FIPP Congress 2025 arrives in Madrid, celebrating global media and a century of innovation

The FIPP World Media Congress kicks off today in Madrid, bringing together hundreds of media leaders, publishers and innovators from around the world to celebrate FIPP’s centenary and explore the future of international media.

Festivities begin on Tuesday evening with welcome drinks hosted by Hearst Magazines at the legendary Museo Chicote, a venue with stories as rich as the city itself. On Wednesday, The FIPP Congress officially opens at the Circulo de Bellas Artes, one of Madrid’s most iconic cultural venues, marking the start of an extraordinary two days of collaboration, ideas and connection.

Sponsored by the City of Madrid and Comunidad de Madrid and organised in partnership with ARI, the Spanish Magazines Association, this year’s Congress underscores Madrid’s growing reputation as a global centre for creativity, innovation and cross-cultural dialogue.

FIPP CEO Alastair Lewis said: “Madrid is the perfect host for this, our milestone year; it’s a city that mirrors the media industry’s values, creativity, and cultural depth. And with delegates attending from almost 50 countries – all focused on reimagining how we connect, engage, and build sustainable media businesses for the next century – this Congress, as well as being a celebration of 100 years of FIPP, promises to be the most international and future-focused in FIPP’s history.”

Across two stages and multiple panels and networking sessions, the Congress will address the most pressing topics in contemporary media, including:

• The future of media: how to stay relevant and innovative in a time of disruption.
• AI and human creativity: using technology without losing trust or originality.
• Winning attention: what really keeps audiences engaged within a noisy digital ecosystem.
• Fresh ideas: lessons from the new generation of digital creators.
• Trust and truth: rebuilding public confidence in an age of misinformation.

As part of FIPP’s 100-year anniversary celebration, the organisation will unveil a special commemorative magazine, ‘100 Years of Magazines’, celebrating a century of media innovation, sponsored and printed by UPM. This publication features industry milestones, archival photography and exclusive insights from top global media experts reflecting on the past, present and future of publishing.

Delegates will also enjoy an extensive social programme alongside the sessions. Highlights include a cocktail evening on the rooftop terrace of Circulo de Bellas Artes sponsored by ¡HOLA! magazine, with panoramic views across the city and the perfect atmosphere for networking and celebration.

Andrés Rodriguez, President of ARI, said: “Never in history has the magazine business had the opportunity to reach such a wide audience. Never in history have the brands that lead communities been in such high demand. The world of content and magazines is living in a golden age, and its potential is immense from an intellectual standpoint. Here in Madrid, we Spanish magazine editors are very proud that FIPP has chosen us as the hosts of its centenary celebration. The world is a great magazine. From Madrid to heaven.”

For more information on the FIPP World Media Congress, visit fippcongress.com. Make sure to sign up to our FIPP World newsletter to get all the coverage directly in your inbox.