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 are the Marconi Awards Gala & Institute Forums?
The Marconi Awards Gala & Institute Forums are the Marconi Society’s annual event. This multi-day program combines expert convening, executive dialogue, and recognition of achievements in information and communications technology. Across three days, leaders from industry, academia, and policy come together for keynote talks, panel discussions, and networking. The week concludes with the Marconi Awards Gala, honoring this year’s Marconi Prize recipient, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Institute Award recipients, and Paul Baran Young Scholars.
Is this a conference or a gala?
It’s both. Over two days, the program features the Cross-Sector Institute Forum, the Internet Resilience Experts Forum, and the AI and Advanced Wireless Executive Forums, culminating in the Marconi Awards Gala on Friday evening.
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, 950 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108.
Who are the 2026 honorees?
Robert Calderbank, 2026 Marconi Prize, for contributions to voiceband modems, space-time coding, and quantum error correction
John L. Hennessy, Lifetime Achievement Award, for a sustained commitment to using technology and education in service of others
Institute Award recipients:
- David Bray, Excellence in Artificial Intelligence
- Pierrette Renée Dagg, Leadership in Internet Resilience
- Hamid Jafarkhani, Innovation in Wireless Communications
2026 Paul Baran Young Scholars: Malek Itani, Atsutse Kludze, and Yiwen Song
Who attends?
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’s new for 2026?
For the first time, the program features a day-and-a-half Cross-Sector Institute Forum. It brings all three Institutes (Advanced Wireless, Artificial Intelligence, and Internet Resilience) into a single room around our shared themes of Trust & Safety, Infrastructure & Energy, and Internet Resilience.
PROGRAM & FORUMS
What does the schedule look like?
View the full schedule of events here.
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: How do we build, power, and sustain the physical and digital infrastructure that next-generation connectivity demands, without causing global disruptions?
- Internet Resilience: How do we ensure the Internet remains open, trustworthy, and functional for everyone who depends on it, in the face of escalating disruptions?
What’s the difference between the Cross-Sector Forum, the Experts Forum, and the Executive Forums?
Each format serves a distinct purpose:
- The Cross-Sector Institute Forum brings all three Institutes together for a day and a half of cross-sector dialogue around our shared themes. It is open to registered attendees and the media.
- The Internet Resilience Experts Forum is an in-depth, closed-door working session for technical and policy experts. Participation is by invitation and application.
- The AI and Advanced Wireless Executive Forums are invitation-only sessions for senior executives and decision-makers, designed for candid strategic conversation. They follow the Chatham House Rule.
What do the Executive Forums cover?
- The AI Executive Forum explores AI’s transformative role in global systems, infrastructure, and leadership, including the future of work and physical AI at the edge.
- The Advanced Wireless Executive Forum addresses the evolution of wireless infrastructure, spectrum strategy, and global connectivity, including non-terrestrial networks and intelligent wireless networks.
How can I be considered for an Executive Forum or the Experts Forum?
The AI and Advanced Wireless Executive Forums and the Internet Resilience Experts Forum are now at full capacity. To be added to the waitlist, please contact us at info@marconisociety.org. We’ll reach out if a space becomes available.
Will there be networking opportunities?
Yes. Networking moments include:
- The Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening
- The Institute Awards Reception on Thursday evening
- The Gala Networking Reception on Friday evening
Networking is also built into Forum breaks and the Networking Luncheon on Thursday.
Can I attend only the Gala, or only the Forums?
Yes. You can register for the Forums, the Gala, or both:
Registration | Includes | Price |
Cross-Sector Institute Forum & Institute Awards Reception | A day and a half of cross-sector dialogue bringing together all three Institute tracks (Internet Resilience, AI, and Advanced Wireless) plus Thursday evening’s Institute Awards Reception | $395 |
Marconi Awards Gala | The Marconi Society’s signature celebration including the Marconi Awards Gala Reception, dinner, and awards ceremony | $500 |
Marconi Community Sponsorship | Logo or name recognition, plus two seats at the Marconi Awards Gala | $2,500 |
Prices shown are standard rates. Marconi Society members receive a discounted rate.
For more information about the Community Sponsorship or other sponsorship opportunities, please contact Flora Tromelin at ftromelin@marconisociety.org.
Will sessions be recorded or livestreamed?
Sessions will not be recorded or livestreamed. A summary of key insights is published in the Marconi Society’s annual report at the end of the year.
Will there be photography at the event?
Yes. Photographers and videographers will be capturing the event, including short onsite interviews with speakers and attendees. By attending, you agree that photos and video may be used in Marconi Society materials. If you’d prefer not to be photographed, please let a staff member know at registration.
REGISTRATION
How do I register?
Registration is open! Register here.
Please note: Gala registration closes Monday, November 2.
What’s included in registration?
- Forum registration includes the Wednesday Welcome Reception, Cross-Sector Institute Forum, Thursday Networking Luncheon, and the Institute Awards Reception.
- Gala registration includes the Friday Marconi Awards Reception, dinner, and the awards ceremony.
- The Executive Forums and the Experts Forum are by invitation only and are not included in standard registration.
Are there discounts for academics, students, or government attendees?
Yes. Marconi Society members receive a discount on registration. Learn more about membership here.
Can I transfer my registration to a colleague?
Registrations and invitations are non-transferable. If you can no longer attend, please contact us at info@marconisociety.org.
Where do I check in?
- Forum registration: Thursday, 8:00 AM–7:30 PM, and Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, in the Venetian Room Foyer
- Gala Check-in: opens Friday at 4:30 PM in the Terrace Room Foyer, where you’ll receive your table assignment
VENUE, TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS
Where is the Fairmont San Francisco?
The Fairmont San Francisco is at 950 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108, atop Nob Hill in the heart of the city. It’s about 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?
Our room block has closed. For availability, please contact the Fairmont directly at 415-772-5000.
What is the dress code?
- Forums and daytime sessions: business or business casual
- Marconi Awards Gala: black tie optional
Will meals be provided?
Yes. Forum registration includes coffee service, Wednesday welcome reception, Thursday Networking Luncheon, and evening receptions. Gala registration includes the Gala dinner.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. The Fairmont San Francisco is accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us in advance, and we’ll be happy to help.
What about transportation and parking?
Fairmont San Francisco offers valet service or alternatively self parking is located in the connected garage with an entrance on Powell Street at California Street.
How can I share my experience on social media?
Follow and tag the Marconi Society on LinkedIn and use the official event hashtag #MarconiGala2026 and #MarconiInstituteForums
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.