Is Perugia the best journalism festival in the world?

The International Journalism Festival (Perugia to its friends), is taking place from 11–15 April. It’s the twelve edition and it is, as ever, free.

Beyond the spring sun and Umbrian hospitality, this is why everyone loves it.

No FOMO (fear of missing out)

With over 300 panels, you’re going to miss out. Once you accept that, the fear of missing out disappears. Hunting out obscure and niche panels outside of the keynotes is hugely rewarding.

New voices

The festival elevates new voices and demands diversity on all panels. This policy is not an afterthought, but a core part of any conversation with the organisers.

Chance encounters

Time away from the events is always well spent. Chance encounters are an amazing way to meet someone new and kickstart a partnership. Streets lined with espresso bars and ice-cream parlours help make this happen.

No VIPs

Okay, there are always VIPs. But nowhere can students and aspiring journalists connect so effortlessly to the leaders in our field as in Perugia. No green-rooms or red ropes will get in your way. All you need is an interesting question.

So, is Perugia the best journalism festival in the world?

Let’s discuss this over sundowners in the Brufani.

The European Journalism Centre will be at Perugia in force. Here’s what we’re up to.

• Launching our $1.5m Engaged Journalism Accelerator. Stay tuned for big news on this in the next weeks. Come chat to me about this.
• News Impact kick-off. Full announcement on 27 March. Connect with Mattia Peretti and Paula Montañà Tor.
• The new Data Journalism Handbook workshop and panel. Meet project lead Biba Klomp and editor Jonathan Gray at the festival.
• Funders Confidential panel. Come and see what donors really base their funding decisions on. With me (and Journalism Funders Forum lead Biba Klomp).
• Gender reporting panel (being organised by EJC Journalism Grants grantees)
• Our media development partners from the Tanzania Media Foundation will be there too. Reach out to Josh LaPorte to meet.

• Follow the European Journalism Centre on Twitter
• Read our 2018 strategy