Trento Festival of Economics 2026, 45 thousand attendees and 350 events: young protagonists

The Festival's scientific director and editor-in-chief of Sole 24 Ore, Radio 24 and Radiocor Fabio Tamburini spoke of 'a fantastic edition, exceeding expectations'.

"Faced with an international situation that is certainly difficult, in which we feel the risk of a slowdown for the Italian economy and we are keeping our fingers crossed for a solution in the Middle East, the Festival has called everyone together, launching a strong message: The Squirrel People want peace - Tamburini's words -. With regard to young people, who are certainly protagonists, the invitation is not to be afraid of reverential. The new generations must have courage and go against the tide, only in this way will they be able to positively change the society in which we live'.

"These are difficult and complex times, and I have to say that this festival has set an example of how one can bring a new perspective on reality. The most impressive thing is the success of this festival every year, which is characterised by huge participation.

Today more than ever, businesses want Italian companies not only to be observers of change but to guide it and turn it into an opportunity for economic and social growth, also and above all for the benefit of those young people we have seen in such large numbers during these five days'. The words of the President of the Il Sole 24 Ore Group, Maria Carmela Colaiacovo.

"We bid farewell to the 2026 edition of the Festival of Economics on the strength of an extraordinary success, which fills us with pride and encourages us once again to continue to improve. This is why I like to begin by already making an appointment for next year,' this is how the CEO of the Il Sole 24 Ore Group, Federico Silvestri, commented on the Festival, announcing the new dates for 2027, from Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 May, confirming his satisfaction with the five-day formula;

"in fact we have to record an extraordinary edition, perhaps even beyond what we expected. For us, this is a reason for great satisfaction, because it means that our year-long commitment was then appreciated by all those who chose to come to Trento, which was the centre of Italian politics and economy.

We can say that this week the country's political and economic agenda was dictated from Trentino's capital, thanks to an event that was able to involve new audiences and above all young people: this is an element on which we would like to grow further. I would add that many participants wanted to emphasise this year, more than any other edition, the efficiency and kindness of the people working at the Festival'.

For the Rector of the University of Trento Flavio Deflorian, it is 'a festival where you can ask a lot of questions and construct a few answers. There were a lot of open questions, a lot about artificial intelligence and young people, now we have to stop for a moment and reflect. Young people were present and participated not only as spectators. There was a lot of discussion about the future of young people, a topic that is inevitably part of the university as it is attended mainly by young people'.

"The Trento Festival of Economics confirmed itself as an important promotional opportunity for Trentino, with a very significant participation of guests from all over Italia. The extension of the Festival over five days confirmed the strength of the event, offering guests more time to explore the programme and experience the area. Those who choose events of this kind are also attentive visitors, motivated and interested in quality experiences, a particularly important audience for our territory,' says the president of Trentino Marketing, Gianni Battaiola.

"This edition of the Trento Festival of Economics confirms the strength of a cultural event, which grows year after year, and which sees in young people an increasingly central and concrete presence: in the organisation, in the halls, in the moments of discussion and, increasingly, also on the stages.

This is an important signal, because it means building a space capable of speaking to the new generations and involving them as protagonists. A result made possible thanks to the shared work of the institutions, the police, the partners and the entire city of Trento, which once again welcomed the Festival with participation, competence and enthusiasm,' Trentino Marketing CEO Maurizio Rossini commented.

'The Festival of Economics,' says Trento City Councillor Monica Baggia, 'is an event one that always gives a lot of satisfaction, both among those who participate and among citizens and shopkeepers. There have been many events that have managed to weave a constructive dialogue between experts, speakers and citizens. Also very interesting was the formula of putting minor events alongside the big ones, which proved to be appreciated and very popular with young people'.