FIPP World Media Congress 2025 – Attendee Pack

21–23 October | Círculo de Bellas Artes, Madrid, Spain

Welcome to Congress!

¡Hola! and welcome to the global gathering for media innovators, disruptors, publishers, strategists, storytellers and those who dare to ask “What’s next?”

This year’s Congress is not just any Congress – it is also a centenary celebration! 100 years of pushing boundaries, building communities, and imagining better futures for the media. Madrid 2025 marks a milestone, and YOU are right in the heart of it.

A few quick thank-yous from the FIPP team: thank you for being here, for bringing your ideas, and for making it more than just another event. 

Now, let’s make it unforgettable!

THE ESSENTIALS

Venue
Círculo de Bellas Artes
Calle de Alcalá, 42, 28014 Madrid, Spain
A look at the venue 

Registration and badge collection
Starting from 3pm, Tuesday 21st October (until 5.30pm)
Then 8am on Wednesday 22nd October

Use the apps!

Join Conversation Starter – build your schedule, connect with other attendees and meet your next collaborator, client…or a karaoke partner?

Download Wordly app – need info

Hashtag

Share your experience  #FIPPCONGRESS2025

Dress code

Smart casual always works. Think: comfortable, but ready for paparazzi.

PROGRAMME AND FORMAT

Sing up for workshops! Only 35 seats are available at each one.

Tuesday 21 October — Setting up

• Registration from 15:00
• Welcome Evening hosted by Hearst – at Museo Chicote from 7pm (please tell us if you will be joining us > HERE)

Wednesday 22 October — Full Day of Sessions

• Morning Pugpig Trotters Run Club –  07:00, meet near registration
• Registration open from 08:00
• Big ideas, practical takeaways, and panels you’ll remember
• ¡Hola! Night – glamour, media, city views
  

Thursday 23 October — Final Day

• Morning Pugpig Trotters Run Club – same time, same shoes
• Closing keynotes & forward-looking sessions
• FIPP’s Centenary celebration
• Wrap-up, hugs, and goodbyes

Can’t be in two places at once?

All sessions will be available to ticket holders to stream online – usually within hours. So whether you’re double-booked, deep in conversation, or out enjoying a croqueta (we get it), you won’t miss a thing.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Arriving in Madrid

Fly into Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. From there:

• Taxi to the city centre: ~20–30 mins, set price 30 – 33 Euros
• Metro Line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios (then connect)
• Express bus to Cibeles (convenient for central hotels)

Local transport

Madrid’s metro and bus system are efficient and easy to navigate. Buy a multi-day travel card or use contactless payments.

Power up

Plug type: Type C / F (two round pins)
Voltage: 230V

Bring an adapter if you’re not from continental Europe. No one wants to attend a panel with 3% battery.

Charging tables will be available throughout the venue.

Currency

Spain uses the Euro.

Payment Tips:

Contactless is king. Most places – restaurants, taxis, museums, even market stalls – accept tap-to-pay with cards or mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.).
Cash: Rarely essential, but useful for small purchases or in some traditional spots.
ATMs: Widely available across the city. Just watch out for high-fee machines – stick with bank-branded ones like CaixaBank, Santander, BBVA.
Tipping: Appreciated but not expected. Round up the bill or leave 5–10%.

WHAT TO PACK

• Your favourite conversation starters
• Layers: Madrid is sunny, but October can surprise you
• Headphones 
• Comfortable shoes (there are lifts, but there are also many stairs)

What not to pack

• Business cards: Hello Conversation Starter!
• Notepads and pens – thanks to a couple of our dear event partners
• Translator – we have a Wordly for that – download here

Food, Drink, Dining Customs

Lunch – often starts after 1pm (lunch will be served at the venue during Congress days)

Dinner – usually not before 8pm

Tipping – not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated

Dietary needs? We’ve got you. Vegetarian and vegan options will be available as standard.

WEATHER WATCH

Expect pleasant autumn weather: 15–22°C / 59–72°F

Mostly sunny with crisp mornings. Pack a jacket for the evenings, especially if you’re heading out for churros late at night (which we highly recommend).

We’re no meteorologists though, so please do keep an eye on the weather channels in the days leading up to Congress.

WHILE YOU’RE IN MADRID

Don’t just come for Congress. Soak up the grand city:

• El Prado Museum – For art lovers
• Parque del Retiro – For peace (or paddle boats)
• Gran Vía – For theatre, shopping, and a little drama
• Mercado de San Miguel – For bites, beers, and people watching
• Royal Palace of Madrid – For grandeur and great selfies
• Lavapiés or Malasaña – For neighbourhood vibes, indie cafes, and late-night energy

Coming solo?

If this is your first Congress or you don’t know anyone yet, don’t stress. Get yourself up on Conversation Starter. We’re a friendly group, and you’re in the right place to make meaningful connections.

Got questions?

Look for anyone in a FIPP lanyard or simply visit the registration desk – they’ll know how to find us. We’re here to help.

SEE YOU IN MADRID!

Bring your ideas. Bring your curiosity. Bring the sunglasses too.

Let’s shape the future of media, together.

#FIPPCONGRESS2025