The Economist | Every year for twenty-five years, The Economist has published The World in…, a collection of trends and predictions about the year ahead. Journalists from The Economist and leaders in business, government and a wide variety of fields — from Bill Gates to Angelina Jolie, from Nicolas Sarkozy to the Dalai Lama, from Michael Bloomberg to Eric Schmidt — step out on a limb and make bold predictions about their fields of endeavour and the events that will shape our lives in the near future.

Predicting the future is a hazardous affair, but over the years The World in… has given readers a rich feast of ideas about what’s on the horizon.

On December 1-3 2011, The Economist will host the third annual World In Festival, timed with the publication of The World in 2012 publication. Over the course of this 3-day event, a select group of engaged Economist readers will be immersed in debate, discussion and interactive activities with the editors of The Economist, guest writers for The World in 2012, and special guests. From high-powered speakers on pressing economic, business, and political matters to experts on cultural trends, artists and musicians, the summit will be a feast for the intellect and an opportunity to frame the year ahead with people who will move the headlines.

For over 165 years, The Economist has traded on two ideas — insight and optimism. At The World In 2012 event, participants will have the opportunity to share in a unique experience that only The Economist can create — and to share their views and ideas about what will shape the months ahead.