Foresight Practitioner Conference 2026

Successes and Failures in AI Forecasting Implementations

📍 Bruges, Belgium

📅 2–3 March 2026

🏛 VIVES University of Applied Sciences, Bruges

The Foresight Practitioner Conference brings together business leaders, forecasting practitioners, and leading researchers to critically explore the state of forecasting practice — with a strong focus on AI-driven forecasting.

Hosted by the International Institute of Forecasters (IIF), the conference is deliberately small (<100 participants), creating space for in-depth discussion, peer learning, and meaningful exchange between research and practice.

Why Attend?

• Learn best practices in forecasting months before they appear in Foresight: The International Journal of Applied Forecasting

• Engage directly with leading practitioners, researchers, and industry experts

• Take part in a highly interactive format with panels, case-based sessions, and small-group discussions

• Connect with organizations that are translating forecasting advances into real business value

The conference also features the IIF Award for the Impact of Forecasting in Practice, recognizing organizations that demonstrate measurable value from applied forecasting.

Core Focus Areas (2026)

AI-Based Forecasting

• Forecasting in the age of AI and the need for rigorous evaluation

• Human-in-the-loop approaches

• AI forecasting in logistics, supply chains, and air cargo

• Integrating forecasting with inventory and operational decisions

Industry-Specific Forecasting

• Demand planning and revenue impact

• Forecasting governance and bias in pharmaceuticals

• Forecast accuracy versus business impact

• Agentic AI and operational forecasting in global shipping

Research–Practice Bridge

• Translating forecasting research into applied value

• Publishing in Foresight

• Preview of the International Symposium on Forecasting (ISF) 2027

Special Features

• AI-Based Forecasting Panel with industry and academic leaders

• 2026 IIF Forecasting Practice Competition, awarding $10,000 to the winning team

• Special guest appearance by Spyros Makridakis, founder of the M-Competitions

Practical Information

• Early bird and regular registration available

• Registration includes conference access, meals, and social events

• Travel and accommodation arranged independently