It-ER Ambassador Labs

The first it-ER Ambassador Labs of the year have successfully taken place across the region, marking an important step in building and supporting local communities of international talents and Italian professionals returning from abroad.
These Labs are a key activity of the it-ER International Talents Emilia-Romagna programme, designed to foster networking, peer support and collaboration among students, researchers and highly skilled workers.
Organised with municipalities, universities and territorial stakeholders, the Labs offer informal learning opportunities, space for community building and the chance to co-design small local initiatives.

Bologna – 9 November 2025

Organised by ART-ER, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Bologna for Talent and with 27 international university students, the first it-ER Ambassador Lab of the year was held in Bologna as part of the Step & Connect initiative.
The session opened with an introduction to the it-ER International Talents Emilia-Romagna programme and the it-ER Ambassador project, giving participants an overview of the opportunities available within the regional talent community.

An interactive icebreaking activity followed: each participant received a card with a conversation prompt designed to stimulate spontaneous interactions. By exchanging cards and discussing the questions, students engaged in dynamic and informal networking.

The meeting concluded with an invitation to join the it-ER Ambassador Day 2025, along with opportunities for one-to-one discussions with ART-ER staff.

Cesena – 28 November 2025

Cesena4Talents, with the support of ART-ER, organized the second Ambassador Lab at Atelier CreaViva, featuring a Ceramics Workshop dedicated to international talents currently in Cesena for study or work.
The session combined hands-on creative activity with networking, offering participants a shared experience that fostered connection and community. A presentation of the it-ER Ambassador project introduced participants to the role of ambassadors and the opportunities to get involved in strengthening the local talent community.

Ferrara – 3 December 2025

In Ferrara, on the 3rd of December Laboratorio Aperto Ferrara, the Municipality of Ferrara and Ferrara Talent PlayGround (FETP), with the support of ART-ER, organized the third Ambassador Lab at Laboratorio Aperto Ferrara, bringing together international students, professionals and local stakeholders in an informal and welcoming setting.
The meeting included a convivial activity aimed at helping newcomers connect with one another and learn more about the it-ER Ambassador network and the opportunities it offers.

Upcoming event: Forlì – 11 December 2025

The next it-ER Ambassador Lab will take place in Forlì and will be dedicated to a hands-on Romagna piadina cooking workshop—an opportunity for participants to meet other talents in the area while discovering a local culinary tradition.
As with all Labs, the session will also provide space to learn more about it-ER services and the role of it-ER Ambassadors.

Building a growing regional community

The Ambassador Labs held so far demonstrate the strong interest and enthusiasm for inclusive, practical, community-oriented activities across the region. The programme will continue throughout 2025 and 2026.