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Frequently Asked Questions
About the Congress
What is the World News Media Congress and who is the organiser?
WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers, is the world’s largest international press organisation. It represents 3,000 news publishing companies and technology entrepreneurs, along with 40 national publisher associations representing 20,000 publications in 120 countries. WAN-IFRA works to protect the rights of journalists and publishers to operate independent media and helps its members innovate and thrive.
The World News Media Congress is WAN-IFRA’s annual flagship gathering for publishers, editors, media owners, product leaders and innovators. Hosted in a different city each year, it brings the global news media community together for conference sessions, executive meetings, networking, exhibitions and social events. The 2027 Congress will be the 78th edition and will take place in Stockholm, with Bonnier News and Amedia as strategic partners.
When and where will the World News Media Congress 2027 take place?
The World News Media Congress 2027 will take place from 7–9 June 2027 at House of People, Barnhusgatan 12–14, SE-111 23 Stockholm, Sweden. Lean more about the venue >
How large is this event, and who typically attends?
The World News Media Congress brings more than 1,000 people from 60+ countries together — including CEOs, publishers, editors-in-chief and senior leaders in revenue, product, technology, audience and newsroom transformation. It is where people setting the direction of the news industry compare strategies, tackle shared challenges, discover new solutions and build international relationships that extend well beyond the Congress.
Is this relevant if my organisation is smaller or not a traditional publisher?
Yes. The Congress welcomes news organisations and professionals of all sizes and types, including smaller publishers and emerging news providers. It is an open, collaborative space where you can exchange ideas, meet peers and learn from innovators across the industry.
Do I need to be a WAN-IFRA member to attend?
No. The Congress is open to everyone, but WAN-IFRA members enjoy preferential registration rates as part of their wider membership benefits. If you’re not yet a member, it’s worth exploring membership before booking your ticket.
Visit the Tickets page to view current ticket options, or learn more about WAN-IFRA membership.
Programme & schedule
What are the main conference tracks?
The conference focuses on three key tracks: AI & Innovation, Journalism & Audiences, and Revenue & Growth.
The 2027 programme is currently being developed. Subscribe to the Congress newsletter for the latest programme updates and speaker announcements. In the meantime, explore the 2026 programme to get a sense of the event’s format and topics.
How much of the programme is focused on AI?
AI will be one of several key themes at the 2027 Congress, alongside audience engagement, growth and revenue, newsroom transformation, digital subscriptions and trusted journalism. The detailed programme is still being developed, so the number and format of AI-focused sessions will be confirmed later. Subscribe to the Congress newsletter for the latest updates.
Will there be sessions on revenue and business models, not just editorial topics?
Yes. The Congress covers both the editorial and business sides of news media. Planned themes for 2027 include sustainable business models, audience engagement, digital subscriptions and product innovation, alongside newsroom transformation and trusted journalism.
Are there hands-on or interactive sessions?
The 2027 programme is currently being developed. Details of workshops, interactive formats and hands-on sessions will be shared as the programme takes shape. Subscribe to the Congress newsletter for the latest updates.
What language are sessions delivered in, and is translation provided?
Congress sessions are delivered in English with complimentary AI-powered live translation available during sessions. Supported languages include Swedish, French, Finnish, German, Dutch, Polish, Spanish, Italian, Norwegian, Danish, Korean, Japanese, Chinese and many other world languages. The live captions can be accessed on your own device. Please bring headphones if you would like to use the audio option.
How can I apply to speak at the Congress?
We welcome suggestions for speakers and case studies for the 2027 World News Media Congress programme. We are looking for people, projects and strategies that will inspire, inform or challenge the global news media community. Please submit your proposal through the speaker proposal page by 15 October 2026.
Will the Congress be livestreamed?
No, the Congress will not be livestreamed. We hope you will join us in person to enjoy the full programme, networking opportunities and the unique event experience.
What is the dress code for the conference?
Business-casual or smart professional attire is recommended for Congress sessions. Smart-casual attire is appropriate for social events unless otherwise specified.
How can I access speaker presentations and recordings after the event?
Congress presentations and recordings will be made available through WAN-IFRA’s Knowledge Hub. Permanent access is included for WAN-IFRA members, as well as DistriPress and FIPP members. Non-member participants will receive access for a limited period. Further details will be shared after the Congress.
Registration & tickets
How do I register, and what does it cost?
You can register through the Tickets page by following the on-screen instructions. Prices vary according to WAN-IFRA membership status and booking period, so we recommend registering early. Discounts are also available for groups of three or more delegates, as well as NGOs and academic participants. Please visit the Tickets page for current rates and eligibility details.
What is included in my registration fee?
A regular Congress ticket includes access to official Congress sessions, AI-powered live translation during sessions, coffee breaks, networking lunches and the Awards Night/Gala. It does not include social-event guest or companion passes, VAT where applicable, visa application fees where applicable, travel or accommodation.
How do I pay for the ticket?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB and China UnionPay payments worldwide. For information about other payment methods, please contact us at congress@wan-ifra.org.
Do I need a physical ticket to enter?
You do not need a separate printed or digital ticket. Your registration confirmation email is your proof of registration, and you will collect your Congress badge on site. Your badge is your admission pass for the Congress and any social event included in your registration. Instructions on badge collection will be shared via email closer to the event.
How do I pick up my badge on-site?
Instructions on badge collection will be shared via email closer to the event. When you arrive, please have an ID with you and have your Digi-Card ready in the Congress app. Your badge will be your admission pass for the Congress and any registered social event.
Can I add a Social Event Guest Pass later?
Yes. Please email congress@wan-ifra.org, and the Congress team will help you add a social event guest pass to your registration.
What is the refund and cancellation policy?
Cancellation refunds are based on when we receive your request:
• 30 days or more before the event: your registration fee will be refunded, less a 10% non-refundable handling fee.
• 14–29 days before the event: 50% of the registration fee will be refunded.
• Fewer than 14 days before the event: no refund will be issued.
Exceptions may be considered in cases of documented illness or a verifiable force majeure event. Please refer to WAN-IFRA’s General Terms and Conditions for full details.
Study tours
Are there study tours or site visits to local newsrooms?
Yes. Study tours and visits to leading local newsrooms are being planned for the 2027 Congress. Subscribe to the Congress newsletter to receive updates as soon as details are available.
Travel & accommodation
Where should I stay, and are there recommended hotels with delegate rates?
Stockholm is especially popular in June, so we recommend booking early to secure your preferred accommodation.
To make planning your visit easier, we have partnered with HotelMap to provide Congress participants with access to selected hotels and the best available rates through a dedicated booking portal. Explore the curated hotel list and book your stay through the portal.
How do I get to the Congress venue?
House of People is approximately a six-minute walk from Stockholm Central Station. From Stockholm Arlanda Airport, the Arlanda Express takes around 18 minutes to Stockholm Central; alternatively, allow about 40 minutes by car or taxi. Please visit the Venue page for maps and further travel information.
Could you assist with visa applications?
Sweden is part of the Schengen Area, and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Please check the Swedish Migration Agency website or contact your nearest Swedish embassy or consulate for the latest requirements, and allow plenty of time for your application. Once you have registered, the Congress team can provide a supporting invitation letter if needed; please email congress@wan-ifra.org.
Where can I find general information about visiting Stockholm?
For practical information and inspiration for your visit, check out the official Visit Stockholm and Visit Sweden websites. They provide guidance on local transport, accessibility, attractions and other useful visitor information.
Networking & the Congress app
Is there a dedicated Congress app for scheduling and networking? How do I access it?
Yes. The WAN-IFRA Congress app is designed to help you plan your schedule, reserve places in sessions that require preregistration, discover attendees and exhibitors, receive event updates and arrange meetings. Registered delegates will receive download and access instructions by email closer to the event.
Where do I find my Congress app event code?
The app should recognise your registration when you sign in using the same email address you used to register for the Congress. If you are asked for an event code, check that you are using the correct email address; logging out and signing in again may help. App access is available to fully registered Congress delegates and approved media. Social-event guests do not receive access.
Is the app available to social event guests?
No. The Congress app is available only to fully registered Congress delegates and approved media. Social-event guests do not receive app access.
Will an attendee list be available before the event?
For privacy reasons, a public attendee list will not be published. In the Congress app, you can view participants who have opted in to the attendee directory and use the networking tools to connect and arrange meetings.
How do I connect with other attendees before and during the event?
The Congress event app will allow you to view participants who have chosen to appear in the attendee directory, send connection requests and arrange meetings. You will also have many opportunities to meet peers in person during breaks, networking lunches, sessions and social events.
Are there structured networking sessions, or is it mostly informal?
You can expect a mix of formal and informal networking opportunities. Time around sessions, networking breaks, lunches and social events is designed to help participants meet and exchange ideas.
Will there be Wi-Fi at the venue?
Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is planned throughout the venue for Congress participants.
Exhibition & partners
What is the exhibition, and which vendors or tech suppliers will be there?
The Congress Exhibition brings together technology providers and industry partners showcasing solutions for newsroom and business transformation, including AI tools and publishing platforms. The 2027 sponsors and exhibitors will be added to the Congress website as they are confirmed. Registered participants will also be able to discover and connect with participating companies through the Congress app. Check the sponsorship page regularly for the latest additions.
How can I learn more about sponsorship opportunities?
Our Global Sales team will be happy to help you explore the available sponsorship packages and identify options tailored to your goals and requirements. Please contact the team to discuss the opportunities in more detail.
Awarding ceremony & social events
What is the Golden Pen of Freedom Award, and is the ceremony open to all attendees?
The Congress offers a moment to reflect on the global state of media freedom and acknowledge the brave individuals and organisations which risk much to keep publishing.
Since 1961, the Golden Pen of Freedom has turned the spotlight of public attention on repressive governments and journalists who fight them. The Pen has, on several occasions, secured the release of a publisher or journalist from jail or afforded him or her a degree of protection against further persecution.
The awarding ceremony on 7 June 2027 is included with full Congress registration and with the social event guest pass.
What is the dress code for the social events?
Smart business or cocktail attire is recommended for the social evenings.
Media
I'm a journalist. When will media accreditation applications open, and how can I apply?
Media accreditation applications will open in February 2027. To submit an early application, please contact us at congress@wan-ifra.org and include a brief introduction, the organisation or publication you represent, and links to some of your recent work.
How can I arrange an interview with a speaker or a WAN-IFRA representative?
To request an interview with a Congress speaker affiliated with WAN-IFRA, one of its communities, programmes or initiatives, please contact congress@wan-ifra.org. Unfortunately, we are unable to coordinate interviews with external speakers. To interview a speaker who is not affiliated with WAN-IFRA, please contact them or their organisation directly.
Policies & conduct
What is the Code of Conduct for the Congress?
WAN-IFRA is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment at all its events. The Event Code of Conduct prohibits discrimination and harassment and applies to participants, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers and related social activities. By registering for or attending the Congress, you agree to follow the Code of Conduct.