2026

Focus, the leading brand in Italy in scientific popularization, will be a scientific partner of the sixth edition of ExpoMedicina, the Euro-Mediterranean Exhibition of Technological Innovation in Healthcare.

The event, which will take place from 25 to 28 October and will be held at the Le Ciminiere Exhibition Center in Catania, will explore over four days the future of medicine, from the impact of Artificial Intelligence in radiological diagnostics to the use of advanced surgical robotics in hospital wards.

An event, with free admission, that unites the culture of prevention with the technical exchange between the scientific community, public administrators, and industrial entities.

«At a historical moment in which algorithms and robotics daily transform clinical practice, the task of a brand like Focus is to provide its community with rigorous, accessible information based on scientific evidence and certain data», states Gian Mattia Bazzoli, editor-in-chief of Focus. «The partnership with ExpoMedicina represents the natural evolution of our editorial ecosystem, which extends its popularizing strength from the pages of the magazine and digital platforms to major live events across the region, creating moments of direct dialogue between the scientific community and the public».

«Today ExpoMedicina is one of the most important entities in Southern Italy and puts healthcare workers and institutions at the center of attention, through innovative solutions in the healthcare sector», emphasizes Maurizio Ninfa, president and organizer of ExpoMedicina.

GREAT ANTICIPATION FOR “FOCUS AFTERNOON”

Tuesday 27 October, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Focus will personally curate the “Focus Afternoon”: a series of free-entry informative meetings designed to clarify the most urgent health issues.

The program will open

• at 3:00 PM with the meeting promoted in collaboration with the Umberto Veronesi Foundation, in which Monica Ramaioli – director of the Foundation – and Beatrice Costa – urologist at IRCCS Galeazzi Sant’Ambrogio -, moderated by scientific journalist Daniele Banfi, will address cultural taboos and male resistance related to primary prevention;

• at 4:00 PM, scientific journalist Irma D’Aria will interview Ketty Vaccaro – former head of Welfare and Health at Censis – to analyze the state of the National Health Service among waiting lists, healthcare mobility, and healthcare opt-out. Joining them will be Sabrina Nardi, founder and board member of Salutequità;

• finally, at 5:00 PM, Cristoforo Pomara – director of Forensic Medicine at the Policlinico di Catania – will take the audience behind the scenes of the figure of the medical examiner, deconstructing the false myths of TV fiction and involving participants in the guided resolution of some real cases.

The detailed and updated program of the meetings curated by Focus can be consulted at the address https://www.focus.it/scienza/salute/expomedicina-2026-la-salute-in-fiera

Focus, the monthly magazine published by Mondadori Media, is the leading brand, with its extensions, in the scientific popularization sector in Italy with a total unique audience print + digital of over 5.3 million (source Audicom – March 2026) and a monthly circulation of over 104 thousand copies (source: Ads, January/April 2026).

Is Generation Z truly fragile, lazy, and unable to face difficulties, as they are often described? A more complex and less stereotyped reality is told by young people themselves through a survey conducted by Webboh Lab, the first Permanent Observatory on Gen Z in Italy, born from the collaboration between Webboh, the reference media brand for the new generations of Mondadori Digital, and the Sylla Research Institute, under the scientific guidance of Professor Furio Camillo.

The survey, conducted as part of the “Strawberry Manifesto”, the project promoted by Loacker in collaboration with Webboh and created by the agency Xister Reply for the launch of Loacker Strawberry – crispy wafers with strawberry cream – involved over 2,500 young people between the ages of 18 and 30.

A wealth of testimonials offering an authentic cross-section of a generation asking to be heard and to be able to tell their story without filters, going beyond stereotypes.

«Often, new generations are spoken about without giving them the opportunity to tell their own story. With Webboh and Webboh Lab, we want to do exactly the opposite: listen to young people, gather their opinions, and turn them into insights capable of offering a more authentic image of Gen Z. This research shows how strong the desire of young people is to overcome stereotypes and be recognized for who they truly are. The collaboration with Loacker allowed us to give even more space to these voices, transforming community listening into a collective project of expression and participation», declared Professor Furio Camillo.

GENERATION Z: 8 OUT OF 10 YOUNG PEOPLE FEEL JUDGED THROUGH TOO MANY STEREOTYPES

The survey conducted by Webboh Lab highlights a significant distance between how Gen Z perceives itself and the depiction made from the outside: only 25% of respondents feel well represented by the narrative of adults, media, and the workplace, while 44% feel misunderstood from this perspective. In particular:

• 81% believe their generation is judged through too many stereotypes;

• 80% think adults do not truly understand young people;

• 75% wish their generation could tell who they really are;

• 65% believe the media portray young people superficially.

FRAGILE, LAZY, AND ALWAYS ON THE PHONE? GEN Z OVERTURNS LABELS

But what are the stereotypes that weigh most heavily on young people? From the analysis of spontaneous responses, three main labels emerge:

• addicted to phones (24%);

• lazy and sluggish (23%);

• fragile or overly sensitive (22%).

However, the community’s response reveals a generation that does not recognize itself in these simplifications and claims different values. For 88% of respondents, being kind does not mean being weak, while 86% believe that success should not involve sacrificing one’s well-being, and 85% consider expressing emotions an act of courage. Awareness of difficulties also emerges: 75% acknowledge suffering greatly from pressure, and 71% admit to difficulty in managing stress. A generation, therefore, that does not deny its fragilities, but asks that they are not automatically interpreted as weaknesses.

FROM COMMUNITY RESPONSES TO THE “STRAWBERRY MANIFESTO”

From the community’s reflections, the Strawberry Manifesto was born, the collective project through which Gen Z flips the labels assigned to it and defends its values, turning sensitivity, kindness, and attention to well-being into strengths. The “Manifesto” overturns the stereotype of the Strawberry Generation: an expression born in Taiwan to describe young people considered fragile and unable to withstand pressure. To give voice to Gen Z, Webboh has also created original video content on its channels, involving the community and creators Eleonora Arcidiacono and Jennifer Serpi, who on TikTok invited followers to share their reflections with the hashtag #StrawberryManifesto. The collected contributions gave life to a collective manifesto where young people themselves tell their identity, beyond stereotypes.

Here is the video of the Strawberry Manifesto on: www.tiktok.com/@loacker/video/7693922110871260438

Here is the Strawberry Manifesto: https://www.loacker.it/strawberry-manifesto/

Webboh is the reference media for GenZ. Founded in 2019, it has been part of the Mondadori Group since 2023. It boasts a monthly web and social reach of 6 million (source: Comscore incremental social reach, average of the last 3 months) and a fanbase – across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp – of over 6 million followers. It is consistently among the top ten most influential Italian media on social media, as well as first in the Generation Z target for engagement and video views (source: Top Italian Media Ranking by Prima Comunicazione).

Webboh Lab, born from the meeting between Webboh and the Sylla Research Institute under the scientific guidance of Prof. Furio Camillo, is the first Permanent Observatory on Gen Z in Italy. Its objective is to provide an authentic and real snapshot of Generation Z, giving voice to young people through surveys and research that transform their opinions into concrete insights for companies, institutions, and media.

The Sylla Research Institute specializes in the design and implementation of market research. Scientific Director of the Institute is Professor Furio Camillo.

The Mondadori Bookstore in Ostia (RM), a cultural reference point for the city with over thirty years of history, presents itself to the public in a completely renewed look. An intervention that arises from the desire to make the bookstore evolve together with its readers, adapting spaces and selection to the needs of the territory and with special attention paid to new generations.

The bookstore covers an area of 220 square metres and provides a catalogue of over 30,000 titles, from great classics to bestsellers, including fiction, non-fiction, general interest, illustrated books, and a wide selection for children and young adults.

The Mondadori Bookstore in Ostia thus aims to intensify its role as an active cultural outpost through a rich calendar of presentations, meetings with authors, workshops for children, and collaborations with local schools and associations.

«This bookstore has been part of Ostia’s history for over thirty years and over time has been able to adapt several times alongside its readers. We decided to renovate it because we strongly believe in the physical point of sale, but also in the need to make it evolve», states Alessandro Ascione, Mondadori Store franchise partner who has also been involved for years in running the Mondadori Bookstore in Via Tiburtina 560 in Rome. «We want the bookstore, in addition to being a place to buy books, to be a space to be lived in, where people can meet, discover new reads, and above all bring the younger generations closer to the pleasure of reading. This new look stems precisely from the desire to look ahead without losing the strong bond we have built with the territory», concludes Ascione.

The Mondadori bookstore in Ostia renews itself to offer an even more tailored reading experience. Store guests have the opportunity to discover We are Junior, the space for younger readers, which includes educational games and illustrated books to spark their imagination with the most curious stories; Just Comics, the department dedicated to the phenomenon of manga and comic books; and My New Romance, the area aimed at those who love the romance universe, one of the most appreciated literary genres at the moment; and also a wide selection of stationery products, toys, gadgets, and gift cards.

The Mondadori Bookstore in Ostia thus puts itself at the service of readers online as well: customers can be kept updated through the Instagram and Facebook pages. In addition, they can get in touch with the bookstore through the digital services of Mondadoristore.it to check the availability of a book. The point of sale also provides telephone ordering services to all customers. Among the services included will also be Zeercle, which allows people to sell their books as well as CDs, vinyls, physical video games, DVDs, and Blu-rays, receiving in exchange a gift card corresponding to the value attributed to the products, to be used in bookstores and on the website mondadoristore.it.

Mondadori Store represents the largest network of bookstores in Italy, with over 500 points of sale spread from major cities to smaller towns. Active cultural outposts across the entire national territory, under the Mondadori Bookstore banner, in direct management and franchising, and with MA Bookstores, Mondadori Duomo and Rizzoli Milano. Mondadori Store is active online with the e-commerce site Mondadoristore.it and the bookclub formula.

MONDADORI BOOKSTORE

Address: Via delle Baleniere 167, 00121, Ostia, RM

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9.00-19.30, Sun 9.00-13.00 / 15.30-19.30

Tel: 06.90272371

E-mail: libreriabaleniere@gmail.com

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Mondadori Store, the largest network of bookshops in Italy, consolidates its presence in the Capital with the new Mondadori Bookstore in Rome Eur.

The store covers an area of almost 400 square metres distributed over two floors, where readers can enjoy a broad and varied cultural offering, with events, presentations and meetings designed for all ages. Welcoming readers is a team of expert and passionate booksellers, ready to guide the public through a curated catalogue of over 26,000 titles, from great classics to bestsellers, spanning fiction and general non-fiction.

All lovers of reading and entertainment will thus have once again available in the neighbourhood a bookshop that aims to become a point of reference for the community.

“Since back in 2004, with the opening of Mondadori Bookstore Velletri and the subsequent growth of the stores in Lariano, Genzano di Roma, Frascati, Cisterna and San Cesareo, we have nurtured the ambitious project of opening a bookshop in the Capital. Thanks to the trust and support of Mondadori Retail and the collaborative relationship built over the years, we have embarked on this path in one of Rome’s most evocative contexts. After months of work, we are ready to welcome readers into large spaces capable of embracing different genres and to offer a rich programme of events, presentations with authors and initiatives aimed at children, young people and schools.”, declare Aurora De Marzi and Guido Ciarla, Mondadori Store franchisees.

The Mondadori Store bookshop in Rome Eur, located in Viale Europa 88/92, hosts all the latest releases with specific themed areas designed to satisfy the tastes of all readers, such as We are Junior, the space for younger readers, which includes educational games and illustrated books to spark their imagination with the most intriguing stories; Just Comics, the section dedicated to the phenomenon of manga and comic books; My New Romance, the new space dedicated to lovers of the romance universe, one of today’s most popular literary genres; as well as a wide selection of stationery products, toys, gadgets and gift cards.

The Mondadori Bookstore in Rome Eur is at the service of readers online as well: customers can stay updated through the Instagram and Facebook pages. In addition, they can connect with the bookshop through the digital services on Mondadoristore.it to check the availability of a book. The bookshop also offers telephone ordering services for all customers. Included among the services is Zeercle, which allows people to sell their books as well as CDs, vinyls, physical video games, DVDs and Blu-rays, receiving in return a gift card corresponding to the assessed value of the products, to be used in bookshops and on the site mondadoristore.it.

Mondadori Store represents the largest network of bookshops in Italy, with over 500 points of sale spread from major cities to smaller towns. Cultural hubs active throughout the national territory under the Mondadori Bookstore brand, through direct management and franchising, as well as MA Bookstores, in addition to Mondadori Duomo and Rizzoli Milano. Mondadori Store is active online with the e-commerce website Mondadoristore.it and the bookclub formula.

MONDADORI BOOKSTORE

Address: Viale Europa 88/92, 00144, Roma, RM

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9:30-19:30 / Sun 10:00-13:00

Tel: 06.86210832 – 339.7776267

E-mail: libreriamondadoriromaeur@gmail.com

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A major immersive and exclusive event where surprises are never lacking, a unique opportunity to experience up close the protagonists who star in the contemporary scene of music, TV, and cinema: from Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 8, 2026, Superstudio Più in Milan (via Tortona, 27) welcomes the second edition of Il Festival dello Spettacolo, the great event by TV Sorrisi e Canzoni entirely dedicated to the multifaceted souls of entertainment. From Friday’s inauguration at 12:00 PM together with Gerry Scotti, followed by a unique moment with the Artistic Director of the Sanremo Festival Stefano De Martino, the three-day event will open its doors to a high-impact schedule: a continuous experience of previews, interviews, masterclasses, showcases, and meet&greet sessions created to erase the distance between the great icons of the Italian and international scene and their audience. And there will be no shortage of iconic Telegatti awarded, as a surprise, to the Festival’s guests.

Born from the experience of TV Sorrisi e Canzoni, which has always been an essential point of reference for the world of entertainment, the Festival dello Spettacolo stands out for its cross-cutting and inclusive offering, designed to engage families, Gen Z, pop culture fans, cinema, music, TV, and industry professionals. Overcoming the traditional barrier between stage and audience, artists will be involved in interactive dynamics, games, and shared experiences, turning every encounter into an unrepeatable moment.

“The public response last year confirmed how much there is a need for real opportunities to meet and share,” declares Aldo Vitali, Editor-in-Chief of TV Sorrisi e Canzoni. “We are ready to reopen the doors of this great house of entertainment with an even more overwhelming energy. The Festival dello Spettacolo belongs to anyone who loves music, stories on the big screen, or everyday TV: we have curated every single appointment to give kids, families, and enthusiasts three unforgettable days, side by side with their idols.”

From morning to evening, the Festival ainsi consolidates itself as the absolute point of reference for those who want to experience entertainment in the front row. A long weekend where great emotions come to life, transforming Superstudio Più into the most vibrant stage of the year.

THE PROTAGONISTS
There are more than 100 protagonists who will populate the rich schedule of Il Festival dello Spettacolo, a lineup designed to embrace all passions of the public.

From the world of television and news, in addition to Gerry Scotti and Stefano De Martino, there will be Alberto Angela, Caterina Balivo, Paolo Bonolis, Alberto Brandi with Monica Bertini and the Pressing team, Maccio Capatonda, Fabio Caressa and Beppe Bergomi, Gian Marco Chiocci, Antonella Clerici, Carlo Conti, Eleonora Daniele, Andrea Delogu, Gianluca Gazzoli, Gialappa’s Band, Raffaella Griggi, Pino Insegno, Elettra Lamborghini, Samira Lui, Gigi Marzullo, Alberto Matano, Mr. Oro, Luca and Daniela Sardella. Great space will also be given to the most popular judges on the small screen, with the faces of X Factor 2026 (Francesco Gabbani, Irama, Jake La Furia, and Paola Iezzi) closing Friday, November 6, and MasterChef Italia (Bruno Barbieri, Antonino Cannavacciuolo, and Giorgio Locatelli). Completing the picture, the cast of Cortesie per gli Ospiti (Roberto Valbuzzi and Tommaso Zorzi), some of the stars of Il Collegio and The Traitors – Italia 2 (Pasquale La Rocca, Filippo Magnini, Giorgia Palmas, and Giulia Salemi), and the cast of La Domenica Sportiva (Simona Rolandi, Alberto Rimedio, Ciccio Graziani, Lele Adani, Alessandro Antinelli, Alessandra D’Angiò).

Enriching the Festival’s program will be the opportunity for the public to step into the dynamics of TV’s most beloved formats, participating in a series of exclusive experiences and guided workshops. Fans of baking can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Bake Off Italia where, after meeting Brenda Lodigiani and Ernst Knam, they can test their skills by decorating a cake brought from home alongside some of the stars of Bake Off Celebrity Edition. Inventors and creatives will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to Buy It Now – Mai Più Senza, submitting their application for a chance to present their invention live to Gabriele Corsi, Mara Maionchi, and Giorgio Mastrota. Collectibles and antique enthusiasts will be able to step into the shoes of sellers on Cash or Trash, bringing a personal item to have it appraised live by Dr. Alessandro Rosa and Paolo Conticini. There will also be space for services and relationships: for those searching for their ideal home, the agents of Casa a Prima Vista will offer short personalized consultations and advice on the real estate market, while those looking to put themselves out there in love can access castings for Matrimonio a Prima Vista, speaking with experts Nada Loffredi and Giulia Davanzante, or apply for a real blind date managed in the style of Primo Appuntamento with the help of Flavio Montrucchio.

Music will feature prominently with encounters featuring Annalisa, Malika Ayane, Jerry Calà, Cristina D’Avena, Sal Da Vinci, Gianna Nannini, Noemi, and Pooh. The rhythm will rise with Samurai Jay, at the center of a special showcase late Saturday afternoon, November 7, and with Gabry Ponte, who will star in Sunday’s grand finale on November 8, closing the Festival.

For cinema and fiction, appointments with stars of the big and small screen will feature Marco Bocci, Francesca Chillemi, Christian De Sica, Ficarra & Picone, Andrea Lattanzi, Serena Rossi, Claudio Santamaria, Pierpaolo Spollon, Can Yaman, along with actors from Italy’s most beloved soaps, Il Paradiso delle Signore and Un Posto al Sole.

On official social media channels @ilfestivaldellospettacolo and on the website ilfestivaldellospettacolo.it, visitors can discover the official calendar day by day, along with continuous updates and all upcoming surprises.

THE FESTIVAL VENUES
Il Festival dello Spettacolo will come to life across more than 10,000 sqm of Superstudio Più, in via Tortona 27, Milan: an area entirely redesigned to offer an immersive, continuous-flow experience. Pacing the three days will be the event’s three official stages: Sorrisi Arena, Sorrisi Stage, and Sorrisi Club, ready to host talks, masterclasses, showcases, and surprise appointments. Completing the map are the Off Stage area, animated by partner and sponsor stands with dedicated activations; the Glass Box Rai, designed to host meetings and special initiatives with the public broadcaster’s most beloved faces; and the Food Network Food Truck, an area where taste meets entertainment through live events and public meet-ups. Finally, a space dedicated entirely to Geronimo Stilton who, throughout the three days, will star in encounters, meet & greets, and special shows.

CONTESTS AND COMPETITIONS FOR NEW TALENTS
During the Festival days, significant space will be dedicated to promoting young talent thanks to two major initiatives:

• Vertical Music Contest: a multimedia project created in collaboration with Interproject, designed to showcase unreleased tracks through video language. The best talents will have the opportunity to perform on the Festival stage, and the winner will receive a distribution contract with ADA Music Italy.

• Primo Concorso Cinematografico: dedicated to emerging authors and creators of unreleased audiovisual works, aiming to highlight talent and offer concrete visibility opportunities. The competition is divided into three sections: “Frame Stories” (short films), “Opera Next” (feature films), and “Docu Horizon” (documentaries). Category winners will receive an exceptional award during the Festival: the Sorrisi Award.

TICKETS AND ACCESS PROCEDURES
Tickets to access the Festival are available for purchase on Ticketmaster.it, or by scanning the dedicated QR Code on official posters. Admission is paid for everyone over 3 years old.

PARTNERS
R101 – Official Radio Partner of the project. SIAE – Società Italiana degli Autori ed Editori and Ticketmaster (official ticketing platform of the Festival) are confirmed project partners.

The three days of Il Festival dello Spettacolo will be covered on TikTok, Official Entertainment Partner. The TikTok profile of TV Sorrisi e Canzoni (@tvsorrisi) will host exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of the Festival, offering the community a unique perspective.

ActionAid – The partnership as Official Charity Partner of the Festival is renewed again this year, confirming TV Sorrisi e Canzoni‘s commitment alongside ActionAid in promoting and protecting rights, particularly children’s right to education in Italy and worldwide. All Festival attendees can contribute by adding a €2 donation when purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster to directly support ActionAid projects.

DR Automobiles Group is the official car of the Festival and has provided a fleet of vehicles to escort protagonists to the carpet.

Edison Energia – Company of the Edison Group active in electricity and gas sales, Wi-Fi connections, and value-added services for residential customers – will be present with the Energy Café, a new concept store expressing customer proximity in an informal setting. Here, guests can enjoy a coffee, meet an artist, and share stories of energy, innovation, and solidarity.

JOICO is the official hairstyle partner, present backstage to style artists before taking the stage.

TV Sorrisi e Canzoni is the Mondadori Group brand that serves as a point of reference for TV and entertainment lovers, reaching 2.6 million readers every month (source: Audipress 2025/I), 4.1 million website users (source: Audiweb April ’25), and 1.15 million fans (source: IG, FB, TikTok, X, YouTube social insights) through a multichannel system spanning magazine, website, social media, events, and collateral products.

R101 Owned by RadioMediaset – the leading national radio group by listenership, which also includes Radio 105, Virgin Radio, Radio Monte Carlo, Radio Subasio, and Radio Norba – R101 is the family radio: gentle, welcoming, and open, where entertainment is an invitation to feel part of a lively community. Renowned for musical authority, R101 plays the finest Italian and international songs.

Superstudio Più, in the heart of Milan’s Tortona District, is the symbolic space of Superstudio Events: 26 years ago, Milan Design Week started here, and its 10,000 m² venue continues to host major design, fashion, and cultural events, welcoming over 200 events and 800,000 visitors annually.

Ticketmaster is a global leader in live event ticketing, managing over 500 million transactions annually across 37 countries, part of Live Nation Entertainment.

SIAE is a non-profit collective management society protecting the creative work of 125,000 authors and publishers in Music, Cinema, Theater, Radio/TV, Literature, and Visual Arts.

TikTok is the leading destination for mobile video, with global offices including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Singapore, and Tokyo.

ActionAid is an independent international organization working for over 50 years to combat poverty, inequality, and injustice in over 70 countries.

DR Automobiles Group is an Italian automotive group producing and marketing models from 6 brands: EVO, DR, Sportequipe, Tiger, ICH-X, and BIRBA.

Edison Energia is the Edison Group company active in electricity, gas sales, and Wi-Fi connection services for households and businesses.

JOICO®, part of Henkel Consumer Brands, has led the healthy hair revolution since 1975, creating beautiful, healthy hair to boost confidence and share “The ‘JOI’ of Healthy Hair.”

What happens before a story reaches its readers? How is a literary voice born? What encounters, rejections, choices and turning points accompany the journey of a writer? “Esordi”, the new project by Avvenire e Mondadori Store, stems from these questions. A collaboration that brings together two organizations united by the desire to create opportunities for meeting, discussion and cultural exploration, bringing the public closer to stories and the people who make them possible. Avvenire and Mondadori Store thus combine complementary experiences and perspectives, giving life to a project that expands the forms of cultural storytelling, supplementing content with the opportunity to get to know their protagonists up close and what lies behind their journey.

The “Esordi” project offers, from October 2026 to June 2027, eight live events to go behind the scenes of publishing and tell everything that precedes the publication of a book.

Moderating the meetings, which will be held at 6.30 pm at the Mondadori Bookstore Crocetta library in Milan (corso di Porta Romana, 80), will be Eugenio Giannetta, a journalist for Avvenire. Each evening will bring together two guests, an established author and a debutant, called to share the journey that led them to publication, amid rejections, editing, decisive encounters, insights from editors and scouts, awards and magazines.

The appointments will also be live podcasts: the conversations, lasting about an hour, will be recorded live and will become the eight episodes of the video podcast “Esordi”, available on avvenire.it and on the main audio platforms.

The first appointment, titled “Il libro nel cassetto”, is scheduled for Thursday 15 October at 6.30 pm. Protagonists Fabio Geda, author of Cencio (Einaudi), and Maria Ausilia Di Falco, author of Immacolata (Einaudi), to discuss how a publishing idea is born.

Thursday 19 November, also at 6.30 pm, “Il ruolo dell’editor” will be explored, from which the meeting takes its title, with Matteo B. Bianchi, author of La vita di chi resta (Mondadori) and Riccardo Lupi, author of Erba Grama (Accento). A discussion dedicated to a central, and often little-seen, figure in the journey that brings a text to become a book.

The cycle will resume Thursday 14 January at 6.30 pm with “Scrivere ieri, scrivere oggi”. Alessandro Zaccuri, author of Le ombre (Marsilio), and Caterina Villa, author of Misurare il vuoto (Lindau), will compare experiences of different generations to tell what changes and what remains in the journey of those who choose writing.

“Esordi” will then continue, on a monthly basis, on 18 February, 18 march, 15 april, 20 may and 17 june. Among the protagonists of the upcoming meetings, the debutant Domenico de Musso will present his Milano siamo noi (Nottetempo), while Roberta Recchia – author of Tutta la vita che resta (Rizzoli) – and Martina Renna – author of Sciame (Rizzoli) – will dialogue on the theme of “Formarsi alla scrittura”. All other protagonists and themes of the upcoming meetings will be announced over the months on the dedicated landing page (https://mn.avvenire.it/esordi), where it is possible to register for scheduled events.

For more information: eventi@avvenire.it

Avvenire Avvenire is the Catholic-inspired national daily newspaper distributed throughout Italy. With great attention to societal evolution, news, and current economic and international affairs, it stands out for its extensive in-depth analysis thanks to numerous editorials, rich sections of the newspaper and periodic supplements.
Avvenire is today at the heart of a true publishing system that includes, in addition to the daily newspaper, with its supplements dedicated to specific topics, a website with a voice-reading service for articles, reading accessibility for people with disabilities, thematic weekly newsletters, social media with a high engagement rate (Facebook, X, Instagram, Linkedin, YouTube), a podcast channel with dedicated mini series, a WhatsApp channel to receive real-time updates, an App where to consult the digital daily newspaper and all its local (diocesan) editions, the monthly Luoghi dell’Infinito, which covers art, culture and itineraries, a book production, which also includes a series in collaboration with Vita e Pensiero, the current affairs newspaper for children Popotus, unique in the publishing landscape, with wide distribution in Italian primary schools; Pop Up, the current affairs newspaper for young people (11-14 years old) and the cultural supplement Gutenberg.
The 101,698 average daily copies (July 2026 ADS data), the highest percentage of subscribers among all Italian daily newspapers and the trend of growth in circulation, constant and uninterrupted since 2002, demonstrate that readers recognize in Avvenire a very high level of quality, backed by a relationship of trust that few other daily newspapers can boast.
Avvenire Communications Directorate: Debora Spadoni | +39 338 7191513 | d.spadoni@avvenire.it

Mondadori Store represents the largest bookstore network in Italy, with over 500 sales outlets spread from major cities to smaller towns. Active cultural hubs throughout the national territory, under the Mondadori Bookstore brand, in direct management and in franchising, and with the MA Libraries, Mondadori Duomo and Rizzoli Milano. Mondadori Store is active online with the e-commerce website Mondadoristore.it and the bookclub formula.

Milan lights up with curiosity and science with Focus Live, the ninth edition of the Focus festival taking place from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October 2026 at the Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci. This year’s theme is Intelligences, in the plural: an invitation to explore the many ways in which the mind, behavior, technology, and nature produce solutions, learn, communicate, and adapt.

For three days, from morning to evening, Focus Live will bring over 100 events to the stage featuring scientists, researchers, science communicators, sports champions, figures from the world of entertainment, and journalism, with meetings designed to tell science in an accessible and engaging way. The public can follow the appointments on the Main Stage, the Speakers’ Corner, and the Minds’ Corner, as well as enjoy direct experiences in areas dedicated to interactive activities, demonstrations, and workshops. Among the big names taking part in this edition of Focus Live are: Luca Parmitano and Umberto Guidoni, astronauts; Federico Basso, actor; Roberto Battiston, physicist; Paolo Benanti, theologian; Paolo Borzacchiello, author and language expert; Giulia Calogero, marine biologist; Jacopo Cardillo, aka Jago, sculptor; Davide Damiani, creator and radio host; Guido Damini, history communicator; Carola Divu, science communicator; Faso, musician; Mattia Garutti, oncologist; Tommaso Ghidini, ESA executive; Beatrice Marini, cosmetic chemist and trichologist technician; Mike Maric, former freediving world record holder and researcher; Enrico Melozzi, orchestra conductor; Giorgio Metta, scientific director of the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Silvestro Micera, bioengineer; Pietro Mortini, neurosurgeon; Laura Pepe, historian; Enrica Maria Porcari, first Chief Information Officer at CERN in Geneva; Maria Rescigno, immunologist; Pippo Ricci, basketball player; Ruggero Rollini, science communicator; Massimo Tarenghi, astrophysicist; Massimo Temporelli, physicist and science communicator; Filippo Tortu, sprinter; Pablo Trincia, journalist and podcaster. The full program, with links to book free admission (while spots last), is available at live.focus.it/palinsesto.

“With this ninth edition, Focus Live confirms itself as a great open construction site on knowledge” states the Director of Focus, Gian Mattia Bazzoli. “This year we wanted an even richer and capillary schedule: meetings that intertwine science, technology, and psychology, immersive virtual reality experiences, and interactive workshops designed for all ages. The objective remains the one that has always guided our editorial team: to convey the complexity of the changing world with our usual rigor, but in an accessible and engaging language, capable of inspiring wonder in anyone who comes to visit us.”

Focus Live is created in close collaboration with the Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci, cultural partner and co-producer of the program, which offers its historical setting to explore the many ways in which human beings, animals, plants, and technologies think, learn, and find solutions through talks, experiences, workshops, and shows.

All information at: https://live.focus.it.

Instagram: @focus_ita

Facebook: @focus

THE PROGRAM

FOCUS LIVE SPECIAL EVENTS

On the evenings of Friday, October 23, and Saturday, October 24, the Focus Live schedule is enriched with two special events starting at 8:30 PM. On Friday 23, a leap two thousand years back in time will take place together with journalist and podcaster Pablo Trincia, who signs an exceptional event in collaboration with Focus Storia: Caligola e la triade oscura. A captivating investigation into the personality of one of ancient Rome’s most enigmatic emperors, analyzed through traits of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Starting from the accounts of great historians such as Tacitus and Suetonius, the reflection broadens to build a bridge with contemporary power figures.

On the evening of Saturday 24, the room transforms into an interactive arena with the game show Sfida ai… cervelli!. The audience will become an active part of the show, organized into three exceptional teams led by Federico Basso, Davide Damiani, and basketball player Pippo Ricci. With smartphones in hand and brain teasers to solve, the competition will test logic, promptness, emotional intelligence, AI deceptions, and cunningness.

THE MAIN STAGE

Focus Live opens on Friday, October 23 at 10:00 AM, following institutional greetings, with European Space Agency (ESA) Astronaut Luca Parmitano (via video connection) and astronaut and astrophysicist Umberto Guidoni, in the panel Come si pensa in orbita? to explore the perspectives of two different generations of astronauts and stories from their space travels. Space then turns to music and technology with Il violino magico, a multi-voice session bringing musicians, singers, directors, and researchers from the Wearable Robotics Lab at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Pisa onto the stage to demonstrate how a pair of wearable exoskeletons can guide artistic gestures and make two bodies “think together” through live experiments with the audience.

On the main stage, Friday afternoon continues under the sign of creativity with Salvo Di Paola and Nicolò Cuccì, who will reveal the chemistry of animation and secrets of comedy behind the scenes of the animated series Il Baracchino (Prime Video), before giving way to a reflection on health with physician and researcher Silvio Garattini, ready to outline fundamental rules for a long and healthy life in the name of prevention. Next, attention shifts to tomorrow’s technologies: first with the talk L’auto che pensa (in collaboration with BYD), where Alessandro Grosso (Country Manager Italy & Regional Director Italy and Poland at BYD and DENZA) and Professor Sergio Savaresi from Politecnico di Milano will analyze the real boundaries of autonomous driving, followed by neuroscientist Michela Matteoli from Humanitas University, starring in Cervelli in fiore, an overview on taking care of the mind through nutrition, physical activity, and cultural stimulation. Closing the main stage will be Giorgio Metta, scientific director of the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, with a fascinating journey exploring the impact of robots in our daily present and their projections toward 2100.

The schedule for Saturday, October 24 opens at 10:00 AM looking into space with Tommaso Ghidini (ESA) and astrophysicist Massimo Tarenghi (Intelligenze aliene?), moving on to the potential of conscious breathing with freediving champion Mike Maric (Respira, poi pensa). Professor Laura Pepe will guide the audience through metis, the classical cunning of Odysseus compared with AI in the talk titled L’intelligenza classica, while Father Luca Peyron and Friar Marcello Longhi close the morning with a reflection on the social impact of technology. The afternoon starts with a chat with Olympic champion Filippo Tortu in La scienza dello sprint, recounting the intersection between mind and speed, followed by a focus on cancer prevention and microbiota with Mattia Garutti, Maria Rescigno, and Ruggero Rollini (Parliamone di pancia, in collaboration with AIRC). Music and neurosciences meet in the lecture-performance Dalle note ai neuroni, featuring maestro Enrico Melozzi, Faso (Elio e le Storie Tese), and neuroscientist Alice Mado Proverbio. Closing the day will be physicist Roberto Battiston with a realistic analysis of future space projects, physicist and communicator Massimo Temporelli with L’universo in tasca, and writer/pilot Laura Mancuso alongside Marco Iezzi from Museo Scienza e Tecnologia di Milano.

Sunday, October 25 opens with linguistic intelligence expert Paolo Borzacchiello in Usa (bene) il cervello, explaining how hormones, words, and cognitive biases affect our daily decisions. The morning continues with artist and sculptor Jago in a journey inside the art of subtracting material to free form from marble, followed by Fabrizio Maiello’s story of rebirth alongside journalist Marco Cattaneo and philosopher Corrado Sinigaglia, examining how soccer athleticism can reprogram the mind and save a life. Closing the morning on the main stage will be journalist and communicator Paolo Attivissimo with Luna: che ci torniamo a fare?, providing an overview of upcoming crewed missions and technologies for future lunar bases.

The afternoon opens with a focus on neurosurgical frontiers alongside professors Silvestro Micera and Pietro Mortini, followed by a fun pop segment featuring a Star Wars science quiz with Dario Polli and cosplayers from the legendary saga. Space is then given to historical and evolutionary reflections with communicator Massimo Polidoro in Non ha vinto il più intelligente, tracing the origins of Homo sapiens through imagination, luck, and cognitive traps like fake news. The main stage finale is entrusted to La scienza della voce, an event-show curated by renowned phoniatrician Franco Fussi together with vocal experimenter Albert Hera, singer Karima, and tenor Vittorio Grigolo, ready to explore and perform live the extraordinary potential of the vocal instrument.

THE SPEAKERS’ CORNER

The Speakers’ Corner opens on Friday morning, October 23, with botanist Marco Stefano Caccianiga, ready to delve into carnivorous plants in Che genio, quella pianta carnivora!, followed by Corriere della Sera deputy director and 7 director Venanzio Postiglione, presenting an analysis on the weight and meaning of key civilizational words in the panel E tu che parole usi?. In the afternoon, ocean depths take center stage with biologist Roberto Danovaro in C’è vita laggiù?, followed by mental health insights with neurologist Simone Salemme in the panel Il brain training funziona?, clarifying real capabilities of cognitive games for the brain. In the evening, the area opens to major physics themes: first via a special connection from Brussels with Gabriele Veneziano, father of string theory, explaining what came before the Big Bang, followed by computer scientist Paolo Ciancarini, who analyzes the boundary between calculation and actual comprehension through the chessboard metaphor in Scacco matto all’AI .

Saturday’s Speakers’ Corner opens with Tecnologia, cuore e coraggio, where Enrica Porcari, Chief Information Officer at CERN, shares insights on knowledge and data management at the planet’s largest scientific infrastructure. Geneticist Silvia Ghirotto presents a journey discovering early Europeans’ appearances in Come eravamo. The dialogue between technology and biology continues with professors Alex Costa and Andrea Bassi (Piante che si illuminano), illustrating plant-environment communications, followed by computer scientist Paolo Ferragina, who narrates the transition from search engines to generative AI in Dalle biblioteche agli agenti. The afternoon features space weather explained by INAF researcher Paolo Romano, 3D printing applied to personalized medicine presented by Paolo Oliva (Humanitas University), quantum computing exploration with Professor Claudio Giannetti, and an analysis on the future of mountains amidst disappearing snow led by nivologist Claudio Artoni.

Sunday’s Speakers’ Corner schedule opens with Quei cervelloni degli animali, exploring cognitive abilities in the animal kingdom with Professor Monica Battini. Next comes an interactive experiment by European Commission researchers Alberto Guidi and Lorenzo Pirelli (Percezione o realtà?), designed to measure gaps between perception and real statistical data. In the afternoon, bioengineer Maria Chiara Carrozza addresses nature-inspired biorobotics and harmony between humans and machines in Intelligenze in equilibrio, leading into practical guidance by Professor Rodolfo Zunino in Occhio alle truffe on psychological triggers used in social engineering. The final deep-dive features biologist Giulia Calogero and physicist Carlo Guidi in Il cervello dei capodogli, analyzing sea giants’ complex cognitive, social, and emotional capacities.

THE MINDS’ CORNER

The Minds’ Corner program kicks off Friday morning, October 23, with the interactive quiz Intelligenza bestiale, led by Focus journalist Giovanna Camardo and Professor Monica Battini, testing the audience on surprising animal cognitive skills. In the afternoon, physics professor Erik Viotti leads La montagna intelligente, traveling through adaptation mechanisms of nature and alpine flora to challenge and redefine our concept of intelligence.

Saturday opens looking toward the future with Davide Fanciulli (Programme Officer at the UN in Geneva – Beyond Lab), Richard Maydell (Policy Officer at the EU Commission Joint Research Centre), and Nicola Spano (Policy Officer at the EU Commission JRC): in Decidere oggi con gli occhi di domani, the three speakers demonstrate how current choices impact future generations using a decision-analysis prototype. In the afternoon, cosmetic chemist Beatrice Marini tackles consumer awareness in Siamo diventati tutti cosmetologi?, clarifying boundaries between available ingredient data and informed choices.

Sunday at the Minds’ Corner starts with Missione frigorifero, an interactive team challenge curated by food technologist Cristian Panarelli to discover proper food preservation rules and prevent food waste/poisoning through trivia. Next, philosophy professor Nicola Donti presents an ironic comparison between philosophy and tech in Socrate VS ChatGPT, exploring AI’s impact on learning. In the afternoon, political philosopher Marco Solinas examines psychological dynamics behind fake news in L’intelligenza cieca delle teorie cospirative, while science communicator Carola Divù highlights mistake values in scientific discovery during Errori geniali.

KIDS AREA AND FOCUS JUNIOR SHOW

Generous space is dedicated to the Focus Junior Kids Area, expanding across two rooms of the Cavallerizze building. Here, hands-on workshops, robotics, math, nature activities, sponsor-backed science labs, and a large “Games without Wi-Fi” zone featuring brain teasers, mega puzzles, sudoku, and chess matches await children and teens.

Designed for ages 4–13, three days of activities cover manga, writing, natural sciences, and creative entertainment. Stage guests include author Davide Morosinotto, Geronimo Stilton, Marmò, and psychologist Roberta Tessaro.

Friday morning features journalist Vito Tartamella showcasing famous science pranks in Che burloni questi scienziati. Leo Scienza and AIRC then host Piatto ricco (di scienza) mi ci ficco (con coscienza), a theatrical lab on nutrition. Morning activities conclude with Davide Morosinotto’s creative challenge Chi è più intelligente? and Novi Education’s Moonshot project presentation supported by Banca Ifis. In the afternoon, Camilla Buso and Paolo Giancola guide Missione memoria to boost mind capabilities through imagery storytelling.

Saturday opens with a Chinese character workshop by Zhang Yingying (Confucius Institute), followed by a Crea un manga drawing workshop by Ivana Murianni and Federico Freschi. In the afternoon, Faso explores La scienza del baseball, followed by Alice Forte’s animated storytelling, Carlo Resca’s investigative workshop Storie che la sanno lunga, and Marmò & Giulia Mattarella’s musical show Dolcetto scherzetto.

Sunday begins with Leo Scienza’s show Galileo e la scienza delle domande, dog/cat cognition insights by dog trainer Sooad Diab, and a Jay Junior comic workshop with Valentina Venegoni and Sara Vincenzi. Afternoon sessions cover Scratch video game coding with Leone Perfetti, a family smartphone awareness debate with Roberta Tessaro, Geronimo Stilton’s ecology guide in Missione acqua!, and the grand interactive show finale Tutti pazzi per la scienza by Leo Scienza.

THE PLANETARIUM

Curated and hosted by science communicator and planetarist Nino Ragusi, Planetarium sessions begin Friday morning, October 23, with Le orse con la coda (night sky navigation guide), followed by Pianeti, lune e comete. Afternoon proections feature L’astronomia nell’arte, Nato sotto il segno dell’Ofiuco (astronomy vs. astrology distinctions), and the animated short La regata spaziale.

Saturday morning repeats constellation navigation and solar system explorations. Afternoon projections feature Persi in mezzo al mare (celestial navigation techniques), Nebulose, galassie e ammassi (stellar life cycles), and a return of Nato sotto il segno dell’Ofiuco.

Sunday opens with Le orse con la coda and Nato sotto il segno dell’Ofiuco. Afternoon screenings showcase L’astronomia nell’arte, Nebulose, galassie e ammassi, and conclude with Persi in mezzo al mare.

THE CAVALLERIZZE

Science leaves the stage and lands directly on interactive tables. Through headsets, microscopes, simulators, and small robots, research centers transform spaces into hands-on laboratories. Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna showcases AI-analyzed chess and an inclusive VR rowing simulator, while Gruppo Astrofili di Cinisello welcomes visitors into a 6-meter inflatable planetarium. The European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) hosts daily relays covering non-animal testing, tire impacts, behavioral biometrics, dual-use tech, and nuclear safety. Electronic recycling labs by SmontoLab, practical geology by Università degli Studi di Milano, ecosystem AI sounds by Bicocca, satellite cyberattack stress tests by Politecnico di Torino, DNA biological investigations by Human Technopole/AIRC, medical simulations by Humanitas University, edible batteries by IIT, Da Vinci AI dialogs by Università Cattolica, and BYD robotic displays round out the experiential journey.

OUTDOOR AREA

Three outdoor experiences feature automotive, simulation, and space innovation. BYD showcases the Dolphin G DM-i model. Orbitix & Moon VR Experience offer an immersive virtual reality moon landing simulation. The Italian Air Force welcomes guests with a mobile flight simulator inside a real cockpit.

GUIDED TOURS AND WORKSHOPS BY MUSEO NAZIONALE SCIENZA E TECNOLOGIA LEONARDO DA VINCI

On Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, the Museum enriches the Focus Live 2026 lineup with guided tours and practical activities. Visitors can explore the Leonardo da Vinci Galleries (ages 9+), the Space Area (ages 8+), sustainability systems in ILAB Sustainability (Everything is connected, ages 9+), digital art in ILAB Digital Steam (Interactive images, ages 9+), early-childhood nature labs in PLAYLAB (Explore Playlab, ages 3–6), and VR tactical missions on Mars in the Virtual Zone (THE TOUCH, ages 16+).

FOCUS LIVE PARTNERS

Main Partner: BYD, Eni

Partner: Alice Ceramica, Banca Ifis, Barilla, Humanitas University, Jordan Oral Care, Pedrali

Content Partner: AIRC, Federchimica, Fondazione Fair, ILIAD, Mondadori Education, Opera San Francesco

Technical Partner: La Lucerna Educational

Cultural Partner: Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia

From October 7 to 11, 2026, our Group publishing houses are participating in the 78th edition of the Frankfurter Buchmesse, the landmark event for international publishing (https://www.buchmesse.de/en).

A key event where publishers, literary agents, and professionals from all over the world meet every year to negotiate translation and publication rights for top-selling titles across various countries.

We will be located in Hall 3.1 with Mondadori, Giulio Einaudi Editore, Rizzoli, Sperling & Kupfer, Piemme, Frassinelli, Star Comics, De Agostini Libri, Silvio Berlusconi Editore, Mondadori Electa, Fabbri Editori, and UTET.

From startup accelerator to open innovation hub and strategic partnerships. Just under a year after the launch of the Call for startup 2026, PLAI today presented the first results of its evolution and the progress of projects developed using AI, capping a journey that began three years ago and has led to the overall scouting of over 1,600 innovative companies.

Speaking about this transformation, which translates into the opportunity for high-impact startups to collaborate with the Mondadori Group, were Antonio Porro, Chief Executive Officer of the Mondadori Group, and Stefano Argiolas, Chief Executive Officer of PLAI and Chief AI Officer of the Group, during the PLAI IMPACT CONFERENCE held today at PwC Tower with the participation of some of the main players in the AI sector and prominent figures from the hi-tech industry.

“In three years of activity with PLAI, we have evaluated more than 1,600 startups, screening a vast number of innovative projects that have allowed us to gain a privileged perspective on the artificial intelligence market. We have invested in around 20 companies, examples of excellence including, for instance, AD cube, a startup specialized in AI applied to advertising, which we brought inside our Group,” stated Antonio Porro, Chief Executive Officer of the Mondadori Group. “Today, our commitment takes a further step forward: we have developed an evolved PLAI model, more functional and integrated which, in addition to being a startup accelerator, has also become an open innovation tool capable of generating even greater value within the Group’s business units. Our intention is to continue investing in this sector. We believe it is important to be present on this frontier of innovation, while keeping our publisher values firmly grounded,” Porro concluded.

“PLAI evolves, but remains faithful to its original vocation: serving as a strategic observatory on AI innovation. We have entered a new chapter at full speed, offering the most promising startups the opportunity to collaborate ever more closely with the Mondadori Group, triggering a virtuous exchange between the potential and creativity of more structured entities and our Group’s know-how and organizational solidity,” explained Stefano Argiolas, Chief Executive Officer of PLAI and Chief AI Officer of the Mondadori Group. “This model rests on the projects and results that have accompanied PLAI’s growth over these years. Our Call for startup is always open, and we are ready to discover the next technological excellences that will shape the future of the sector,” Argiolas concluded.

STARTUP PROJECTS AND NEW INVESTMENTS Over recent months, based on solution value, maturity level, and strategic fit with the Mondadori Group, PLAI identified three new startups that presented their projects today:

• Hi Twin: an AI platform, in which PLAI has just finalized an investment, designed to create “virtual models” (digital twins) of real users to test messages, creative assets, and communication campaigns while delivering real-time audience insights;

• Tuduu: a B2B food-data infrastructure, with which PLAI and the Mondadori Group are evaluating a strategic collaboration, connecting nutrition, food, and e-commerce into a single API-first platform, providing ready-to-customize branded tools that easily integrate into client systems for nutritional data analysis;

• Wordlift: an AI discovery platform for brands, with which discussions are currently underway to finalize a collaboration, useful for transforming and organizing enterprise data into intelligent “data maps” and web-recognized codes, making a brand’s products and content more visible and understandable for search engines and AI assistants.

AI APPLICATIONS IN THE MONDADORI GROUP Evidence of PLAI and the Mondadori Group’s evolution in the AI sector also includes projects integrating artificial intelligence tools developed directly within the business units. Among them stand out:

• Reprint Management: predictive model to optimize book reprint orders and management, reducing waste along the supply chain. Active since October 2025 in internal adoption and monitoring, the AI tool was developed by Mondadori Libri together with Olivia, a successful startup from the PLAI 2024 batch;

• Tutor AI: a tool comprising AI assistants integrated into digital textbooks, designed by the Group’s Education area to support students in daily learning and teachers in creating lesson plans, active since September 2025;

• Studenti+: a new section within Studenti, Mondadori Digital‘s leading brand in digital education, accessible via registration, designed to enhance every student’s potential through personalized pathways and AI-empowered tools;

• Good Choice: a project by GialloZafferano, Mondadori Digital‘s number one food media brand in Italy, expanding its culinary editorial offering with new AI-based services designed to guide users in making more conscious grocery shopping choices.

THE IMPACT OF AI IN PUBLISHING: THE MARKET SCENARIO The PLAI IMPACT CONFERENCE was also an opportunity to assess the state of the art in AI. Highlights included contributions from Matteo Flora, entrepreneur, communicator & professor AI and SI security, and participants in the panel discussion titled “Sharpen your vision of the future“: Luigi Bianchi, Innovation Leader, Fastweb + Vodafone; Alessandro Conca, GTM Director, ElevenLabs; Luisa Damiano, Full Professor, Logic and Philosophy of Science, IULM University; Antonio D’Ortenzio, Solutions Architect Manager, AWS Italia.

During the conference, the report “From experimentation to adoption: how to industrialize AI through Open Innovation“, produced by PwC Italia and PLAI, was also presented, analyzing the relationship between the publishing sector and artificial intelligence. The data shows that publishing represents an advanced area of AI experimentation and adoption: in Italy, 39% of companies in the sector use at least one artificial intelligence technology, compared to 16% on average among Italian businesses. More specifically, a survey conducted in 2025 by the Research Office of the Italian Publishers Association (AIE) among 97 publishing houses highlights that 75.3% use AI tools in their processes. The most widespread applications concern drafting paratexts and metadata (67.1%), creating covers and illustrations (50.7%), and editing, proofreading, and translation activities (49.3%). The report also reveals a progressive shift in focus from content generation alone toward process automation and efficiency. In the survey conducted within the Mondadori Group regarding organizational maturity in artificial intelligence, 88% of respondents identified process automation among the most promising AI applications for their area over the next 12 months, followed by advanced data analysis (63%); content generation stood at 13%.

PLAI thanks the partners who decided to stand alongside the project: Amazon Web Services (AWS), ElevenLabs, Fastweb + Vodafone, I3P – Incubator of Politecnico di Torino, IFAB – International Foundation Big Data and Artificial Intelligence for Human Development, Multiversity Group, PwC Italy, Startupbootcamp, StartupItalia.

PLAI is the Mondadori Group’s startup accelerator supporting AI-driven startups with the aim of transforming innovative solutions into concrete entrepreneurial projects, fostering integration between technology, market, and real industrial contexts. It operates as an open innovation and industrial collaboration platform, offering selected startups the opportunity to develop PoCs, co-development projects, and application initiatives in synergy with the Mondadori Group and its ecosystem. Active in Early-Stage and Growth phases, PLAI selects and invests in Italian and international startups, providing capital, corporate expertise, and access to real use cases, with flexible and tailor-made support focused on value creation and concrete solution adoption.

PLAI’s Call for startup 2026 is open all year round: the Mondadori Group accelerator continues to actively evaluate new ventures, innovative solutions, and further collaboration projects for the future. All information and the application form are available at: https://www.plai-accelerator.com/call-2026/

Starting this week Chi, the most read people magazine in Italy, is enriched with new exclusive signatures and personalities from the world of television, entertainment and information, with brand new columns and stories to discover.

The new features of Chi will be presented during the evening event, which will be attended by great guests and faces of entertainment, taking place on Thursday, October 1st at the Manzoni Theatre in Milan.

«Starting from this issue, our magazine changes: not so much in appearance, as in substance. Graphically, it remains what it has always been: elegant, colorful, with the most beautiful photos and the most current scoops. What changes, instead, is the narrative language. A language that must necessarily look to the future, while remaining within the tradition that in thirty years of life has made Chi not only a mirror of Italian society, but a brand that is now part of our daily lives. The celebrities you love will no longer be just images on a page, but voices that will speak directly to you. Prestigious signatures, famous personalities that you have come to know on television or on the pages of Chi, join our team, not to be interviewed, but to sit down and write with us, to curate columns, to make our pages even more alive and authentic», declared Massimo Borgnis, editor of Chi.

Among the prestigious signatures that enrich the magazine starting this week stand out:

• Cesara Buonamici, who curates the current affairs column «4 chiacchiere tra BuonAmici», an intimate and authoritative look at the events of the week;

• Antonella Clerici, with «Pensieri stupendi», dedicated to lifestyle, family and positive daily life;

• Alessia Marcuzzi, who enriches the magazine with «Sì, viaggiare», a visual diary among iconic destinations and style tips, which in the relaunch issue features London as the protagonist;

• Benedetta Rossi, with the column «Fatto in casa per Chi», focused on recipes and practical advice;

• Gianluigi Nuzzi, who signs the space «Segreti&Delitti», dedicated to in-depth analysis, from major crime cases to behind-the-scenes of investigations and the value of human storytelling;

• Dario Maltese, who meets the key personalities of entertainment and culture;

• Giuseppe Candela, who intensifies his presence on the magazine, pairing gossip tidbits with exclusive interviews with entertainment protagonists.

Among the magazine’s new features are also “Chi’s Novels”, a series of stories dedicated to all fans of the most beloved personalities in the entertainment world. The initiative retraces the lives, successes and lesser-known sides of the stars who have most influenced gossip and lifestyle in our country. After the stories of Belen Rodriguez, Stefano De Martino, Chiara Ferragni and Al Bano, in this week’s issue of Chi, a two-part monograph on Fedez, with all the behind-the-scenes details about his successes, his vulnerabilities and his rebirth.

MULTI-PLATFORM STORYTELLING GROWS

The new features of Chi are part of a continuously expanding multi-platform ecosystem that reaches a total audience of over 3 million contacts. The website www.chimagazine.it confirms itself as an essential point of reference in online entertainment information, with scoops, exclusive photos, behind-the-scenes details and previews of newsstand releases on the most beloved personalities.

The brand’s digital offer is completed by its presence on social platforms: among these, the Instagram account @chimagazineit stands out, which with nearly 900 thousand followers is the number one profile in Italy in the People/Vip segment, with a community that in August alone generated over 100 million views between scoops and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

THE CELEBRATION EVENING AT THE MANZONI THEATRE IN MILAN

The new features and continuous evolution of Chi will be at the center of the exclusive invite-only event taking place on Thursday, October 1st at the Manzoni Theatre in Milan, which will see the participation of top clients, entrepreneurs and beloved entertainment faces. To celebrate this important milestone, the evening will be accompanied by an excellent gastronomic experience curated by Vicook, culminating in the cutting of a spectacular celebratory cake signed by Da Vittorio. Accompanying the toast will be Comte de Montaigne Champagne, an exclusive partner that has always supported Chi in its most significant events, and MARTINI, which will surprise guests with a selection of Spritz created specifically for the event. At the end of the evening, special gifts for guests signed by Dr Kleein, Lovrén and Velym Haute Parfumerie.

Chi thanks the prestigious partners who have chosen to support the magazine in creating this special evening and whose valuable contribution made this event possible:

• Comte de Montaigne Champagne, which confirms its historic collaboration with Chi by accompanying the evening’s toast, and MARTINI, which will delight guests with a selection of Spritz and classic cocktails created for the occasion;

• Vicook will curate an excellent gastronomic experience for the guests, and Da Vittorio will sign a spectacular celebratory cake;

• DR KLEEIN will gift event guests with a selection of beauty products, dedicated to skin care and beauty;

• Lovrén with a special makeup gift for guests;

• Velym Haute Parfumerie will be present with its “Discovery Sets” and an expert from the maison to guide each guest in choosing the ideal fragrance.

The advertising sales for Chi are managed by Piemme Spa, the exclusive advertising agency for Mondadori Media brands.