The events, organised by the World Association of Newspapers, are expected to draw more than 1,500 newspaper publishers, managing directors, CEO, chief editors and other senior newspaper executives at a time when the newspaper industry is focused more than ever before on multimedia expansion.

The events, to be held from 1 to 4 June, are expected to build on the record-setting attendance of the past two years: 1,600 from 108 countries last year in Cape Town, South Africa, and 1,700 from 112 countries in Moscow, Russia.

"Sweden has always had a flourishing, leading edge media marketplace. The multi-media activities of its press groups are among the most advanced in the world," said Timothy Balding, CEO of the Paris-based WAN. "In addition to embracing innovation, Swedish newspapers are among the world's great defenders of press freedom. And the Swedish people are among the world's most ardent newspaper readers."

The theme of the 61st World Newspaper Congress reflects the changing nature of the industry - "Newspapers: A Multi-Media Growth Business." Print publications remain the core activity of press companies, generating most of their profits and providing resilient to increasing competition from other information channels. At the same time, digital media are allowing newspapers to significantly extend their audience and revenues.

How best to exploit the multi-media opportunities now open to newspapers will be at the heart of the programme.

The theme of the 15th World Editors Forum is "The Integrated Newsroom: Why, How and When". Many newspapers have begun the process of integrating print and online operations, while others believe that maintaining separate newsrooms is a more efficient model in the digital age. The Forum will help editors-in-chief choose the formula that best fits their audiences.

Full details of the evolving business programmes for both the Congress and the Forum, the exhibitors in the Expo, as well as an outstanding array of social events, exhibitions and more, can be found at www.wansweden2008.com.

First confirmed speakers for the Congress include: Joe Webb, Deputy Managing Director of the Irish Independent; I. Venkat, Board Director of Eenadu in India; Tim Bowdler, Chief Executive of Johnston Press in the United Kingdom; Giorgio Valerio, General Manager of RCS Quotidiani in Italy; and Christian Van Thillo, Chairman of De Persgroep in Belgium.

Sponsors for the events now include Volvo, Holmen Paper, SAS, Bonnier, and the Stampen Group.