The Edinburgh International Television Festival is the essential annual event for everyone working in television. Shaping the future of our industry by debating the key issues of the day, the Festival opens doors to learn from the best in the business and build relationships within the TV community. Engaging, vibrant and fun, EITF is a sociable experience that celebrates success and is committed to the development of new talent.

Founded in 1976 and now in its 31st successful year the Festival is held annually over the August bank holiday weekend (25th - 27th August 2006) at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

Featuring prominent industry voices the Festival is packed with over 50 individual sessions covering the most pertinent issues facing the industry from policy to programme making.

The wide ranging programme involves keynote lectures, preview screenings, masterclasses, interviews and networking parties which make for a stimulating Festival weekend.

Keynote speakers for 2006 include Al Gore, Luke Johnson and Rageh Omaar.
The Festival is attended by over 1,900 UK and international delegates representing the full spectrum of the industry including controllers, commissioners, producers, directors, marketers, new media companies, distributors and press.

MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival Fast Track is a unique series of informal masterclasses on broadcasting, production and career direction with the very best in current industry expertise. It also gives free access to the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival.

40 people are selected to attend this prestigious event every year. Fast Track is open to anyone working in the television industry with between 2 to 4 years' experience. This year Fast Track runs from 23rd - 28th August 2006.

Previous Fast Track programmes have boasted masterclasses from Dawn Airey, Greg Dyke and Queer as Folk Producer Nicola Shindler.