Tuesday

May 20

6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception at Peak at Hudson Yards

Set above the clouds, Peak at Hudson Yards is a sky-high oasis offering impressive views of New York City from the 101st floor. You’ll also have access to The Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.

Location:
Peak at Hudson Yards
30 Hudson Yards, 101st Floor

Wednesday

May 21

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Registration and networking lounge

Join INMA members from around the world for a welcome coffee in our Networking Lounge where you can connect with peers, dive deep with news and tech industry solution providers, and conduct Ask Me Anything sessions with INMA initiative leads on subscriptions, product & tech, newsroom transformation, and generative AI. If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to grab your credentials at the Congress Registration Desk.

9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Opening conference welcome ceremonies

Start the World Congress with a warm welcome and an energising ceremony that sets the stage for bold ideas, forward-thinking discussions, and a transformative journey into the future of news media.

President, INMA, and CEO, Mediahuis, Belgium

Gert Ysebaert

Product & Tech Initiative Lead, INMA, United States

Jodie Hopperton

Digital Platform Initiative Lead, INMA, Australia

Robert Whitehead

9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Keynote: Navigating the next wave of news media transformation

Kicking off the Congress, the INMA CEO will bring insights over three decades of global experience with news media to offer a clear, energising roadmap for the future. In a time of rapid technological change and fragmented efforts toward digital sustainability, he will explore the macro-trends shaping the industry today and the opportunities of the next 18 months. From consumer revenue models and brand innovation to newsroom transformation, generative AI, and tech partnerships, Earl will connect the dots to inspire a unified, forward-looking approach for publishers worldwide.

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, INMA, United States

Earl J. Wilkinson

10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Leading the way into the new economy of news media

In this engaging keynote, Almar Latour delivers real-world insights on navigating the new economy of news media. With a proven track record of blending traditional journalistic excellence with bold digital transformation and smart commercial innovation, Almar offers a candid look at what it takes to thrive in today’s industry. From building a powerhouse subscription model to reimagining journalism for the digital age, he’ll share the strategies that have made The Wall Street Journal a global leader—and what they mean for your organisation's future. Expect sharp analysis, actionable ideas, and a clear-eyed view of what’s next for news media.

Publisher, The Wall Street Journal and Chief Executive Officer, Dow Jones, United States

Almar Latour

10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Networking break in the lounge and exhibition area
11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Global CEO panel: Rethinking the news media ecosystem for a new era

This visionary panel of global media leaders will challenge conventional thinking and explore bold strategies to redefine the news media ecosystem. With deep insights and forward-looking perspectives, they will address the challenges and opportunities of adapting to new market realities. Topics include rethinking operations, products, tools, and alliances to build sustainable business models, driving digital transformation, and cultivating innovative leadership. Key themes will center on streamlining operations, enhancing digital capabilities, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement to shape a resilient future

Chief Executive Officer, Tamedia, Switzerland

Jessica Peppel-Schulz

Chief Executive Officer, Zeit, Germany

Dr. Rainer Esser

12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Driving innovation through collaboration: A dialogue with young professionals

This session will explore the critical role young professionals play in shaping the future of the news media industry and how (reverse) mentoring can create a symbiotic exchange of knowledge between seasoned leaders and rising talent. The discussion will center on strategies to attract, retain, and empower young professionals while highlighting their unique perspectives on innovation, content consumption, and audience engagement.

Chief Executive Officer, Axel Springer, Germany

Matthias Döpfner

Head of Business Development, FUNKE Regionalmedien, Germany

Anna-Katharina Kölbl

12:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Lunch in the lounge and exhibition area
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
New ecosystems at the intersection of tech, AI, and news media

This session is a deep dive into the transformative impact of AI and technology on the news media industry, exploring how advancements are reshaping operations, content discovery and attribution, and audience engagement. From the role of news in large language models to the power of strategic partnerships and innovation, speakers will provide actionable strategies for navigating digital transformation. Key discussions include community-driven content verification, leveraging alliances to strengthen media capabilities, and adapting to a tech-driven future. A lineup of visionary speakers shaping the next chapter of news media awaits you.

3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Networking break in the lounge and exhibition area
4:00 p.m. - 5:20 p.m.
Breaking boundaries: How U.S. media is shaping the future of news media

This session will explore how the most influential U.S. media organisations are redefining journalism, from leveraging digital innovations to rebuilding trust within local communities. The panellists will share how they are reshaping their organisations and monetisation of news in today’s fast-paced, digitally driven landscape. Through engaging insights, the panel will address real challenges and offer solutions to inspire global media executives.

Chief Executive Officer, The Philadelphia Inquirer, United States

Lisa Hughes

Chief Executive Officer, Gannett, United States

Michael E. Reed

Chief Executive Officer, McClatchy, United States

Tony Hunter

5:20 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Takeaways of the day

Chief of Staff, Blue Engine Collaborative, United States

Idalmy Carrera-Colucci

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Manhattan mix: Cocktails, conversations, and connections in the networking area

Join us in the Networking Area for an evening of Manhattan and Times Square Glow cocktails, engaging conversations, and meaningful connections. Discover exhibitors, exchange ideas, and unwind in a dynamic atmosphere that captures the essence of the city that never sleeps!

Thursday

May 22

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Morning energiser in networking lounge

Today is your last opportunity to meet face-to-face with news industry solution providers. Schedule meetings in our Networking Lounge, and make the most of being in-person.

8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Welcome back by the moderators
8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
The future of discovery: How AI is redefining search and audience engagement

In this compelling keynote, Nick Thompson explores the next iteration of search and the transformative impact of AI on how audiences discover and engage with news media. With insights drawn from leading one of the world’s most iconic publications, Thompson will delve into the opportunities and challenges posed by AI-driven discovery, offering a forward-looking perspective on the strategies news organisations need to adopt to stay relevant and connected in an era of rapid technological evolution.

Chief Executive Officer, The Atlantic, United States

Nicholas Thompson

9:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
The future in focus: 5 macro trends shaping news media consumption

Drawing from her extensive experience in trend forecasting and brand strategy, Lucie will explore five transformative macro trends that are poised to redefine how audiences consume news. From the evolving expectations of Gen Z and millennials as they enter new life stages to the emergence of Gen Alpha, the shifting paradigms of society demographics, health, and the increasing emphasis on longevity, her insights will provide actionable foresight for industry leaders. It will also explore the shifting role of brand in this landscape, as many seek to become engines of culture, education, entertainment and community. Lucie’s unique perspective, rooted in her collaboration with global brands and cultural trend analysis, will inspire attendees to navigate the challenges of trust, disinformation, and audience engagement with confidence and creativity.

Founder, Light Years and Author of “Silicon States”, United Kingdom

Lucie Greene

9:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Lessons from the creator economy: The rise of the journo-influencer

The creator economy is reshaping how content is produced, consumed, and monetised — and journalists are increasingly carving out influential spaces as 'journo-influencers.' What can traditional news organisations learn from the creator economy? We’ll share insights on building direct relationships with audiences, leveraging personal branding, and creating engaging, value-driven content that resonates in the digital age. Discover strategies to adapt to this new landscape and harness the power of the individual voice within your newsroom.

10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Networking break in the lounge and exhibition area
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Editors’ global choices: Standing out in the crowd

Journalism remains the cornerstone of our business, yet how people consume it has radically evolved. Our newsrooms strive to adapt to these changes but aren't evolving rapidly enough. While we frequently use data, it's not always applied effectively. We need to invest more time in understanding our audience's desires and move beyond traditional text stories. Experimenting with diverse storytelling methods is crucial to meeting the demands of modern readers and ensuring our journalism remains relevant and impactful in the digital age.

Group Editorial Director, India Today, India

Kalli Purie

Executive Managing Editor, South China Morning Post, Hong Kong

Zuraidah Ibrahim

Editor in Chief, Der Standard, Austria

Gerold Riedmann

12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
The future of news media revenue: Models that work

This keynote will give a global overview of the current and future state of news media revenues and will explore how leading organisations are diversifying streams through subscriptions, advertising, commerce, and hybrid models to achieve financial sustainability. Drawing on key metrics, case studies, and regional trends, Greg Piechota will highlight the innovations, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of monetisation in an increasingly digital and fragmented landscape. This session is essential for leaders seeking actionable insights and strategies for long-term growth.

Readers First Initiative Lead, INMA, United Kingdom

Greg Piechota

12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Revenue models that work: The emerging practicalities of subscriptions

Exploring proven strategies for driving reader revenues, focusing on the critical collaboration between newsrooms and marketing teams. Featuring case studies from a leading news organisation, the speakers will highlight innovative subscription models, retention tactics, and value-driven approaches that resonate with audiences. Through an engaging dialogue, we’ll examine how editorial and marketing teams can work together to optimise content strategies, leverage data insights, and create seamless reader experiences. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas to enhance their own revenue models and foster deeper alignment within their organisations.

1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lunch break in the networking area
2:30 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.
Revenue models that work: Elevating Bloomberg Media’s brand and business

Bloomberg Media’s campaign launched in September 2023 to unify its consumer marketing and showcase its objective, business-focused journalism. It aimed to drive understanding, consistency, and measurable results, including a 5% traffic lift to Bloomberg.com and positive ROI within the campaign window. The campaign exceeded expectations, uniting Bloomberg’s platforms under one brand and transforming the relationship between marketing and the newsroom. It improved ROI across media investments, scaling impact by 3x while maintaining efficiency, and set a strong foundation for future initiatives.

2:50 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.
Revenue models that work: The challenges and opportunities of news media advertising

As the media landscape evolves, advertising remains a vital revenue stream, with new opportunities emerging to overcome challenges like ad fatigue and the decline of third-party cookies. By leveraging first-party data, news organisations can offer premium targeting to advertisers while enhancing audience trust. Native advertising and branded content continue to grow, providing seamless storytelling opportunities that resonate with readers. Innovative formats, such as video, audio, and immersive AR/VR experiences, are reshaping how advertisers connect with audiences. Contextual advertising is making a strong comeback, offering privacy-friendly solutions that align with today’s digital environment. To thrive, news media must embrace these innovations, prioritise trust, and deliver value-driven advertising experiences.

3:10 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Revenue models that work: How Condé Nast is redefining affiliate commerce

Patrick will share a compelling case study on how the company presents shopping content within its iconic brands. By leveraging editorial authority to curate product recommendations and create seamless shopping experiences in service of the reader, Condé Nast has transformed content into a powerful driver of revenue and engagement. Patrick will show how close partnerships with merchants can enhance their Commerce ecosystem. This session will offer actionable insights for publishers looking to innovate in the Commerce space.

Executive Director, Commerce, Condé Nast, United States

Patrick Gray

3:30 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Revenue models that work: How Media24 monetises commercial content with integrity

Jerusha Raath will delve into the success of Media24’s Brand Story studio, which has redefined native advertising and earned international recognition for its innovative campaigns. Jerusha will explore how Media24 leverages custom content solutions to strengthen relationships with advertisers, enhance subscriber value, and create sustainable revenue streams. This session will provide actionable strategies for integrating commercial content into a broader revenue model while maintaining trust and audience engagement.

Publisher, Media 24, South Africa

Jerusha Raath

3:50 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.
Closing keynote Quo Vadis News Media: Building the path to a resilient future

As the news media industry faces seismic shifts, this closing keynote offers a roadmap for navigating challenges while seizing opportunities for growth and transformation. Drawing on decades of leadership at the helm of some of the world’s most influential media organisations, our esteemed speaker will share hard-earned insights into innovation, audience trust, and financial sustainability. With a balance of realism and optimism, this session will inspire leaders to envision a resilient future for news media—grounded in adaptability, creativity, and a renewed commitment to quality journalism.

4:20 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Takeaways of the day

Chief of Staff, Blue Engine Collaborative, United States

Idalmy Carrera-Colucci

4:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Closing remarks

President, INMA, and CEO, Mediahuis, Belgium

Gert Ysebaert

7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Global Media Awards dinner and ceremonies

Have you secured your ticket to tonight’s Global Media Awards Dinner at Edison Ballroom in Times Square? Whether a finalist or not, you won’t want to miss this extraordinary evening consisting of a reception, dinner, awards ceremony, and after-party. Get your camera ready for celebrations and a taste of Manhattan.

Hosted by

TV Host and Author, My Brand Compass

Terri-Karelle Reid

Location:
The Edison Ballroom
240 West 47th Street

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