Volume down. Dialogue up.

The next edition of the b° future festival will take place from October 1-3, 2026.

The b° future festival creates time and space for anyone and everyone who wants to rethink journalism. It blends an industry conference with a civic festival for a unique three-day event in the heart of Bonn that revolves around one key question: What kind of journalism does our society need today and in the future?

Recap 2025
Partners

Three b° future festival team members pose on the Münsterplatz in their team gear

Become a Volunteer at b° future festival!

Support the festival team, experience inspiring conversations, and enjoy exclusive access to all festival venues and events. Become part of a unique festival for journalism and constructive dialogue. Apply now until August 7 and join us!

More information and how to apply

Festivalbesuchende auf dem Münsterplatz, mit Aussteller und Ballons im Hintergrund

Join the Conversation - get your festival pass now!

Meet the people behind the ideas, projects, and debates shaping the future of journalism. With a festival pass, you’ll gain access to exclusive deep dives, networking events, and festival evenings.

More details and how to purchase

What struck me most was the intentional spirit behind the festival. It doesn't just ask what journalism is; it asks for whom, why and how. It encourages stepping outside familiar circles, engaging with new perspectives and embracing constructive forms of debate.
Yasmina Al-Gannabi, Senior Audience Development Manager, Deutsche Welle

This was the b° future festival 2025

A photogpraph of a speaker sitting on a yellow chair

Recap

"Real journalism. Real people." Under this slogan, around 700 journalists and media professionals from 37 countries, along with thousands of visitors from the region, gathered in the heart of downtown Bonn.

Five takeaways

Program

Many thanks to all the speakers who held practical workshops, constructively critical panel discussions, and inspiring talk that explored the question of how journalism can better serve people.

The program

Opening speech

Nina Fasciaux, the director of partnerships and fellowships at the Solutions Journalism Network, gave a moving opening speech titled "Journalism is a Profession of Care and Connection." You can download the text here.

Keynote

b° future podcast

Innovations in the media industry, new perspectives and constructive conversations – that's what the b° future festival is all about. And you can find it all in the b° future podcast. Episodes are released in German or English.

Listen here

Aftermovie b° future festival 2024

Partners

A selection of additional supporters and partners

Become a partner

By supporting the b° future festival, you associate your brand with democracy, diversity and dialogue. A partnership demonstrates your commitment to a positive future and your stance against hate and disinformation.

Become a partner now