The 26th World Route Development Forum
Milan, Italy • 10 – 12 October 2021
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Virtual • 18 – 20 October 2021
Why Milan?
Milan is Italy’s fashion and financial capital that is home to the country’s main stock exchange, big businesses like Alfa Romeo, Giorgio Armani and Prada, and a flourishing start-up scene. The shopping experience offered by Milan is unique in its kind with a great number of stores available in a relatively small city centre. Discover high-end luxury boutiques in Montenapoleone fashion district and Vittorio Emanuele Gallery or vintage and casual boutiques in Via Torino, Corso di Porta Ticinese and Corso Buenos Aires. Milan has a priceless cultural patrimony: the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, the Castello Sforzesco, the Duomo Cathedral and the Scala Theatre are just some of the world-renowned attractions that belong here.
Milan is at the heart of the Lombardy region. With more than 10 million inhabitants, Lombardy is one of the most populated regions in Europe and the most prosperous in Italy. The region’s GDP per capita remains among the highest on the continent thanks to its long-standing industrial strengths. Set between the Alps and the flow of the Po river, Lombardy is graced with enchanting landscapes and scenery, such as the stunning Lakes Garda, Maggiore, Como and Iseo. The region boasts an astounding 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than 300 museums and a rich culinary tradition, making it the perfect place for both active and cultural adventures.
With 345 global destinations served directly from its three airports - Malpensa, Linate and Bergamo - the city is one of the most well-connected and easily accessible in the world. Welcoming more than 120,000 delegates each year, the city has been positioned as a premier location for international conferences.
World Routes will showcase the growth and economic strengths of Milan and the surrounding Lombardy region. As hosts of the 2026 Winter Olympics, the home of one of the largest convention centres in Europe and previous EXPO 2015 hosts, Milan is a thriving international metropolis and the perfect destination for the 26th World Route Development Forum.
Business Destination
Milan is an international financial hub and the Italian innovative business capital, home of 4,700 multinational companies and over 2,000 startups. It accounts for nearly one third of all foreign-invested firms in Italy and it hosts Italy’s stock exchange headquarters.
Trade Fair and Conference
Milan is a never-ending business hub. From Fashion and Design to automation engineering, in Milan you can find a business event for every discipline and field.
University and Research
Every year, Milanese universities welcome around 200,000 students, of which 20,000 are foreigners and score excellently in international rankings. In continental Europe, Politecnico di Milano ranks first for Arts & Design and third for Engineering and Technology.
Accessibility
Milan is the centre of Italy's northern transport network and the most connected Italian city with the rest of the world. Served by three international airports - Malpensa with more than 28 million passengers, Linate and Bergamo - and a high-speed rail network linking the city to major Italian and European centres, you will find that getting to Rome, Zurich or Venice takes less than three hours and only four hours to Paris.
Getting Around
Milan's sustainable transport ensures you can easily reach every destination in the city. Tram and metro are the most popular alternatives to private cars. Milan has four metro lines (M1 Red line, M2 Green line, M3 Yellow line and M5 Lilac line) plus an underground railway system called Passante Ferroviario which connects the city to its suburban towns. In addition, you can choose from different sharing services available in Milan: car sharing, bike sharing and scooter sharing.
Milan Attractions
Milan is rich in art treasures and unmissable events to discover. Did you know that in Milan there is a "Sistine Chapel" or that exhibitions of international relevance are organised every year at the Palazzo Reale? Enjoy the experience of a lifetime in the city that does not disappoint.
Discover Lombardy Region
The Lombardy region features natural treasures of great charm, alongside an artistic and cultural heritage of great value. Thanks to its beautiful mountains, lakes, parks and nature reserves, a patrimony of over 300 museums, works of art and monuments scattered throughout the region, Lombardy accounts for over 41 million overnight stays by tourist and visitors each year.
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