MarTe, the underwater lamp designed by Pietro Stocchi
The Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples returns for its 47th edition, reaffirming its position as one of the most important events on the international stage.
21-26 August 2026
Rimini Expo Centre
From 21 to 26 August 2026, Rimini becomes a vibrant hub for debates, exhibitions, performances and encounters, fostering open dialogue among people from different cultures, faiths and disciplines.
The theme of the 2026 edition, “The love which moves the sun and other stars”, is taken from the final verse of Dante’s Divine Comedy and invites reflection on the value of relationships, dialogue and shared responsibility as drivers of growth and innovation.
The theme addresses the challenges of our time by promoting dialogue among people, institutions and businesses, with the aim of helping to build a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Acea is taking part in the Rimini Meeting with a stand featuring an architectural structure inspired by the shape of a drop of water. The exhibition space uses images and videos to showcase projects, activities and initiatives that reflect the company’s commitment across the different areas in which it operates, placing water at the heart of the experience as a resource to understand, protect and enhance.
This year, at the 2026 Rimini Meeting, Acea’s Heritage Museum presents a story that perfectly reflects the theme of this edition: “The love which moves the sun and other stars”.
It is the story of MarTe, the underwater lamp patented in the mid-20th century that revolutionised monumental lighting.
Conceived by Pietro Stocchi – who combined technical expertise with a genuine passion for art – the invention was born out of a profound gesture of love, its name blends the names of his children, Marco and Teodora.
Today, MarTe is not only a masterpiece of Italian technology and design, but also a symbol of how creativity, driven by a spark of dedication and beauty, can preserve and enhance the Rome’s timeless heritage, casting history – and its monumental fountains in particular – in a new light.
MarTe, the underwater lamp designed by Pietro Stocchi
At the stand, visitors can also learn about Acea Scuola – Water Education projects: a wide range of initiatives designed to promote understanding of the integrated water cycle, water resource protection and the adoption of sustainable behaviours aimed at primary and lower secondary school students and teachers and, from the 2026-2027 school year, also at upper secondary schools.
The exhibition space also features multimedia content and in-depth information on Acea’s core activities – from water services to public and artistic lighting, as well as the circular economy – offering visitors an experience that showcases the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development.
During the Rimini Meeting, “Ah₂O! L’Acqua di Roma” ("Ah₂O! The Water of Rome") cartons containing water from the springs of the Peschiera Capore will be distributed to visitors at the Acea stand, highlighting the value of a vital resource that Acea delivers to people's homes every day through careful and sustainable management.
The role of the Mediterranean in the global energy context
with Raffaele De Marco, Chief Executive Officer at Areti
24 August, 15:00
Sala Conai A2
In collaboration with Compagnia delle Opere
Massimo Derchi, Chief Infrastructure Operations, Engineering & Construction Officer Snam; Fabrizio Iaccarino, Head of Institutional Affairs for Italy at Enel; Agostino Inguscio, Coordinator - UNDP Rome Centre for Climate and Energy Transition; Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Italy's Minister of Environment and Energy Security; Flavio Villa, Country Managing Director Hitachi Energy; Francesca Zarri, Head of the Italian Region at Eni. Moderator: Giuliano Frosini, Professor at Luiss Business School
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a severe crisis in global oil supply, bringing the Mediterranean back to the centre of energy geopolitics. Thanks to its infrastructure, industrial expertise and diplomatic ties with other countries, Italy aims to become an international hub. The country has projects under way as well as long-standing delays. This session brings together decision-makers, those who deliver projects and those who manage them to discuss intermodality, priorities and a long-term vision.
The link between energy and artificial intelligence: costs and benefits
with Giulia Giacometti, Head of Operations at Acea Acqua
24 August, 19:00
Arena Cdo C1
Attendees: Vincenzo Colla, Vice-President of the Emilia Romagna Region with responsibility for the Economic Development and the Green Economy, Energy, Vocational Training, Universities and Research; Maurizio Delfanti, Professor in Electric Systems for Energy at Politecnico di Milano; Italo Moroni, Executive Director Energy & Utilities Engineering. Moderator: Felice Vai, Vice-President Compagnia delle Opere.
AI can boost productivity, improve the efficiency of industrial processes, optimise consumption and reduce waste, but these benefits come with very tangible material costs related to energy, data centres, infrastructure and water use. This session offers a balanced analysis of the costs and benefits of AI, avoiding both uncritical enthusiasm and purely alarmist interpretations. The discussion will focus on an essential question: what benefits does artificial intelligence actually deliver? What costs does it impose on energy systems and local communities, and what public criteria are needed to assess its overall sustainability?
For over forty years, the Rimini Meeting has welcomed major international figures, including politicians, managers, artists, intellectuals and athletes, who have gathered in the city of Rimini to b and worldviews.
The idea of the Rimini Meeting took shape in the late 1970s thanks to a group of friends from Rimini who, driven by the desire to meet, learn, and explore, worked to bring to light all that was stimulating and interesting in the culture of the time. After its first edition in 1980, the event – now called the “Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples”- has become a global reference point, a crossroad of different people and cultures, where dialogue is the main vehicle to ensure not only peaceful but also successful coexistence among peoples.
We look forward to seeing you in Hall A5 - stand S12 at the Rimini Expo Centre.
Rimini Expo Centre
via Emilia, 155
47923 Rimini
tel. 0541 783100