November 4-6, 2026
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
The 2026 Marconi Awards Gala & Institute Forums brings together global leaders in industry, academia, and policy for three days of expert dialogue, executive convening, and recognition. Below are answers to the most common questions about the program. If you don’t see your question here, please contact us at info@marconisociety.org — we’re happy to help.
ABOUT THE EVENT
What is the Marconi Awards Gala & Institute Forums?
The Marconi Awards Gala & Institute Forums is the Marconi Society’s flagship annual gathering — a multi-day program that combines expert convening, executive dialogue, and the recognition of pioneering achievements in information and communications technology. Across three days, leaders from industry, academia, and policy come together for keynote talks, panel discussions, networking, and the Marconi Awards Gala honoring the year’s Marconi Prize recipient, Institute Leaders, and Paul Baran Young Scholars.
Is this a conference or a gala?
It is both. The program is structured as a multi-day conference featuring the Internet Resilience Expert Forum, the AI and Advanced Wireless Executive Forums, and a full day of combined Institute Forums — culminating in the Marconi Awards Gala on the final evening. Think of it as three days of expert dialogue, executive convening, and recognition: less lecture hall, more TED stage.
When and where will the 2026 event take place?
The 2026 Marconi Awards Gala & Institute Forums will be held November 4–6, 2026, at the Fairmont San Francisco, located at 950 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108.
Who attends the Marconi Awards Gala & Institute Forums?
Attendees include senior executives, researchers, policymakers, regulators, technologists, and academic leaders working at the frontier of wireless, AI, and Internet resilience. The audience spans industry CTOs and CEOs, university deans and faculty, government and regulatory leaders, civil-society organizations, and the next generation of researchers represented by our Paul Baran Young Scholars.
What is new for 2026?
For the first time, our 2026 program features a full day and a half of combined Institute Forums — bringing all three tracks (Internet Resilience, AI, and Advanced Wireless) into a single room around our shared themes of Trust & Safety, Infrastructure & Energy, and Internet Resilience. We have also expanded the Executive Forums and added new signature programming, including:
- A Fireside Chat with the 2026 Marconi Prize recipient
- A Young Scholars Panel showcasing emerging research
- A Deans Panel focused on workforce development
PROGRAM & FORUMS
What are the Institute Executive Forums?
The Executive Institute Forums are the heart of the program — three tracks led by the Marconi Society’s Institutes. They are by invitation only.
The Advanced Wireless (AW) Executive Forum addresses the evolution of wireless infrastructure, spectrum strategy, and global connectivity.
- The Internet Resilience (IR)Expert Forum examines systemic vulnerabilities in the Internet’s operational environment and how to strengthen them.
- The AI Executive Forum explores AI’s transformative role in global systems, infrastructure, and leadership.
What are the three themes for 2026?
All Forums and discussions center on three interconnected themes that define how modern communications systems are built, sustained, and trusted at scale:
- Trust & Safety: How do we build and maintain trust in the systems, algorithms, and networks that billions of people depend on every day?
- Infrastructure & Energy Transformation: How do we build, power, and sustain the massive physical and digital infrastructure that next-generation connectivity demands without resulting in global disruptions?
- Internet Resilience: How do we ensure the Internet remains open, trustworthy, and functional in the face of escalating disruptions for every person who depends on it?
What is the difference between an Expert Forum, a Combined Forum, and an Executive Forum?
Each format serves a distinct purpose:
- Expert Forums (such as the Internet Resilience Expert Forum) are in-depth working sessions for technical and policy experts focused on a specific Institute’s areas of focus.
- The Combined Institutes Forum is a full-day program that brings all three Institutes together for cross-sector dialogue around our shared themes. This forum is open to the media and the public
- Executive Forums are invitation-only sessions for senior executives and decision-makers, designed for candid strategic conversation. They follow the Chatham House rule.
Why are the Executive Forums invitation only?
The Executive Forums are designed to facilitate frank, off-the-record conversations among senior leaders working on specific strategic challenges in AI and wireless. Limiting the room creates space for the kind of exchange that typically does not occur in larger settings.
How can I be considered for an Executive Forum invitation?
Please contact Marina Pappas at mpappas@marconisociety.org.
What kinds of sessions can I expect?
The program features a variety of session formats, including:
- Expert Forums and the Combined Institutes Forum
- Executive Forums (by invitation)
- A Fireside Chat with the Marconi Prize recipient
- Young Scholars and Deans Panels
- Networking receptions throughout the program
- The Marconi Awards Gala
Will there be networking opportunities?
Yes. The program includes three signature networking moments: a Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening, a Networking Reception on Thursday evening, and the Sponsor & VIP Reception preceding the Gala on Friday. Networking is also built into Forum breaks and meal periods throughout the program.
Can I attend the Gala only?
Yes. A Gala-only registration option will be available. The Marconi Awards Gala on Friday, November 6, includes a reception, dinner, and the awards ceremony honoring the year’s Marconi Prize recipient, Institute Leaders, and Paul Baran Young Scholars.
Will sessions be recorded or livestreamed?
The sessions will not be recorded or livestreamed but an annual report is published at the end of the year.
REGISTRATION
How do I register?
Registration will open in June 2026. More information coming soon!
What is included in registration?
Full conference registration includes access to the Institute Forums, the Combined Institutes Forum, all networking receptions, and the Marconi Awards Gala. Gala-only registration includes the Friday evening reception and awards ceremony only. The Executive Forums are by invitation only and are not included in standard registration.
Are there discounts for academics, students, or government attendees?
Yes, if you become a member of the Marconi Society you will receive a discount on your registration.
Can I transfer my registration to a colleague?
Invitations are non-transferable.
VENUE, TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS
Where is the Fairmont San Francisco?
The Fairmont San Francisco is located at 950 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108, atop Nob Hill in the heart of the city. It is approximately 30 minutes from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and 35 minutes from Oakland International Airport (OAK), depending on traffic.
Is there a discounted room block at the Fairmont?
Room block code coming soon!
What is the dress code?
For the Institute Forums and daytime sessions, business or business casual attire is appropriate. For the Marconi Awards Gala on Friday evening, the dress code is formal / black tie optional.
Will meals be provided?
Yes. Full conference registration includes lunches during Forum days, evening receptions, and the Gala dinner. Dietary restrictions and preferences can be noted during registration.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. The Fairmont San Francisco is accessible. If you have specific accessibility requirements or accommodations needs, please contact us in advance and we will be happy to assist.
What about transportation and parking?
[Placeholder: please add parking, rideshare, and public transit details.]
SPONSORSHIP
How can my organization sponsor the event?
We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities at multiple levels, each with distinct visibility and engagement benefits across the program. Sponsorship is a meaningful way to align your organization with the Marconi Society’s mission and engage with senior leaders across AI, wireless, Internet, academia, and industry.
What is included in sponsorship?
Sponsorship benefits vary by level but typically include logo placement, attendee passes, recognition during the program, and opportunities to engage directly with attendees. A full sponsorship prospectus is available on request.
Who can I contact about sponsorship?
Please contact Flora Tromelin at ftromelin@marconisociety.org for more information.
PRESS & MEDIA
Is press credentialing available?
Yes. Members of the press may apply for credentials in advance of the program. Please include your outlet, role, and intended coverage.
Who do I contact for media inquiries?
Please contact Yeimidy Lagunas at ylagunas@marconisociety.org.
Can attendees share photos or content from the event?
Attendees are welcome to share photos and reflections from the Institute Forums and the Gala. Please tag the Marconi Society and use the official event hashtag. Please note that the Executive Forums are off the record; sharing content from those sessions is not permitted.