08:30 - 11:30

Board and committee meetings

Sanoma House, Töölönlahdenkatu 2, Helsinki

This morning is dedicated to private INMA meetings, including the Europe Division Board and the Product & Tech Initiative Advisory Council.

11:00 - 12:45

Registration and welcome lunch

Pikku Finlandia Convention Centre

Pick up your registration credentials over lunch before settling into an afternoon of conference sessions.

12:45 – 13:15

Conference welcome and introductions

Pikku Finlandia Convention Centre

Welcome to INMA’s 51st European News Media Conference where European media executives talk to peers from across the continent. Hear from our co-moderators how the European media story is playing out in 2024-25 and what new story the Helsinki conference will tell.

Petteri Putkiranta

President, INMA Europe Division, and President, News & Feature, Sanoma Media, Finland

Katharina Neubert

VP Strategy & Investments, Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, Germany

Nick Petrie

Digital Director, The i Newspaper, United Kingdom

13:15 - 13:45

Navigating the future: unveiling the landscape of media trends

In this opening keynote, we delve into the dynamic landscape of media trends worldwide and where Europe fits into that storyline. In this session, we will navigate through the challenges, illuminate the opportunities, and unveil the potential pitfalls shaping the future of media in this ever-evolving region. The presentation will include key conclusions from the recently completed CEO roundtable in Colorado that will be revealed for the first time. Stay tuned for valuable insights that promise to enrich our understanding of the media industry's path forward.

Earl J. Wilkinson

Executive Director and CEO, INMA

13:45 - 14:15

AI unleashed: Transforming the media landscape through technology and storytelling

As we continue our exploration of cutting-edge topics, our second speaker takes the stage to unravel the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the media landscape. Get ready to embark on a journey into the intersection of technology and storytelling, as we delve into the profound impact AI is making on content creation, distribution, and audience engagement. Brace yourself for a riveting discussion that promises to illuminate the future of media in the era of artificial intelligence.

Tuomas Syrjänen

Co-Founder, AI Renewal and Member of the Board, Futurice, Finland

14:15 - 15:00

Networking break

Time to caffeinate or decaffeinate (we don't judge) at our “espress-o yourself” coffee break! Whether you're a latte lover, an espresso enthusiast, or a tea aficionado, come join us for a steaming cup of whatever tickles your fancy. It's the perfect opportunity to spill the beans about the sessions you've attended, stir up conversations with fellow attendees and INMA members, or simply take a moment to recharge your batteries (and your devices, too — we have outlets). Don't miss out on this brew-tiful chance to blend ideas and coffee.

15:00 - 16:15

7 x 7 on AI practical cases studies

Get ready for a turbocharged AI experience! Picture this: 7 sizzling case studies served up in just 7 minutes each, with a side of tantalising Q&A to spice things up. It's like a speed-dating session with cutting-edge tech. These bite-sized “brainsnack presentations” (an INMA classic!) are jam-packed with practical AI insights that will have you buzzing with ideas. And the fun doesn't stop there: Stick around for a special networking break where you can mingle, munch, and quiz the experts to your heart's content. Let's turn up the heat on innovation!

16:15 - 16:45

What we know about media is about to change

If you spent six months in Silicon Valley to immerse yourself in all things AI, how would that affect your strategic thinking? Having done just that, Jovan Protic will take us through what he learned, how his perception changed, and what he’s planning to do as a result.

Jovan Protic

VP of the Board, Ringier Axel Springer Polska

16:45 - 16:55

Takeaways of the day

Our dedicated notetaker will aim to distil this afternoon's discussions, offering insightful takeaways for you to ponder.

Robert Whitehead

Digital Platform Initiative Lead, INMA, Australia

16:55 - 17:30

Closing coffee and deep dive with speakers

During this closing coffee, participants get the opportunity to ask further questions to the presenters of the previous brainsnack presentations over coffee and snacks. Each speaker will be located at a dedicated table. Participants can move from one to another to dive deep into the case studies presented earlier.

19:00 - 21:00

Welcome reception at Sanoma Media

INMA social functions are legendary, so be prepared to be wowed with a classy welcome reception at one of Helsinki’s elite venues. Anticipate a cosy Finnish greeting at this year's welcome reception, courtesy of Sanoma Media at their headquarters, which is a seven-minute walk from the conference venue Pikku Finlandia. Enjoy a selection of classic Nordic treats with beverages, alongside an opportunity for a brief exploration of their newsroom. Then enjoy a night out in the town and try out one of the many restaurants.

Address: Töölönlahdenkatu 2

08:15 - 09:00

Morning coffee

Grab an early morning coffee and talk to fellow INMA members and our conference supporters; all companies that have built the tech so you don't have to. They are worth a chat.

09:00 - 09:15

Welcome back

Katharina Neubert

VP Strategy & Investments, Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, Germany

Nick Petrie

Digital Director, The i Newspaper, United Kingdom

09:15 - 09:45

Data-driven dynamics: Mastering the art of innovation in media

Dive deep into the heart of data-driven transformation with our keynote speaker. This presentation will offer an insider’s look at their pioneering data strategy, shedding light on how they harness the power of data to innovate, personalise, and lead in the competitive media landscape. Learn from their experiences in leveraging big data to drive content relevance, enhance user engagement, and streamline operations, setting a new standard for media companies worldwide. Don't miss this insightful exploration into the future of media, powered by data

Juan Carlos (J.C.) Lopez

Director of Data and AI, Schibsted Media, Norway

09:45 - 11:00

7 x 7 on newsroom development, KPI's, and new storytelling formats

Get ready to delve into newsroom innovation! Brace yourself for 7 electrifying case studies served up in just 7 minutes each, followed by a burst of Q&A to keep the sparks flying. These rapid-fire “brainsnack presentations” (an INMA classic!) are like lightning bolts of inspiration, packed with fresh ideas and battle-tested strategies you can take home and run with. But wait, there's more! Stick around for a specially curated networking break where you can rub elbows with fellow trailblazers and squeeze every last drop of knowledge out of the day. Let's ignite the future of storytelling together!

11:00 - 11:30

Networking break and deep dive with speakers

During this special networking break, participants get the opportunity to ask further questions to the presenters of the previous brainsnack presentations over coffee and snacks. Each speaker will be located at a dedicated table; participants can move from one to another to dive deep into the case studies presented earlier.

11:30 - 12:00

Beyond objectivity: Building trust through human-centered journalism

Trust is a critical component of the digital news media business. It drives subscriptions, enhances perceived value, and supports long-term subscriber retention. But how is trust built? And what can newsrooms do against decreasing trust levels and rising news avoidance? Our speaker argues that human-centered journalism fosters trust and engagement by prioritizing empathy, diverse perspectives, and constructive dialogue. Backed by psychological research, Ellen Heinrichs explains how human-centered journalism is aware of biases, focuses on listening and meets user needs, especially in times of conflict and polarization.

Ellen Heinrichs

CEO & Founder, Bonn Institute, Germany

12:00 - 13:10

7 x 7 on trust in media and community engagement

Get set to dive into the heart of media trust and community engagement! Brace yourself for 7 captivating case studies served up in just 7 minutes each, followed by a whirlwind of Q&A to keep the conversation buzzing. These lightning-fast "brainsnack presentations" are a treasure trove of practical wisdom, offering up tried-and-tested ideas you can take straight to the office. And the excitement doesn't end there! Stick around for a specially curated networking break where you can mix, mingle, and delve deeper into the juicy details. Let's spark a revolution in media trust together!

13:10 - 13:30

Engaging missing audience segments: AI, story usage, user needs, and beyond

News media companies have never had as many tools as now to help find and secure missing audience segments. Few have been able to harness the successfully and almost none profitably. This session surveys wider examples from non-news media, entertainment and commerce companies which have successfully engaged large numbers of the publishers’ missing audience segments, including generations Y and Z. This presentation examines the data and tools that are needed for the task - from using AI to monitor topic, story usage and the impact of content to deploying user-needs models to focus the journalism. Plus a look at the innovation frameworks to help you overhaul format, product features and brand to meet the needs of these vast missing audiences across the generations.

Jodie Hopperton

Product & Tech Initiative Lead, INMA, USA

13:30 - 14:45

Lunch

Meet the exhibitors, connect, share, and learn in our Ask Me Anything sessions with the speakers of the previous 7x7 session or the INMA initiative leads, or just enjoy lunch with fellow INMA members.

14:45 - 16:00

3 parallel topic cafés: A triad of bold conversations on organisational and newsroom transformation, media dynamics, and subscription revolution.

What are topic cafés? Immerse yourself in a lively and interactive atmosphere where ideas flow as freely as the coffee. This session – or better: these 3 parallel sessions – is not just a discussion; it's a collective exploration of ideas and insights. A forum where insights percolate, perspectives blend, and strategies for media companies to thrive in the digital age take centre stage. Let's savour the flavour of forward-thinking discourse in these thought-provoking rendezvous.

Amalie Nash

Newsroom Transformation Initiative Lead, INMA, United States

Stephanie Grönke

Career and Leadership Coach, Germany

Topic café on Big Tech: While the tech world’s attention has switched to how the regulators are taking a range of actions the biggest platforms, the focus for media companies is now firmly on the gap in regulators’ work - what happens to media IP in the hands of large language model providers. This topic café will unpack the issues and the potential solutions to this global challenge. The discussion includes the emergence of the new intermediaries - what their plans are for media and other creator companies as lawmakers refuse to intervene.

Discussion lead

Robert Whitehead

Digital Platform Initiative Lead, INMA, Australia

Topic café on reader revenue: Get ready for a turbo-charged journey through the world of reader revenue in our 75-minute session – a thrilling brainsnack bonanza that promises to redefine your perspective on financial strategy. In seven-minute sprints, six dynamic case studies will unfold, each unveiling innovative approaches to bolstering subscription revenue streams. This isn't your typical conference session; it's a high-octane exploration of practical insights presented in a fun brainsnack format. From unconventional tactics to ingenious solutions, participants will be treated to a fast-paced feast of reader revenue strategies.

Turning a free print concept to a thriving B2C digital product
Kirsi Hakaniemi
Keskisuomalainen, Finland

Tooltip triumph: Unleashing post-purchase power for user engagement
Jakob Halm
Der Spiegel, Germany

How FAZ acquired more young subscribers
Daniela Parr
Head of Campaigning Product and Sales, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Germany

7 trends driving revenue optimisation for advertising and subscriptions
Tim Rowell
SVP Global Publishing, Piano, UK

Covering a double murder: How user needs and analytics enriched audiences and drove subscriptions.
Alwin Wubs
Newsroom Analyst, Mediahuis Noord

Alles.plus: Spiegel and FAZ form subscription alliance
Isabella Wohlwend
Head of Subscriptions, Der Spiegel, Germany

Discussion lead

Greg Piechota

Readers First Initiative Lead, INMA, United Kingdom

16:00 - 16:15

Networking break

A quick break to stretch the legs and some fresh air before we go into the closing session of the day.

16:15 - 16:45

Summarising the topic cafes

INMA's initiative leads take the stage and summarise the parallel conversations that went on during the previous sessions “convergence chronicles.”

Amalie Nash

Newsroom Transformation Initiative Lead, INMA, United States

Greg Piechota

Readers First Initiative Lead, INMA, United Kingdom

Robert Whitehead

Digital Platform Initiative Lead, INMA, Australia

16:45 - 16:55

Takeaways of the day

Our dedicated notetaker will aim to distil the today's discussions, offering insightful takeaways for you to consider.

Robert Whitehead

Digital Platform Initiative Lead, INMA, Australia

18:30 - 23:00

Conference dinner at Restaurant Saaristo

After a day of conference sessions, it’s time for a more informal soiree: a casual reception and dinner that further builds out the Helsinki story. The best view of Helsinki opens upon arrival by boat: It is a view of a fresh city full of expectations. Restaurant Saaristo, located on the Klippan island in front of South Harbour, offers this same view and atmosphere for your enjoyment. Make sure to leave on time and make your way to the Saaristo ferry dock and step on board the boat that will take you to the island on which the restaurant is located. The boat only takes 2-3 minutes and goes back and forth continuously.

Address: Restaurant Saaristo

08:15 - 09:00

Morning coffee

Grab an early morning coffee and talk to fellow INMA members and our conference supporters.

09:00 - 09:15

Welcome back

Katharina Neubert

VP Strategy & Investments, Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, Germany

Nick Petrie

Digital Director, The i Newspaper, United Kingdom

09:15 - 10:45

7 x 7 on sustainable revenue diversification

Gear up for the ultimate 7x7 experience as we jump into sustainable revenue diversification! Get ready for a powerhouse lineup of 7 case studies served hot and fast in just 7 minutes each, followed by a lightning round of Q&A to keep the ideas flowing. These turbocharged “brainsnack presentations” are packed with practical insights and battle-tested strategies you can snatch up and put into action right away. After the seventh case study, stick around for a specially crafted networking break where you can mingle, munch, and dive even deeper into the discussion. Let's ignite a revolution in revenue generation together!

10:45 - 11:15

Navigating industry challenges: Leveraging Google’s Reader Revenue Manager for news publishers

Join this session for a talk about top-of-mind news industry challenges and how the latest Google News product offering, Reader Revenue Manager, addresses those challenges. After a brief presentation on the challenges that Google is prioritising as part of their mission to help news publishers, hear a more detailed fireside chat about the specific ways in which Reader Revenue Manager helps news publishers navigate these challenges.

Chealsea Wierbonski

Group Product Manager, Google News

Jodie Hopperton

Product & Tech Initiative Lead, INMA

11:15 - 11:45

Visionaries unite: Shaping the media landscape of tomorrow

As the final highlight of the 2024 edition of the European News Media Conference, we are honored to present a closing keynote speech that not only encapsulates the insights and innovations discussed over the past days but also casts a forward-looking perspective on the future of media. In this thought-provoking session, our esteemed speaker will explore emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the media landscape. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, cutting-edge research, and visionary ideas, attendees will be inspired to rethink their roles in a rapidly evolving industry. This keynote will serve as a call to action for media professionals, scholars, and enthusiasts alike, urging us to navigate the complexities of the digital age with creativity, ethics, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Join us as we conclude our conference on a note of inspiration and aspiration, ready to shape the future of media.

Arian Okhovat Alavian

Founder, Panta Rhai, Germany

11:45 - 11:55

Takeaways of the day and the conference

Robert Whitehead

Digital Platform Initiative Lead, INMA, Australia

11:55 - 12:05

Closing words

Petteri Putkiranta

Outgoing President, INMA Europe Division, and President, News & Feature, Sanoma Media, Finland

Eimear Moran

Incoming President, INMA European Division, and Operations Director, The Irish Times, Ireland

12:05 - 13:00

Closing drinks and deep dive with speakers

Before you embark on your weekend adventures in Helsinki or rush off to catch your flight home (or head back to the office), come mingle with fellow INMA members and morning speakers over closing drinks. It's the perfect way to cap off the conference.