Planning for Perugia

Of all the things I did last year, attending the International Journalism Festival (IJF) was undoubtedly one of my favourites. If you haven't come across the event before, it's basically the Glastonbury of the journalism world. Minus the mud.

Held in Italy, in the medieval hilltop city of Perugia, the IJF is the largest and most influential media gathering in Europe. So, think spectacular scenery, ancient architecture, dreamy pizzas, plenty of Prosecco (or Aperol Spritz, depending on your preference) and a bunch of journalists trying to figure out what the future of the industry should look like. What's not to love?

Well, in my case, maybe not quite so much bussing it to Stansted, to get there on the cheap, and then only travelling with one piece of hand luggage to save the cost of a suitcase. I fear I may yet live to regret this decision. But, hey ho, such is the life of a freelance journalist.

In any event, the programme this year looks especially enticing - and particularly packed – with well over 200 sessions from which to choose. Just as well then that most of them are live-streamed and recorded for later viewing. This also means that everyone, whether attending the festival or not, and wherever they are in the world, can enjoy the panels too.

I won't arrive myself until late on the Thursday night, alas, but among the sessions I'm most looking forward to this year are...

• Climate in context: covering the climate crisis in a fractured world
• Going independent: how journalists are building audiences and growing businesses across the world
• Bringing readers back: real-world tactics for combatting news fatigue
• Free expression and the future of information regulation online
• Mistakes, setbacks and unfulfilled expectations: an honest f*ck-up session

Then there's all the "side events" – the other things that happen beyond the panels themselves - and not least the book launch of my friend and SFJ colleague Pete Carvill. Following his acclaimed debut release, Death of a Boxer, his new book, A Duel of Bulls: Hemingway and Welles in Love and War, tells the story of the friendship between Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles. A few of us SFJ'ers will be meeting up for a drink afterwards, so if anyone fancies joining us, let me know.

In fact, if anyone is in Perugia in general and would like to catch up for a coffee or just say hello, that would be lovely too. While all the panels and side events are great, an equally important part of the festival is just getting to hang out with other journalists. 

The serendipitous encounters are another one of its special joys. Those unexpected conversations that spark new ideas - and sometimes even new friendships. I can't wait to see what's in store for this year.

* The International Journalism Festival takes place in Perugia from Wednesday April 9 to Sunday April 13. All the events are free to attend. www.journalismfestival