safe within the corporate infrastructure.
The event will be followed by a light lunch.

The press conference of the Italian network of Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) in the Life Sciences sector. A company that provides services, innovative tools, and resources to promote a culture of technology transfer by enhancing Italian research.
The event is restricted access.

Regional ecosystem event dedicated to innovation and research, focusing on youth entrepreneurship and deep-tech projects to promote ecological transition and social inclusion. There will be two stages and an exhibition area dedicated to startups.

ART4ART — together with Fondazione Entroterre's Progetto Zenit and Alberto Barbiero — hosts a discussion between Public Administrations and Third Sector Organizations on implementing co-programming and co-design processes. During the meeting, an exclusive preview of a new platform will be presented, specifically designed to simplify and secure procedures, easing collaboration between the public sector and the Third Sector.

The Registro .it (Cnr) presents a focus on the NIS2 directive and the future of European cybersecurity. The session, dedicated to new digital obligations and risk management for businesses and public administrations, will feature Andrea Passarella, Director and Head of Registro .it and Andrea Rigoni, Founder and Managing Partner of Altirium.

An event dedicated to the discussion on the development of innovative services and ICT technological research, powered by Clust-er Innovate.

An event dedicated to exploring innovations in land, tourism, and agritech powered by Clust-er BUILD, Clust-er Tourism, and Clust-er Agrifood.

From June 24th to 26th, Humans.tech will offer a series of demos focused on Artificial Intelligence and software engineering.
Through these presentations and technical insights hosted by the team's experts, real-world case studies, working methodologies and architectures for AI agent control will be illustrated, alternating the talks with networking opportunities during breakfasts and coffee breaks.
Find out more at the Humans.tech stand.

TSSIxellence is the Academy training tomorrow's professionals in Digital Marketing, Business Administration and Commercial Services. At WMF 2026, the institute takes the stage with practical insights and real-world experiences on the future of business. A strategic meeting point for companies looking for skilled talent and young professionals ready to launch their careers through real connections and future-proof skills.

The presentation of an innovative solution for home cultivation that integrates an advanced environmental control and growth system, optimizing lighting and parameters. "Orto Lunare" provides fresh food and cleanses the air, contributing to sustainability.

A training event dedicated to social media marketing and web marketing. Three days of training interventions and discussion with experts and creators.

Chora & Will Media are organizing a series of vertical workshops focused on the new frontiers of podcasts, the creator economy and digital information. These meetings offer a practical response through hands-on sessions dedicated to brainstorming techniques, podcasting, AI tools applied to creativity and much more. Register for the workshops for free via the Web App.

Ecosystem Meetup | WMF Edition, part of We Make Future in Bologna, is an unmissable event dedicated to the innovation ecosystem and part of the Ecosystem Events promoted by Zest to enhance dialogue between industry leaders. Founders of startups, corporations, investors, and professionals from the tech, VC and digital worlds come together to network, create valuable connections and strengthen relationships that generate new opportunities. An aperitif and greeting from the initiative partners is planned.

Miro Italia Community Days is the event designed by Euris in partnership with Miro to inspire the future of collaborative workspaces and the AI-powered Canvas. Two sessions of about 4 hours each in a private room inside the venue, focused on sharing experiences, building new connections, and discovering together the technologies transforming collaboration and innovation.
Register for free directly through the Web App.

Powered by WIPO, Rubik Hub, Innovate EU, Imago-Mol, and Digital Innovation Zone, the "Built to Scale - HealthTech Startups Demo Day" is an event dedicated to medical and biotech innovation. During the showcase, early-stage startups from the IP Management Clinic will present their projects, demonstrating how to transform scientific research and intellectual property into scalable businesses. It is a premier networking opportunity with the Life Science ecosystem, topped off by the final awards ceremony granting prestigious MBA scholarships for Cambridge. Admission is by registration only.

Assintel's business roadshow features data, case studies, and networking to delve deeper into artificial intelligence as a lever for competitiveness and growth in the Italian digital market.
The event is For Associates Only.

Prompt’n’Play celebrates its 2nd anniversary: experience co-designing environments with Agentic AI, using Prompt’n’Play and BrAIn while receiving real-time feedback from the algorithms. The event features two 30-seat workshops and an open space to explore a serious game already chosen by many companies for AI Adoption. A unique opportunity to collaborate with generative AI, training critical, lateral thinking and collective intelligence.
Seats are limited, subscribe now to participate!

Official presentation and opening day of the 5th edition of the Aruba Digital School, scheduled for June 25th from11.30 - 13.00 am at WMF.
This 90-minute session combines training and a roundtable discussion, focusing on the evolution of AI, Google Ads, and Social Media in business.
Access is free, subject to prior registration.

The Reluis Consortium, AI4I, and the International Association for Artificial Intelligence in Structural Engineering are creating a thematic stage entirely dedicated to the discovery of artificial intelligence applied to civil engineering.

The Registro .it (Cnr) presents a focus on the evolution of AI and search, which is transforming online visibility. The session, dedicated to assessing the impact of this shift on websites and domains, will feature speaker Mirko Bruni (CEO of The Fool), who will present the initial insights of a strategic survey, exploring topics such as digital trust, "Made in Italy" and the relationship between the web and social media.

An advanced training event, with national and international experts, to discover how search is evolving in the age of artificial intelligence and beyond.

Komen Italia organizes the annual Race for the Cure throughout Italy to fight breast cancer. Together with the WMF, on June 25th it is organizing a 2 km metabolic walk: an alternative and unique route that winds through the attractions of the event. At the same time, anyone who wishes will be able to register directly for the Bologna stage of the Race, scheduled for September 18th to 20th.

Nana Bianca and Intesa Sanpaolo present ILS: the program that brings the most ambitious startups to work alongside the largest Italian corporations. Real-life stories, guided networking and connections that turn into opportunities.

A reserved space for small groups dedicated to the impact of AI on business models. Through micro-sessions, Arsenalia offers a deep dive into key evolutions: from intent-driven experiences to brand visibility with Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and AI as an integrated design lever. An informal yet structured format designed to foster dialogue through concrete case studies.
Reservation required.


A meeting organized by UIBM (Italian Patent and Trademark Office) and EPO (European Patent Office), dedicated to startups, SMEs and spin-offs, aimed at exploring the role of industrial property as a strategic lever for growth and competitiveness. During the event, services, tools, and initiatives supporting the protection and valorization of innovation will be presented, with particular focus on methodologies for assessing patent portfolios.
The event is free admission.


A spectacular powered human flight, with gravity-defying performers in front of the Festival audience. A mix of adrenaline and technology not to be missed.

The spectacular Drone Light Show by Allumee is coming to WMF: thousands of drones will light up the sky with 3D choreography, fluid animations and floating words. A unique, zero-emission technological performance designed to reinvent entertainment with an eco-responsible approach. An extraordinary visual experience blending art, poetry and engineering to leave the audience breathless.

During the next edition of the WMF, the first European Dronesoccer Championship, the innovative drone esport, will take place exclusively: in addition to watching the competition, you will be able to experience the thrill of this innovative eSport firsthand.

During the three days of the WMF, you can enjoy the unique experience of driving a Tesla thanks to the dedicated Test Drive Area. An exclusive opportunity to test firsthand the performance and technology of electric vehicles that are revolutionizing the future of sustainable mobility. Book your slot and get ready to board!

Motor1's experiential area on electric mobility, with live talks and test drives to delve deeper into the energy transition through discussions with journalists and on-road vehicle testing.

Race4Future will animate the WMF with a rich program dedicated to sustainable mobility and the technologies of the future. For three days, the Mall will host the Automotive Show, an experiential area featuring electric vehicles, green innovations, and smart solutions.

From Busker to BSKIN, from handball to volleyball to Country dancing, via flight simulators and driving to WMF, interactive areas await you to try traditional sports and immersive activities. In collaboration with Vero Volley, FIGH, EISI, FIPAV, and the GRD - genitori ragazzi down, In.Da.Co., Western Academy, and Aero Club pavullo associations, you can try your hand at real or virtual challenges, including movement, fun, and technology.

AELION presents THE SPACE IN BETWEEN, a Digital Art experience that comes to life through audience interaction. Via the AI Mirror, Digital Live Painting, AI Photo Art, and Holograms installations, visitors modify the artworks in real time, completing the technology with their presence.
The project is created in collaboration with Service2Service, IC Videopro, Asit, Radio Sata and Ferrari Computer.

Enjoy an immersive VR experience thanks to 360° freedom of movement. The perfect fluidity between visual and physical stimuli guarantees maximum realism, preventing the effects of motion sickness.

From June 24 to 26, the Mall will host a temporary exhibition featuring the finest pieces from the Pennabilli Informatic Museum, celebrating its 35th anniversary. Throughout the exhibition, you will discover the incredible evolution of computing, from vacuum tubes and transistors to microprocessors, and from early computers to the advent of the PC.

Explore the Universe inside the traveling planetarium with full-dome projections, an immersive 360-degree video system that completely surrounds the viewer. Experience the unique thrill of touching a real lunar meteorite and discover legendary artifacts: a cometary fragment and the famous Libyan desert glass. Then, put on VR headsets to step aboard the International Space Station and return to Earth to admire up close the extraordinary camouflage of dead-leaf insects!

On Thursday 25th (14:00 - 18:00 PM), Hall 21 will transform into the arena for the Pokémon VGC Showmatch - World Championship Series Preview, hosted by Kranos. Two professional players, both already qualified for the World Championships, will face off in an exclusive, no-holds-barred sneak peek. Expect a match of the highest technical level, whether you experience it live at the fair or follow the live stream. Get ready for the show: the road to Worlds starts here!

With the ICARUS project, students from the University of Pisa and Jakidale will attempt to set a new record for the world's largest paper airplane. To beat the current record held since 2013, the model—featuring a 20-meter wingspan—must fly for at least 15 meters after launching from a 3-meter-high platform. A unique opportunity to witness live a feat that combines engineering, experimentation and entertainment in front of an international audience.

The Italian Tech Alliance Alumni Venture Academy is bringing back its "Dinner with a Mystery Guest" to Bologna.
The surprise location will be announced via the Alumni chat group. Please reach out to the organizers for further details.

An invitation-only event for Réseau ER Members and selected Guests. An evening dedicated to celebrating personal and entrepreneurial journeys, rediscovering the role of failure as a lever for growth and transformation.
Stay tuned to discover the new outiside Festival partner events.
TICKETS FROM 14€ + VAT take the deal now!