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

AI Festival will return to Milan on Feb. 11-12, 2027, at Superstudio Maxi, bringing together AI companies, startups, investors, researchers and professionals. The event is expanding its business, networking and advanced training program after drawing more than 10,000 attendees in its third edition.

Why it matters: - AI Festival 2027 is trying to position Milan as a bigger hub for AI business, training and deal-making. - The event aims to connect AI sellers, buyers, investors, startups and enterprise decision-makers in one place. - The expanded format reflects rising demand for practical AI adoption, advanced skills and cross-border business connections.

What happened: - AI Festival will return to Milan on Feb. 11-12, 2027. - The event is created by Search On Media Group and powered by WMF – We Make Future. - The festival will take place at Superstudio Maxi in Milan, Italy. - The event is organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Milan. - International partners include CINECA and ESA – European Space Agency.

The details: - The third edition drew more than 10,000 attendees. - That edition also featured more than 200 speakers, 120-plus sponsors, exhibitors and partners, and more than 800 B2B meetings. - Superstudio Maxi offers 10,000 square meters of combined indoor and outdoor space. - The venue shift is meant to support a larger international community and expand business, education and networking opportunities. - The exhibition floor will include booths, robotics and tech prototypes. - The event will include expanded B2B meeting areas, advanced educational sessions and new networking and deal-making activities. - Companies and startups will be able to host proprietary business and networking events inside the official program. - The educational program targets senior professionals, managers, developers, innovation managers, entrepreneurs and decision-makers. - Sessions will include keynotes, case studies, panels, advanced workshops and deep-dive sessions. - The training track will focus on AI’s impact on business processes, manufacturing, services, workforce dynamics, governance, research and decision-making. - The festival also keeps a strong focus on startups, scaleups, investment funds, venture capitalists and corporate innovation units. - Participants can present products on dedicated stages, join partner-hosted events and take part in panels and roundtables in the Innovation Track. - The 4th edition of AI For Future will again spotlight AI-based startups. - AI For Future is designed to connect startups with capital, deal flow, industry expertise and global reach.

Between the lines: - The move to a bigger venue signals the event is shifting from a conference format toward a broader commercial platform. - The combination of business meetings and advanced training suggests AI Festival is betting that companies want both market access and practical implementation guidance. - The focus on social, ethical and legal implications shows the festival is also trying to stay relevant to policymakers and enterprise risk concerns. - Milan is using the event to reinforce its role in Europe’s digital transformation, not just as a host city but as a regional AI meeting point.

What's next: - AI Festival 2027 will open registration and programming details ahead of the February event. - Startups, investors and companies can expect more information on pitch sessions, networking formats and the AI For Future competition as the event approaches. - WMF’s broader AI initiative will continue to use AI Festival as its dedicated AI vertical.

The bottom line: - AI Festival 2027 is scaling up in Milan with a stronger push into AI commerce, hands-on training and ecosystem-building.