Good morning lovely people,
Two personal notes before I share my top picks of the week.
1️⃣ We are hosting our very first community event this Sunday - a mix of movement and socializing. Hope to see some of you there 😊
2️⃣ I owe you an apology. Last week I shared this event, which turned out to be a scam. Given that the last issue spoke quite a bit about scams this is both ironic and embarrassing. I’ve reported it to Eventbrite but they don’t seem to care because I still see the organizer “hosting” more events. How to find out that an event might potentially be a scam (before you show up and are met with a confused venue manager)? - If the organizer has listed an identical event on the same day & time in multiple locations, you will likely be sponsoring someone else’s party.
If you, like me, got scammed I’m very very sorry 🙏🏻
On the bright side, the venue they chose for the fake event had an insane view…and obnoxious pricing, as these two tend to go together.
🗓️ Upcoming Events
Business, Tech & Innovation
MartechNEXT Milan ( Tue May 12, 10am-3pm).
Full-day martech conference with Scott Brinker and Frans Riemersma. Case studies, AI strategy, practical application for marketers - mix of English and Italian.
Post-Technical Data Practitioner - Impulses and Conversation (Tue May 12, 6:30pm)
Two talks in one evening: Davide Posillipo on what comes after the technical phase for data practitioners, and Rachel Berryman on a Stoic framework for data scientists. Niche, but seems sharper than the usual "AI is changing everything" circuit.
DRINK&DEAL! - ( Wed May 13, 7pm)
Exclusive founder-investor aperitivo by B Heroes. One founder per company, one investor per firm - application required. If you're building something and haven't been to one yet, worth applying.
Public Speaking & Leadership by Toastmasters - (Mon May 18, 7:15pm)
Milan's only all-English Toastmasters club. Prepared speeches, table topics improv, candid feedback. I’ve been a member of the club a few years ago, can attest to the lovely crowd.
Community & Networking
Beach Volley & Spritz: Milan Internationals - ( Sun May 17, 3:30 - 6:00pm)
This is our very first community event! Hope to see some of you there 😎
Speed Friending in English (Tue May 12, 7:30 - 11:00pm)
Speed dating format but for making friends - meet new people in a more organized and structured way than the usual come-whoever-whenever-aperitivo.
Core & Strength Workout + Community Meet-Up ( Thu May 14, 6:15 - 8pm)
English-language core & strength class with Madison, followed by a social. Optional coworking from 3PM if you want the full day. Note: the Eventbrite ticket is an org fee only - book your actual gym class separately on Thriom's site.
5+1 hosted by Frab's (Thu May 14, 6:30 - 10:30pm)
Pittogramma's recurring format helping graphic designers under 35 yo connect with studios and deepen their knowledge through exchange with fellow professionals.
Culture & Entertainment
Dancing Aperitivo - Rooftop Edition (Wed May 13, 7PM).
R&B, Hip Hop, Neo-Soul on the nhow rooftop with DJ Faber Zee. Last summer's format is back. 25+
Aperitivo Festival 2026 - (Fr May 15 to Sun 17)
Only in Italy, I swear - a 3 day festival of aperitivo! Count me in 😅 Multiple stations with cocktails/mocktails, wine, spirits, food pairings, DJs, and live acts. 18+
Wellness & Hands-on
Sunset Yoga (Mon May 11, 7:15PM, Parco Sempione).
60-minute outdoor class in English with certified instructor Ozzy. Intermediate level - if you're a beginner, check out weekend dates. Exact meeting point shared via WhatsApp after booking.
Hands in Clay - Ceramics Workshop (Sat 3–5:30pm)
Drop-in ceramics with no fixed project - you decide what to make and get guidance. All materials included, two firings per piece. Multiple dates (Thursdays and Saturdays are in English)
OASI Morning Club ( Sun May 17, 9am - 7pm, Via Guascona 60)
Morning-to-sunset club format. Breakfast from 9AM, free drinks until noon, party until evening. €10 entry + €5 mandatory membership at the door. Note: wallet/token verification required to register - sort that out before you show up.
🏙 What’s Happening in the City
Monday May 11 is gonna be tough for people flying in or out of Italy - EasyJet cabin crew are striking 10AM–6PM, ATC workers are walking out at Rome, Naples, and Cagliari, and Malpensa has a separate strike window from 1-5PM. → The Flight Club
4AM, a Swiss tourist, and the king of Italy - a man in an "altered state" climbed the statue of Vittorio Emanuele II in Piazza del Duomo and apparently tried to unseat the king. Police talked him down; he was taken to hospital. Nobody hurt. Good reminder not to take mushrooms alone. → ANSA
Over 2,300 families couldn't get a public nursery place in Milan this year. Municipal nurseries published their 2026-27 rankings and the waitlists are long. Private accredited alternatives run €500–700/month; more exclusive ones go up to €800+. If you have a child under 3 and haven't applied for next year yet, you're already behind. → MilanoToday
Milan is becoming the "new Dubai" - and it's your rent that's paying for it 🥲. The influx of ultra-wealthy residents is accelerating as Gulf instability grows and London loses its tax edge. Property prices are up 38% in five years; Milan overtook Venice as Italy's most expensive city in November. The flat-tax regime (€300k/year on all overseas income, regardless of how much you earn) has tripled its registrations since 2017. For everyone else, this is the structural reason your landlord raised the rent. → Wanted in Milan
Milan residents now spend close to half their income on housing - The EU's recommended threshold is 30%. Milan is now in London territory looking at the cost of living/average salary ratios. → The Local
💼 Work Opportunities for English Speakers
Klarna - Senior Python AI Engineer
International School of Milan - Head of English
DOLCE&GABBANA - Global Retail Training Specialist
Mytheresa - Team Lead English Product Copy
DOLCE&GABBANA - e-Catalogue Specialist
That's it for this week. If you're flying this Monday, much patience. If you're going to the rooftop on Wednesday, save me a spritz. And if you spot the next fake event before I do, please tell me.
A presto, Irina
