AI Festival returns to Milan in 2027 with bigger business and training focus

AI Festival will return to Milan on Feb. 11-12, 2027, at Superstudio Maxi, bringing together companies, startups, investors and researchers around AI business, education and partnerships. The expanded event follows a third edition that drew more than 10,000 attendees and is adding larger exhibition, meeting and training spaces.

Why it matters: - AI Festival 2027 is positioning itself as a larger international hub for AI dealmaking, talent, and training in Europe. - The move to Superstudio Maxi gives the event 10,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor space to support more exhibitors, meetings, and educational sessions. - The expanded format is designed to connect AI builders, buyers, investors, and decision-makers around commercial adoption and responsible implementation.

What happened: - AI Festival will take place on Feb. 11-12, 2027, in Milan, Italy. - Search On Media Group created the event, and WMF – We Make Future powers it. - The festival is returning after its third edition drew more than 10,000 attendees, over 200 speakers, 120+ sponsors, exhibitors and partners, and more than 800 B2B meetings. - The 2027 edition moves to Superstudio Maxi, a Milan venue with 10,000 square meters of combined indoor and outdoor space. - The event is being organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Milan and long-standing international partners including CINECA and ESA – European Space Agency.

The details: - The exhibition floor will feature booths, robotics, and tech prototypes. - B2B meetings and curated networking are aimed at AI developers, enterprises, startups, investment funds, corporate leaders, tech partners, and decision-makers. - Companies and startups will be able to host proprietary business and networking events within the official program. - The educational track will target senior professionals, managers, developers, innovation managers, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers. - Sessions will include keynotes, case studies, panel discussions, advanced workshops, and deep-dive sessions. - The training program will focus on AI’s effects on business processes, manufacturing, services, workforce dynamics, governance, research, and decision-making. - The event is also building on WMF for AI, a broader initiative focused on AI literacy, skills, awareness, and market opportunities.

Between the lines: - The venue change signals that AI Festival is moving beyond a conference format toward a more commercial platform for partnerships, recruiting, and product discovery. - The emphasis on advanced training suggests organizers see demand not just for AI products, but for practical guidance on deployment, risk, and organizational change. - The inclusion of social, ethical, and legal themes reflects a broader industry shift toward AI governance alongside growth. - Milan is using the festival to reinforce its role in Europe’s digital transformation narrative.

What's next: - Startups will compete in the 4th edition of AI For Future, the festival’s flagship competition for AI-based ventures. - Participants will be able to present products, meet potential corporate partners, and access WMF’s international network. - Funds and investors will use the event to identify vetted AI projects and market applications. - More programming details are expected ahead of the February 2027 event.