8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
Welcome and badge pick up
The inaugural INMA Media & AI Conference at KQED in San Francisco will bring the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence and machine learning onto a single stage – packaged for up-to-the-minute take-home practicalities.
Across a rapid-paced two days, INMA will boil down what news organisations need to know now about the disruption of search, the smart emergence of answer engines, and the AI-fueled rise of voice, tech, and video. INMA will pivot from analysis to action as we explore AI business efficiencies, producing more with less, and the value of content.
An underlying theme throughout the conference: A guide to platforms and partnerships for news organisations.
The conference will take place at KQED, an innovative locally owned and operated public media organisation that provides news, radio, television, and educational services to Northern California. The ultra-modern KQED meeting facilities will provide the perfect backdrop to a conference dedicated to navigating tech and AI players and fostering conversations.
While conference sessions are on stage, set up private meetings with potential partners in INMA-provided space or visit with these companies at our unique venue in the heart of San Francisco (and the tech companies).
Environmental changes that media need to be aware of: changes to search, consumer behavior, tech advancements
8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
Welcome and badge pick up
9:00 a.m.
Welcome and introductions
Meet the moderators that will guide you through the two day conference.
9:15 a.m.
What’s changed in the last year, and what will we see next year
In this opening session we will get a sense check on the size and impact of AI to date and what we can expect in the near future. This session will give us the overview we need to set the scene for the two day conference.
9:50 a.m.
What we can learn from JP Morgan
10:20 a.m.
coffee break
10:50 a.m.
How consumer behaviour is changing with AI
We talk about the environment of AI but how are consumers actually using it? What is the adoption rate? We’ll look at key metrics such as chat usage and referral traffic as well as some unexpected findings.
11:25 a.m.
The Future of Search: How New Entrants Are Challenging the Status Quo
As AI-powered search tools emerge some startups are rethinking how users discover and interact with information. With a focus on personalization, conversational interfaces, and ad-free experiences, these disruptors are reshaping search beyond traditional engines. What does this mean for news publishers and digital media strategies? This session will explore how these new players are positioning themselves, their potential impact on referral traffic, and what media companies can do to adapt.
12:25 p.m.
Lunch
1:30 p.m.
Discovery Upheaval: The Shifting Role of Newsletters
Not all emails are created equal anymore. As inbox algorithms evolve and platforms tighten controls on deliverability and engagement, newsletters are facing new challenges—and opportunities. From shifting open rates to AI-driven curation, how can publishers ensure their newsletters remain a powerful tool for audience connection and discovery? This session will explore the latest trends shaping the newsletter landscape and strategies for standing out in an increasingly complex inbox.
2:15 p.m.
coffee and networking
2:45 p.m.
Straight from the Horse’s Mouth: The Future of AI and Search
As AI-driven search and discovery continue to evolve, major players are shaping the landscape in real-time. In this session, hear directly from the companies at the forefront of innovation as they share their vision, challenges, and what’s next for AI-powered search. Moderators will set the scene with key insights from industry learnings before diving into a series of in-depth interviews with leading voices driving change. Expect candid discussions on technology, trust, and the implications for news publishers.
5:00 p.m.
Closing thoughts
5:15 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Cocktails and canapes on the roof
8:30 a.m.
Welcome back
8:45 a.m.
Keynote: Rethinking news in an AI world — The Washington Post’s place in the ecosystem
With AI reshaping the digital landscape, where does a legacy news brand fit alongside Big Tech? As The Washington Post embraces an AI-first future, CTO Vineet Khosla, who brings deep experience from both media and Silicon Valley, will share his perspective on how publishers must position themselves in an ecosystem dominated by tech giants. From competing with and collaborating with AI-driven platforms to ensuring journalism remains essential in an algorithmic world, this keynote will explore the strategic choices that will define the next era of news.
9:15 a.m.
Data as the Fuel for AI: Are You Ready?
AI is only as powerful as the data it’s built on. But is the news industry truly prepared to leverage data at scale? From infrastructure to strategy, this session will explore what it takes to turn data into an AI advantage—featuring insights from leading data platforms and real-world publisher case studies.
9:45 a.m.
The AI Shift: From Text to Voice, Video, and Beyond
AI is accelerating the evolution of content formats, moving beyond text to voice, video, and multimodal experiences. What does this mean for audience engagement, journalism, and the future of storytelling? This session will explore how AI is reshaping content creation and distribution—and what media companies need to do to keep up.
10:15 a.m.
coffee
10:45 a.m.
Agentic AI in News: The Next Frontier
Agentic AI—AI systems that can operate autonomously—has the potential to transform news production, personalization, and workflow automation. But what are the real use cases, and how can publishers harness this technology responsibly? This session will dive into practical applications, early experiments, and the opportunities and risks ahead.
11:15 a.m.
Org structure of the future: New Skills, New Roles, and What’s at Risk
AI isn’t just changing how news is produced—it’s redefining roles, skill sets, and job structures across the entire organisation. What positions are emerging? Which ones are under threat? And which skill sets should we be building up? This session will examine the evolving talent landscape and how organizations can future-proof their teams for the AI era.
11:45 a.m.
Cybersecurity in the Age of AI: Risks, Governance, and Realities
With AI comes new cybersecurity vulnerabilities. This session will demonstrate just how easily things can go wrong—from deepfake manipulation to phishing attacks—and offer a roadmap for risk mitigation, governance, and crisis management from those who have been through it.
12:15 -1:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:15 p.m.
Tech Benchmark Survey Findings: Where Does the Industry Stand?
Unveiling the latest results from INMA’s technology benchmark survey, this session will provide key insights into how news organizations are adopting and integrating AI, automation, and emerging technologies.
1:45 p.m.
AI Mistakes to Avoid: Lessons from the Frontlines
As well as learning what we should be doing with AI, it’s just as critical to learn what not to do. This session gathers real-world case studies from around the globe, highlighting AI missteps, unintended consequences, and lessons news organizations can use to sidestep common pitfalls.
2:15 p.m.
The Value of Content: What’s It Worth in an AI-Powered World?
As AI-driven platforms increasingly repurpose, remix, and surface news content, how do publishers ensure they are recognized and compensated? This session brings together industry leaders to explore the shifting economics of content value, with perspectives from those on the frontlines of AI, search, and content monetization.
3:15 p.m.
coffee
3:45 p.m.
AI as a Global Issue: Regulation, Manipulation, and the Road Ahead
From regulatory battles to election integrity, AI’s global impact extends far beyond newsrooms. This session tackles the most pressing global AI challenges—from algorithmic manipulation to governance—examining what’s at stake for media, democracy, and public trust.
4:15 p.m.
Doing More with Less: AI’s Role in Newsroom Efficiency
With shrinking resources and growing demands, news organizations are turning to AI to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and optimize operations. This session will explore how AI tools are reshaping business efficiencies, from content creation to ad targeting to audience engagement.
4:45 p.m.
Conference conclusions and wrap up
Jodie Hopperton closes the day with reflections, key insights, and a look at what’s next in AI and news media.
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