ImprovFestivals.orgAIN 2026 Global Conference
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | October 22-25, 2026 |
| Location | Rimini, Italy |
| Language | English |
| Organizer | Applied Improvisation Network |
| Website | appliedimprovisationnetwork.org |
| Applied Improvisation Network | |
| @applied_improvisation_network |
Overview
The AIN 2026 Global Conference is the annual gathering of the Applied Improvisation Network, a non-profit organization founded in 2002 that brings together practitioners who apply improv techniques to business, education, therapy, and other non-theatrical contexts. The 2026 edition takes place on the Adriatic coast in Rimini, Italy, at the Hotel Ambasciatori.
Themed "The Art of Being Human," the conference celebrates spontaneity and creative presence in a world focused on optimization, drawing inspiration from Italy's Commedia dell'Arte traditions. The program includes keynote sessions, 90-minute workshop blocks, Open Space sessions, performances, and community games. Pre-conference Learning Journeys run October 21-22.
Headliners
Two keynote speakers have been announced for the 2026 conference:
Lucia Berdini is a Play Coach, trainer, speaker, and facilitator. She is the founder of Playfactory, a World Laughter Ambassador, and a TEDx Speaker whose talk "Playing is serious business" has reached global audiences. She works with companies, schools, and communities on creativity, cooperation, and joy.
Daniele Cassioli is a 28-time world water ski champion, blind since birth, with over 100 gold medals. He is a certified life coach and professional trainer who works with organizations including EY, Barilla, and Vodafone. In 2019 he founded Real Eyes Sport, a nonprofit introducing children with visual impairments to physical activity, and is the author of two books on resilience and emotional intelligence.
Submissions
The conference accepted proposals for workshops and presentations from community members. The submission window closed June 30, 2026 (extended from the original June 1 deadline). Proposers will be notified of decisions by July 15, 2026.