Local Media Fest is coming up quickly, and we hope you’re joining us Aug. 18-20 at the Gleacher Center in Chicago for a fun, impactful event.
The biggest value of Local Media Fest is the people. There’s no substitute for spending three days swapping ideas with fellow local media leaders from across the country who are wrestling with the same challenges — and discovering what’s actually working.
Beyond those invaluable catch-ups and conversations, here are six more reasons you won’t want to miss this year’s event.
6. Take in one of baseball’s iconic experiences
After a full day of learning, attendees can unwind with an evening at historic Wrigley Field. The first 110 people to register receive a complimentary ticket to see the Chicago Cubs play the Chicago White Sox, with a meetup beforehand at Big Star Wrigleyville. It’s a memorable way to experience one of baseball’s most legendary venues while continuing conversations with colleagues in a relaxed setting.
5. Discover what’s actually working at innovative news organizations
Sessions feature leaders from organizations like Spotlight Delaware, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Houston Chronicle and others sharing how they’re building sustainable businesses through diversified revenue, audience growth, philanthropy and creator partnerships. Attendees walk away with ideas they can actually execute back home.
4. Learn practical strategies to grow revenue
Whether you’re responsible for advertising, subscriptions, philanthropy or sales, the conference is packed with actionable sessions focused on generating revenue. Topics range from the future of local advertising and audience-first sales strategies to AI-powered sales tactics and successful Local News Fund models that are already producing results.
3. Get hands-on AI and Google News Initiative training
This isn’t just another conference where speakers talk about artificial intelligence. Google News Initiative trainers will lead practical sessions on Gemini, NotebookLM, GA4 and News Consumer Insights, giving attendees tools they can begin using immediately to improve journalism, audience development and revenue.
Also, one of the conference’s most valuable perks isn’t on the main stage. Throughout the event, attendees can schedule individual office hours with a Google News Initiative AI trainer to ask questions, solve newsroom challenges and receive personalized guidance tailored to their organization.
2. Get some 1:1 time with Local Media Fest’s R&D partners
Meetings with Local Media Fest sponsors will take place throughout the conference. Sign-ups will be available starting the week of July 27.
1. Prepare your newsroom for what’s next
The biggest reason to attend is simple: local media is changing faster than ever. From AI disrupting how audiences discover news to changing consumer habits and new business models, Local Media Fest is built around helping newsroom leaders prepare for the future. Sessions are designed to equip attendees with the ideas and strategies they’ll need for the years ahead.
Editor’s note: Artificial intelligence was used to create this story with human contribution and editing.
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