Volume down. Dialogue up.

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?

The next edition of the b° future festival will take place from October 1-3, 2026. Tickets for journalists will be available starting April 1, 2026.

Call for participation 2026 - join us!
Recap 2025
Partners

A tent on Münsterplatz, with lounge chairs set up in front of it.

Apply now for a free public tent!

For the b° future festival 2026, we are offering up to two tents free of charge in the public festival area on Bonn's Münsterplatz.

More information and how to apply

Call for participation - apply by April 30, 2026

A significant part of the festival program will be curated through the call for participation. Our goal is to reflect the diversity present in the journalism and media landscapes, from traditional newspapers to TikTok channels. All contributions should connect to our core themes: human-centered journalism, innovation and constructive dialogue.

Call for participation

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

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

Become a funding partner. Enable dialogue.

As a supporter of the b° future festival, you place your brand in the context of democracy, diversity and dialogue. With your participation, you demonstrate a commitment to a livable future and take a stand against hate, incitement and disinformation.

Become a funding partner now

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.