2026 Mega-Conference Schedule
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The 2026 Mega-Conference runs from Monday, March 30 to Wednesday April, 1, 2026. Times are subject to change.
All meetings and events will be held at the Marriott Austin Downtown. Mega-Conference brings together industry leaders, operators and solution partners for focused conversations on revenue performance, AI deployment, audience growth and product strategy. The program is built around real-world case studies, applied research and operational examples from organizations actively navigating change and building sustainable models. |
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Monday, March 30, 2026
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
WELCOME RECEPTION IN THE TOWNSQUARE
Sponsored by: SOFTWARE CONSULTING SERVICES
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
WELCOME RECEPTION IN THE TOWNSQUARE
Sponsored by: SOFTWARE CONSULTING SERVICES
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
BREAKFAST IN TOWN SQUARE
Sponsored by: USA TODAY CO.
TUESDAY SESSION SPONSOR: WHIZ TECHNOLOGY
8:30 a.m.
WELCOME
Mark Medici, President and Publisher, Austin Statesman and The San Antonio Express News
8:40 a.m.
THE NEXT ERA OF LOCAL NEWS
Newspapers have navigated wars, recessions, consolidation, and the disruption of the internet. The next five years will demand even sharper focus.
This session examines what the future of the newspaper looks like across print, digital, mobile, and social—and where sustainable revenue is likely to come from. Discussion will cover the practical role of artificial intelligence in local newsrooms, the opportunities and limits of philanthropic support, shifting expectations from readers and advertisers, and the type of community-focused content that continues to build trust and long-term viability.
Moderated by Rob Curley, editor of the The Spokesman-Review, the conversation will bring together industry leaders to share perspectives on how local newspapers can adapt, compete, and remain central to their communities in the years ahead.
Panelists: Jeff Johnson, President, Hearst Newspapers; Kevin Moran, Executive Editor, Berkshire Eagle; Jay Horton, President, Digital Media, WEHCO Media, Inc.; Yvonne Esquibel-Smith, Nonprofit Fundraiser for Local Journalism
9:10 a.m.
NAVIGATING AI LICENSING IN NEWS MEDIA
News/Media Alliance
AI is transforming how news content is distributed and consumed. With the licensing marketplace between publishers and generative AI companies growing at a rapid pace, it's vital for publishers to understand the licensing landscape to position themselves to be properly compensated for their content. This session breaks down what publishers need to know about licensing frameworks, what to look for when considering partnerships, and explores the variety of third-party AI vendors offering services to facilitate protection, attribution, and monetization of publisher content. Regan Smith, Senior Vice President & General Counsel. News/Media Alliance; Cassie Sciortino, Director, Legal Counsel; News/Media Alliance
9:45 - 10:15 a.m.
BREAK WITH SPONSORS IN THE TOWNSQUARE
10:15 - 11:45 a.m.
MEGA-CONFERENCE ROUNDTABLES
Fast paced small group discussions from industry experts on technologies and processes that can have immediate impact on your organization.
Lineup, Nerus, Column, FT Strategies, TCN, King Features, BlueLena, NewsPack, MIC Specialty, Smartico
11:45 - 12:45 p.m.
LUNCH IN THE TOWNSQUARE
Sponsored by: Hoffman Media Group
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
12:45 - 1:15 p.m.
FROM FAMILY TO FOUNDATION: INSIDE COMMA’S BLUEPRINT FOR COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP
Spokesman-Review, Comma
Last year, The Spokesman-Review began one of the most significant transitions of a family-owned newspaper to a nonprofit structure. One year in, this session provides a clear update on what’s working, what’s changed, and what others should take away.Attendees will get the first public look at Comma’s full business model, including the framework behind the ownership transition, key MOUs, and how partnerships with major universities are being structured to support long-term sustainability.
Panelist: Rob Curley, The Spokesman-Review, Editor; Scott de Rozic, The Spokesman-Review, Consultant; George Brunt, Comma, General Counsel; Bill Simer, Comma, Board Chair (Retired Financial Planner/Accountant, Eide Bailly
HARNESSING VERTICAL VIDEO TO DRIVE HABIT, RETAIN SUBSCRIBERS AND ENGAGE YOUNGER AUDIENCES
Pugpig
Short-form vertical video has reshaped how audiences consume content, particularly younger readers who increasingly expect news in swipeable, feed-based formats shaped by social platforms. In this session, Jonny Kaldor (Pugpig) and Chris Patheiger, former CPTO of The Dallas Morning News, explore how publishers are integrating TikTok-style vertical storytelling directly into their own apps as part of a broader product and subscription strategy. They will cover:
- How publishers are creating swipeable vertical video experiences within their owned platforms
- Performance data showing how vertical video drives engagement, session frequency and habit formation
- How editorial teams are adapting workflows to support new story formats, and the tools now available to enable video creation at lower cost
- How vertical storytelling fits into a broader strategy to grow and retain younger audiences
The session is practical and product-led: what publishers can implement today and what outcomes to expect.
Panelist: Jonny Kaldor, Pugpig; Chris Patheiger, COO, Best Version Media
REINVENTING THE OBITUARY MODEL
Legacy/iPublish Media + Industry Partners
As the value and role of the traditional newspaper obit continues to be reassessed by both funeral homes and families, various publishers are testing new obituary strategies that protect revenue, strengthen relevance, and restore newspapers as the primary destination for community death announcement content. Hear directly from publishing leaders about the strategies they have implemented and the measurable outcomes that can create a win-win-win scenario for newspapers, death care providers, and families. Learn what’s working, what’s changing, and how you can adapt.
Panelists: Otis Brumby, Publisher, Marietta Daily Journal and Neighbor Newspapers; Chase Heatherly, Chief Revenue Officer, The Post and Courier; Tyler Schoening, Director of Inside Sales-Advertising, Lee Enterprises
1:15 - 1:45 p.m.
REVOLUTIONIZING SUBSCRIBER EXPERIENCE: THE CX, IVR, SMS STRATEGY THAT BOOSTED CUSTOMER AND AGENT SATISFACTION
TCN Inc. + The Advocate
A detailed case study on how two of America's most respected, privately owned newspapers successfully transformed their outdated communication platforms into a modern, cloud-based system with TCN. We will discuss the significant challenges of their former inflexible, uncustomizable software and their primary requirement for a scalable solution with superior customer support.
Panelists: Tony Ort, Senior Sales Executive, TCN; Priscilla Binkely, Subscriber Retention Director, The Advocate
FUTURE-PROOFING GROWTH: STREAMLINING AD OPERATIONS
Lineup Systems + The Post and Courier
Is your advertising operation a puzzle made up of too many disconnected pieces? The Post and Courier faced the same challenge - managing a fragmented ecosystem of CRM, trafficking, and print fulfillment systems that created inefficiencies and slowed growth. Join President/Publisher PJ Browning and CRO Chase Heatherly as they share their “Ad Ops Revolution” - the strategic shift from siloed tools to a single, unified system. This session will explore how moving beyond a traditional multi-system approach was not just a technology upgrade, but a critical business decision designed to improve efficiency, increase accuracy, and unlock future revenue opportunities. Learn their blueprint for business sustainability, including how they addressed operational pain points, streamlined workflows, created more time for sales teams to focus on revenue-generating activities, and built a scalable foundation for faster execution and long-term growth.
Panelists: PJ. Browning, President and Publisher, The Post and Courier; Chase Heatherly, Chief Revenue Officer, The Post and Courier
FROM THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION: MANAGING MAIL COSTS AND PROTECTING DISTRIBUTION
Interlink / Industry Partners
Postal rates, policy shifts and evolving USPS requirements continue to reshape the economics of print distribution. This session reviews recent and upcoming postal changes, new programs, and practical steps publishers can take to optimize mail preparation, control postage costs and improve delivery performance. Led by Interlink and Industry Partners, the discussion also explores how smarter distribution strategy can protect margins and support broader business goals.
Panelists: Brad Hill, CEO, Interlink; Jeremy Gulban, CEO, CherryRoad Media
1:45 - 2:00 p.m.
BREAK TO SWITCH SESSIONS
2:00 - 2:30 p.m.
TURNING “BEST OF” INTO A SCALABLE REVENUE ENGINE
Second Street
How modernizing events programs with ecommerce-style advertising and text-to-vote functionality can unlock meaningful incremental revenue. Small operational changes with scalable financial impact across multiple markets.
Panelists: Julie Foley, Second Street; Vince Johnson, Group Publisher, Gulf Coast Media; Reilly Kneedler, Product Strategy & Audience Engagement Consultant, Reilly Kneedler Consulting
OPERATIONALIZING AI FOR MEDIA SALES: INSIDE FOUNDRY NORTH'S COMPASS AT THE STAR TRIBUNE
Minnesota Star Tribune / Indigo Trigger
What started as a simple voice agent for media plan building has evolved into a complete AI-powered operating system for the sales team at the Minnesota Star Tribune. In this session, led by Brian Kennett, VP of Digital Advertising and Agency Services, and moderated by Chris Prinos, Founder & CEO of indigo trigger, attendees will explore the past, present, and future of Foundry North’s Compass solution—how it moved from an assistive tool to a workflow-first platform embedded in the daily rhythm of a modern revenue organization. Brian and Chris will walk through the strategic and practical decisions that shaped Compass’s evolution, including how the team approached seller adoption, governance, and the transition from experimentation to production-grade enablement. You’ll learn about the AI tools and technologies powering the Compass operating system, and how they are orchestrated to support real sales outcomes—not just novelty or automation for its own sake. Attendees will leave with a clear, replicable blueprint for turning point solutions into a cohesive AI operating system—along with a candid view into what’s next for agentic workflows in media sales.
Panelists: Brian Kennett, VP of Digital Advertising and Agency Services, The Star Tribune; Chris Prinos, Founder & CEO of indigo trigger
TRUST AND AUDIENCE LOYALTY
An examination of how publishers are strengthening audience trust and translating that trust into sustained engagement. The discussion focuses on practical strategies that support long-term loyalty and growth.
Panelists: Yvonne Mintz, VP Editorial/Publisher, The Facts, Southern Newspapers; David Sommers, Communications Consultant, Center for Integrity in News Reporting; Chris Lykins, Executive Editor, Southern Newspapers; Moderating: Leonard Woolsey, President, Southern Newspapers
2:30 - 3:00 p.m.
FROM LOCAL TEAMS TO GLOBAL STREAMS: LEVERAGING SPORTS COVERAGE FOR AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT
Reuters
A look at how sports journalism can expand reach and deepen audience connection when global moments are paired with strong local storytelling. The session examines strategies that turn high-interest events into sustained engagement and loyalty.
Panelists: Bruce Odle, President, Imagn Images; Frank Pingue, Sports Editor, Reuters; Mike Kilian, New York State Editor, USA TODAY Co.
MAXIMIZING VALUE FROM PRINT IN A DIGITAL-FIRST WORLD
FT Strategies, Financial Times Group
As publishers accelerate toward digital-first models, print remains a significant revenue and margin contributor. This session presents a practical framework for reshaping print operations into a leaner, more strategic part of the business. Drawing on the Financial Times’ transformation and global case studies, FT Strategies will explore how publishers can optimise print portfolios, implement cost discipline, and refocus investment to protect profitability while accelerating digital growth.
Panelists: Lisa MacLeod, Director and Head of News, FT Strategies
FUTURE-PROOFING YOUR AD REVENUE
USA TODAY Co.
Learn how a large-scale platform migration was executed and built a profitable, scalable business on modern infrastructure. The session will highlight retention insights, vertical performance data drawn from national scale, and product strategies that move publishers out of the commodity space and into offerings that are easier to sell and defend.
Panelist: Erin Rose, Sr. Director of Partner Development & Digital Strategy at LocaliQ, part of the USA TODAY Network
3:30 - 4:00 p.m.
HOW LOCAL MEDIA WINS IN THE AI ERA
BLOX Digital + Adams MultiMedia + Times Journal Media
Artificial intelligence is already shaping media operations, often outpacing policies or shared understanding. From content workflows to audience engagement and business strategy, media organizations are making decisions now with long-term implications. This session invites media pros to reflect on AI through the lens of trust, quality, and accountability. Attendees will explore where AI is delivering value, where caution is needed, and how you can thoughtfully integrate AI while protecting original content and preserving editorial integrity. Bringing together a cross-section of industry leaders, the conversation will focus on judgment, responsibility, and the practical tradeoffs news organizations face when engaging with AI, safeguarding content, and approaching the future in ways that uphold the core values of journalism.
Panelists: Phil Schroder, VP, Digital Assets, Times Journal Media; Traci Bauer, VP, Digital and Print Content, Adams MultiMedia; Bridget Sibthorp-Moecker, Director of Audience, BLOX Digital; Phil Pracht, Director of Core Products, BLOX Digital
WHY NOT BOTH? WHEN THE MATH WORKS FOR FOR-PROFIT AND NONPROFIT NEWS COLLABORATIONS
The Santa Fe New Mexican
The Santa Fe New Mexican, locally owned and independent, celebrated its 175th anniversary in November 2024.
Fast forward a year and The New Mexican, one of the oldest newspapers in the West, embarked on a new frontier —
operating partner of Searchlight New Mexico, a digital-only statewide investigative news nonprofit that was facing extinction.
This session focuses on lessons learned from this unique merger, the business side of public-service journalism,
and what the future means for audience growth and product innovations.
Panelists: Patrick Dorsey, Publisher of The Santa Fe New Mexican
Bill Church, Executive Editor of The Santa Fe New Mexican and Executive Director of Searchlight New Mexico
POCKET POWER: USING SMS TO RESCUE SUBSCRIBE REVENUE AND DRIVE ENGAGEMENT
Spokesman Review
As traffic declines and algorithms tighten control, publishers need channels that reach consumers directly. Aaron Kotarek and Tyler Pisani explore how SMS transforms subscriber engagement and retains revenue. From preventing involuntary churn to re-engaging digital zombies and even sponsor-backed advertising programs, SMS puts communication directly into the pocket of your audience. Learn how The Spokesman-Review increased “red zone” retention by over 80% and saved over $157k in revenue in 2025. This session delivers practical frameworks and proven tactics to reduce churn, increase lifetime value, and unlock new monetization streams.
Panelists: Aaron Kotarek, General Manager & Chief Operating Officer, The Spokesman-Review; Tyler Pisani, Senior Director of Audience & Consumer Revenue, The Spokesman-Review
4:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
COMMUNITY IMPACT: SUSTAINING CULTURE, SCALING MARKETS & RETHINKING LOCAL NEWS
John Garrett, Founder & CEO of Community Impact, shares the company’s journey from startup to one of the largest hyperlocal news organizations in Texas. Built on a mission to deliver trusted local information and foster community engagement, Community Impact now reaches millions through print and digital platforms. Garrett will discuss sustaining culture while scaling markets, lessons learned in growth and revenue strategy, and what local media leaders can take away from a community-first operating model.
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
RECEPTION IN TOWNSQUARE
Sponsored by: KODAK
8:00 p.m.
MEGA AFTER HOURS
Join us for Mega Conference After Hours, sponsored by BLOX Digital. Come back to the TownSquare on Tuesday night for live music, cocktails, and light bites in a relaxed setting that takes in the best of the Austin music scene. Doors open at 8:00 pm with live music starting at 9:00 pm. Come back from dinner, grab a cocktail and listen to some great music at this first-time event sponsored by BLOX DIGITAL!
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
BREAKFAST IN TOWN SQUARE
Sponsored by: USA TODAY CO.
TUESDAY SESSION SPONSOR: WHIZ TECHNOLOGY
8:30 a.m.
WELCOME
Mark Medici, President and Publisher, Austin Statesman and The San Antonio Express News
8:40 a.m.
THE NEXT ERA OF LOCAL NEWS
Newspapers have navigated wars, recessions, consolidation, and the disruption of the internet. The next five years will demand even sharper focus.
This session examines what the future of the newspaper looks like across print, digital, mobile, and social—and where sustainable revenue is likely to come from. Discussion will cover the practical role of artificial intelligence in local newsrooms, the opportunities and limits of philanthropic support, shifting expectations from readers and advertisers, and the type of community-focused content that continues to build trust and long-term viability.
Moderated by Rob Curley, editor of the The Spokesman-Review, the conversation will bring together industry leaders to share perspectives on how local newspapers can adapt, compete, and remain central to their communities in the years ahead.
Panelists: Jeff Johnson, President, Hearst Newspapers; Kevin Moran, Executive Editor, Berkshire Eagle; Jay Horton, President, Digital Media, WEHCO Media, Inc.; Yvonne Esquibel-Smith, Nonprofit Fundraiser for Local Journalism
9:10 a.m.
NAVIGATING AI LICENSING IN NEWS MEDIA
News/Media Alliance
AI is transforming how news content is distributed and consumed. With the licensing marketplace between publishers and generative AI companies growing at a rapid pace, it's vital for publishers to understand the licensing landscape to position themselves to be properly compensated for their content. This session breaks down what publishers need to know about licensing frameworks, what to look for when considering partnerships, and explores the variety of third-party AI vendors offering services to facilitate protection, attribution, and monetization of publisher content. Regan Smith, Senior Vice President & General Counsel. News/Media Alliance; Cassie Sciortino, Director, Legal Counsel; News/Media Alliance
9:45 - 10:15 a.m.
BREAK WITH SPONSORS IN THE TOWNSQUARE
10:15 - 11:45 a.m.
MEGA-CONFERENCE ROUNDTABLES
Fast paced small group discussions from industry experts on technologies and processes that can have immediate impact on your organization.
Lineup, Nerus, Column, FT Strategies, TCN, King Features, BlueLena, NewsPack, MIC Specialty, Smartico
11:45 - 12:45 p.m.
LUNCH IN THE TOWNSQUARE
Sponsored by: Hoffman Media Group
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
12:45 - 1:15 p.m.
FROM FAMILY TO FOUNDATION: INSIDE COMMA’S BLUEPRINT FOR COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP
Spokesman-Review, Comma
Last year, The Spokesman-Review began one of the most significant transitions of a family-owned newspaper to a nonprofit structure. One year in, this session provides a clear update on what’s working, what’s changed, and what others should take away.Attendees will get the first public look at Comma’s full business model, including the framework behind the ownership transition, key MOUs, and how partnerships with major universities are being structured to support long-term sustainability.
Panelist: Rob Curley, The Spokesman-Review, Editor; Scott de Rozic, The Spokesman-Review, Consultant; George Brunt, Comma, General Counsel; Bill Simer, Comma, Board Chair (Retired Financial Planner/Accountant, Eide Bailly
HARNESSING VERTICAL VIDEO TO DRIVE HABIT, RETAIN SUBSCRIBERS AND ENGAGE YOUNGER AUDIENCES
Pugpig
Short-form vertical video has reshaped how audiences consume content, particularly younger readers who increasingly expect news in swipeable, feed-based formats shaped by social platforms. In this session, Jonny Kaldor (Pugpig) and Chris Patheiger, former CPTO of The Dallas Morning News, explore how publishers are integrating TikTok-style vertical storytelling directly into their own apps as part of a broader product and subscription strategy. They will cover:
- How publishers are creating swipeable vertical video experiences within their owned platforms
- Performance data showing how vertical video drives engagement, session frequency and habit formation
- How editorial teams are adapting workflows to support new story formats, and the tools now available to enable video creation at lower cost
- How vertical storytelling fits into a broader strategy to grow and retain younger audiences
The session is practical and product-led: what publishers can implement today and what outcomes to expect.
Panelist: Jonny Kaldor, Pugpig; Chris Patheiger, COO, Best Version Media
REINVENTING THE OBITUARY MODEL
Legacy/iPublish Media + Industry Partners
As the value and role of the traditional newspaper obit continues to be reassessed by both funeral homes and families, various publishers are testing new obituary strategies that protect revenue, strengthen relevance, and restore newspapers as the primary destination for community death announcement content. Hear directly from publishing leaders about the strategies they have implemented and the measurable outcomes that can create a win-win-win scenario for newspapers, death care providers, and families. Learn what’s working, what’s changing, and how you can adapt.
Panelists: Otis Brumby, Publisher, Marietta Daily Journal and Neighbor Newspapers; Chase Heatherly, Chief Revenue Officer, The Post and Courier; Tyler Schoening, Director of Inside Sales-Advertising, Lee Enterprises
1:15 - 1:45 p.m.
REVOLUTIONIZING SUBSCRIBER EXPERIENCE: THE CX, IVR, SMS STRATEGY THAT BOOSTED CUSTOMER AND AGENT SATISFACTION
TCN Inc. + The Advocate
A detailed case study on how two of America's most respected, privately owned newspapers successfully transformed their outdated communication platforms into a modern, cloud-based system with TCN. We will discuss the significant challenges of their former inflexible, uncustomizable software and their primary requirement for a scalable solution with superior customer support.
Panelists: Tony Ort, Senior Sales Executive, TCN; Priscilla Binkely, Subscriber Retention Director, The Advocate
FUTURE-PROOFING GROWTH: STREAMLINING AD OPERATIONS
Lineup Systems + The Post and Courier
Is your advertising operation a puzzle made up of too many disconnected pieces? The Post and Courier faced the same challenge - managing a fragmented ecosystem of CRM, trafficking, and print fulfillment systems that created inefficiencies and slowed growth. Join President/Publisher PJ Browning and CRO Chase Heatherly as they share their “Ad Ops Revolution” - the strategic shift from siloed tools to a single, unified system. This session will explore how moving beyond a traditional multi-system approach was not just a technology upgrade, but a critical business decision designed to improve efficiency, increase accuracy, and unlock future revenue opportunities. Learn their blueprint for business sustainability, including how they addressed operational pain points, streamlined workflows, created more time for sales teams to focus on revenue-generating activities, and built a scalable foundation for faster execution and long-term growth.
Panelists: PJ. Browning, President and Publisher, The Post and Courier; Chase Heatherly, Chief Revenue Officer, The Post and Courier
FROM THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION: MANAGING MAIL COSTS AND PROTECTING DISTRIBUTION
Interlink / Industry Partners
Postal rates, policy shifts and evolving USPS requirements continue to reshape the economics of print distribution. This session reviews recent and upcoming postal changes, new programs, and practical steps publishers can take to optimize mail preparation, control postage costs and improve delivery performance. Led by Interlink and Industry Partners, the discussion also explores how smarter distribution strategy can protect margins and support broader business goals.
Panelists: Brad Hill, CEO, Interlink; Jeremy Gulban, CEO, CherryRoad Media
1:45 - 2:00 p.m.
BREAK TO SWITCH SESSIONS
2:00 - 2:30 p.m.
TURNING “BEST OF” INTO A SCALABLE REVENUE ENGINE
Second Street
How modernizing events programs with ecommerce-style advertising and text-to-vote functionality can unlock meaningful incremental revenue. Small operational changes with scalable financial impact across multiple markets.
Panelists: Julie Foley, Second Street; Vince Johnson, Group Publisher, Gulf Coast Media; Reilly Kneedler, Product Strategy & Audience Engagement Consultant, Reilly Kneedler Consulting
OPERATIONALIZING AI FOR MEDIA SALES: INSIDE FOUNDRY NORTH'S COMPASS AT THE STAR TRIBUNE
Minnesota Star Tribune / Indigo Trigger
What started as a simple voice agent for media plan building has evolved into a complete AI-powered operating system for the sales team at the Minnesota Star Tribune. In this session, led by Brian Kennett, VP of Digital Advertising and Agency Services, and moderated by Chris Prinos, Founder & CEO of indigo trigger, attendees will explore the past, present, and future of Foundry North’s Compass solution—how it moved from an assistive tool to a workflow-first platform embedded in the daily rhythm of a modern revenue organization. Brian and Chris will walk through the strategic and practical decisions that shaped Compass’s evolution, including how the team approached seller adoption, governance, and the transition from experimentation to production-grade enablement. You’ll learn about the AI tools and technologies powering the Compass operating system, and how they are orchestrated to support real sales outcomes—not just novelty or automation for its own sake. Attendees will leave with a clear, replicable blueprint for turning point solutions into a cohesive AI operating system—along with a candid view into what’s next for agentic workflows in media sales.
Panelists: Brian Kennett, VP of Digital Advertising and Agency Services, The Star Tribune; Chris Prinos, Founder & CEO of indigo trigger
TRUST AND AUDIENCE LOYALTY
An examination of how publishers are strengthening audience trust and translating that trust into sustained engagement. The discussion focuses on practical strategies that support long-term loyalty and growth.
Panelists: Yvonne Mintz, VP Editorial/Publisher, The Facts, Southern Newspapers; David Sommers, Communications Consultant, Center for Integrity in News Reporting; Chris Lykins, Executive Editor, Southern Newspapers; Moderating: Leonard Woolsey, President, Southern Newspapers
2:30 - 3:00 p.m.
FROM LOCAL TEAMS TO GLOBAL STREAMS: LEVERAGING SPORTS COVERAGE FOR AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT
Reuters
A look at how sports journalism can expand reach and deepen audience connection when global moments are paired with strong local storytelling. The session examines strategies that turn high-interest events into sustained engagement and loyalty.
Panelists: Bruce Odle, President, Imagn Images; Frank Pingue, Sports Editor, Reuters; Mike Kilian, New York State Editor, USA TODAY Co.
MAXIMIZING VALUE FROM PRINT IN A DIGITAL-FIRST WORLD
FT Strategies, Financial Times Group
As publishers accelerate toward digital-first models, print remains a significant revenue and margin contributor. This session presents a practical framework for reshaping print operations into a leaner, more strategic part of the business. Drawing on the Financial Times’ transformation and global case studies, FT Strategies will explore how publishers can optimise print portfolios, implement cost discipline, and refocus investment to protect profitability while accelerating digital growth.
Panelists: Lisa MacLeod, Director and Head of News, FT Strategies
FUTURE-PROOFING YOUR AD REVENUE
USA TODAY Co.
Learn how a large-scale platform migration was executed and built a profitable, scalable business on modern infrastructure. The session will highlight retention insights, vertical performance data drawn from national scale, and product strategies that move publishers out of the commodity space and into offerings that are easier to sell and defend.
Panelist: Erin Rose, Sr. Director of Partner Development & Digital Strategy at LocaliQ, part of the USA TODAY Network
3:30 - 4:00 p.m.
HOW LOCAL MEDIA WINS IN THE AI ERA
BLOX Digital + Adams MultiMedia + Times Journal Media
Artificial intelligence is already shaping media operations, often outpacing policies or shared understanding. From content workflows to audience engagement and business strategy, media organizations are making decisions now with long-term implications. This session invites media pros to reflect on AI through the lens of trust, quality, and accountability. Attendees will explore where AI is delivering value, where caution is needed, and how you can thoughtfully integrate AI while protecting original content and preserving editorial integrity. Bringing together a cross-section of industry leaders, the conversation will focus on judgment, responsibility, and the practical tradeoffs news organizations face when engaging with AI, safeguarding content, and approaching the future in ways that uphold the core values of journalism.
Panelists: Phil Schroder, VP, Digital Assets, Times Journal Media; Traci Bauer, VP, Digital and Print Content, Adams MultiMedia; Bridget Sibthorp-Moecker, Director of Audience, BLOX Digital; Phil Pracht, Director of Core Products, BLOX Digital
WHY NOT BOTH? WHEN THE MATH WORKS FOR FOR-PROFIT AND NONPROFIT NEWS COLLABORATIONS
The Santa Fe New Mexican
The Santa Fe New Mexican, locally owned and independent, celebrated its 175th anniversary in November 2024.
Fast forward a year and The New Mexican, one of the oldest newspapers in the West, embarked on a new frontier —
operating partner of Searchlight New Mexico, a digital-only statewide investigative news nonprofit that was facing extinction.
This session focuses on lessons learned from this unique merger, the business side of public-service journalism,
and what the future means for audience growth and product innovations.
Panelists: Patrick Dorsey, Publisher of The Santa Fe New Mexican
Bill Church, Executive Editor of The Santa Fe New Mexican and Executive Director of Searchlight New Mexico
POCKET POWER: USING SMS TO RESCUE SUBSCRIBE REVENUE AND DRIVE ENGAGEMENT
Spokesman Review
As traffic declines and algorithms tighten control, publishers need channels that reach consumers directly. Aaron Kotarek and Tyler Pisani explore how SMS transforms subscriber engagement and retains revenue. From preventing involuntary churn to re-engaging digital zombies and even sponsor-backed advertising programs, SMS puts communication directly into the pocket of your audience. Learn how The Spokesman-Review increased “red zone” retention by over 80% and saved over $157k in revenue in 2025. This session delivers practical frameworks and proven tactics to reduce churn, increase lifetime value, and unlock new monetization streams.
Panelists: Aaron Kotarek, General Manager & Chief Operating Officer, The Spokesman-Review; Tyler Pisani, Senior Director of Audience & Consumer Revenue, The Spokesman-Review
4:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
COMMUNITY IMPACT: SUSTAINING CULTURE, SCALING MARKETS & RETHINKING LOCAL NEWS
John Garrett, Founder & CEO of Community Impact, shares the company’s journey from startup to one of the largest hyperlocal news organizations in Texas. Built on a mission to deliver trusted local information and foster community engagement, Community Impact now reaches millions through print and digital platforms. Garrett will discuss sustaining culture while scaling markets, lessons learned in growth and revenue strategy, and what local media leaders can take away from a community-first operating model.
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
RECEPTION IN TOWNSQUARE
Sponsored by: KODAK
8:00 p.m.
MEGA AFTER HOURS
Join us for Mega Conference After Hours, sponsored by BLOX Digital. Come back to the TownSquare on Tuesday night for live music, cocktails, and light bites in a relaxed setting that takes in the best of the Austin music scene. Doors open at 8:00 pm with live music starting at 9:00 pm. Come back from dinner, grab a cocktail and listen to some great music at this first-time event sponsored by BLOX DIGITAL!
Wednesday, April, 1, 2026
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
BREAKFAST IN THE TOWNSQUARE
Sponsored by: Hearst
9:00 - 9:45 a.m.
HOW CAN AMERICA’S NEWSPAPERS PURSUE PHILANTHROPY?
A growing share of newspaper leaders are looking beyond traditional revenue. According to the latest Blue Engine–Lenfest Newspaper Executive Insights Poll, nearly one-third of executives say expanding philanthropic support is a top priority in 2026.
This session takes an actionable look at what it takes to build philanthropic revenue that holds up and the practical steps that separate one-off grants from sustainable support.
Panelists: Moderated by David Grant, Director of Partnerships, Blue Engine Collaborative; Kevin Hall, President & Publisher, Georges Media; Bill Church, Executive Editor, The Santa Fe New Mexican; Cierra Hinton, Development Director, Blue Engine Collaborative
9:45 - 10:15 a.m.
THE AUSTIN ACQUISITION STRATEGY
Learn how Hearst is taking an aggressive approach in creating products and tools that solve real problems for people and adding value and essentiality to our beat reporting.
Panelist: Mark Medici, President and Publisher, Austin Statesman and The San Antonio Express News
10:15 -10:45 a.m.
MORE THAN NEWS: DIVERSIFYING MEDIA PRODUCTS TO DEEPEN SUBSCRIBER VALUE
Learn how Hearst is taking an aggressive approach in creating products and tools that solve real problems for people and adding value and essentiality to our beat reporting.
Panelist: Kelly Scott, SVP, Editor-In-Chief, Houston Chronicle and Alejandra Matos, Managing Editor, Houston Chronicle
BREAK IN TOWNSQUARE
10:45 - 11:15 a.m.
BREAK WITH SPONSORS IN TOWNSQUARE
11:15 - 11:45 a.m.
ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Across the country, legislatures are advancing proposals that directly affect public notice, access to information, and the business and civic role of newspapers. This session will offer a national overview of those developments while bringing state association directors and publishers into the conversation to highlight real-time challenges and solutions.exploring strategies for protecting transparency and strengthening advocacy at the state level.
Panelists: Tony Baranowski, State Policy Director, America's Newspapers
11:45 - 12:30 p.m.
THE ROADMAP STUDY: WHAT LOCAL AUDIENCES WANT NOW
America’s Newspapers Foundation + Coda Ventures
This session presents findings from the Roadmap Study, a national research initiative examining content mix, audience expectations and product priorities for local newspapers. Backed by primary research and behavioral data, the presentation outlines clear, practical guidance for aligning newsroom focus, print strategy and digital investment with what audiences actually value today.
12:30 p.m. Mega-Conference Concludes, Lunch Outside Main Meeting Room
1:30 p.m.
MEGA BONUS ACTIVITY - TEXAS RANCH EXPERIENCE
On Wednesday afternoon, April 1, Mega-Conference attendees can participate in a special bonus experience at a private ranch just outside Austin, brought to you by OwnLocal! You'll experience an upclose Texas tradition including Central Texas barbecue, live country music, open bar hospitality, and even cattle branding. This unique opportunity is open to only 50 attendees, so reserve your spot now! FIND OUT MORE HERE
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
BREAKFAST IN THE TOWNSQUARE
Sponsored by: Hearst
9:00 - 9:45 a.m.
HOW CAN AMERICA’S NEWSPAPERS PURSUE PHILANTHROPY?
A growing share of newspaper leaders are looking beyond traditional revenue. According to the latest Blue Engine–Lenfest Newspaper Executive Insights Poll, nearly one-third of executives say expanding philanthropic support is a top priority in 2026.
This session takes an actionable look at what it takes to build philanthropic revenue that holds up and the practical steps that separate one-off grants from sustainable support.
Panelists: Moderated by David Grant, Director of Partnerships, Blue Engine Collaborative; Kevin Hall, President & Publisher, Georges Media; Bill Church, Executive Editor, The Santa Fe New Mexican; Cierra Hinton, Development Director, Blue Engine Collaborative
9:45 - 10:15 a.m.
THE AUSTIN ACQUISITION STRATEGY
Learn how Hearst is taking an aggressive approach in creating products and tools that solve real problems for people and adding value and essentiality to our beat reporting.
Panelist: Mark Medici, President and Publisher, Austin Statesman and The San Antonio Express News
10:15 -10:45 a.m.
MORE THAN NEWS: DIVERSIFYING MEDIA PRODUCTS TO DEEPEN SUBSCRIBER VALUE
Learn how Hearst is taking an aggressive approach in creating products and tools that solve real problems for people and adding value and essentiality to our beat reporting.
Panelist: Kelly Scott, SVP, Editor-In-Chief, Houston Chronicle and Alejandra Matos, Managing Editor, Houston Chronicle
BREAK IN TOWNSQUARE
10:45 - 11:15 a.m.
BREAK WITH SPONSORS IN TOWNSQUARE
11:15 - 11:45 a.m.
ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Across the country, legislatures are advancing proposals that directly affect public notice, access to information, and the business and civic role of newspapers. This session will offer a national overview of those developments while bringing state association directors and publishers into the conversation to highlight real-time challenges and solutions.exploring strategies for protecting transparency and strengthening advocacy at the state level.
Panelists: Tony Baranowski, State Policy Director, America's Newspapers
11:45 - 12:30 p.m.
THE ROADMAP STUDY: WHAT LOCAL AUDIENCES WANT NOW
America’s Newspapers Foundation + Coda Ventures
This session presents findings from the Roadmap Study, a national research initiative examining content mix, audience expectations and product priorities for local newspapers. Backed by primary research and behavioral data, the presentation outlines clear, practical guidance for aligning newsroom focus, print strategy and digital investment with what audiences actually value today.
12:30 p.m. Mega-Conference Concludes, Lunch Outside Main Meeting Room
1:30 p.m.
MEGA BONUS ACTIVITY - TEXAS RANCH EXPERIENCE
On Wednesday afternoon, April 1, Mega-Conference attendees can participate in a special bonus experience at a private ranch just outside Austin, brought to you by OwnLocal! You'll experience an upclose Texas tradition including Central Texas barbecue, live country music, open bar hospitality, and even cattle branding. This unique opportunity is open to only 50 attendees, so reserve your spot now! FIND OUT MORE HERE
