Mark your calendars for the World News Media Congress 2025, taking place from May 4–6 in the vibrant city of Krakow, Poland. This year’s theme, Mastering Media’s New Playbook, reflects the ongoing transformation of the news media landscape. As the 76th edition of the congress, it promises to be an essential gathering for industry leaders and innovators.
The event will feature three summits, hands-on workshops, an exhibition, awards, and various social events, creating a dynamic environment for collaboration and learning.
đź“Ť A special highlight this year is the Smartico-hosted breakfast session on AI-powered advertising strategies, offering publishers a powerful, hands-on start to Day 2. This partner showcase will equip participants with five actionable, revenue-driving tactics already used by leading media companies across Europe and North America.
Key Focus Areas
The World News Media Congress will address several critical topics essential for today’s digital publishers and advertising leaders:
- Innovation in Journalism:Â Explore the evolving strategies required for news organizations to remain competitive and deliver essential journalism in a rapidly changing environment.
- Digital Transformation:Â Delve into the latest technological advancements impacting news media, including AI integration, audience engagement strategies, and revenue optimization techniques.
- Sustainability in Media: Discuss how media organizations can develop sustainable business models that foster independence and resilience, especially in light of Poland’s democratic resurgence and the vital role of independent journalism.
- Networking and Collaboration:Â Learn about the importance of building partnerships within the industry to share knowledge and resources, ultimately enhancing the quality and reach of journalism.
Agenda Highlights
Day 1: May 4
- Opening Ceremony:Â Welcome address featuring industry leaders discussing the state of the media landscape.
- Keynote Speakers:Â Insightful presentations from renowned journalists and media executives sharing their experiences and forecasts for the industry.
- Networking Reception:Â An opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and speakers.
Day 2: May 5
- Partner Showcase Breakfast — AI Ad Sales in Action (08:00–09:00 | Room S3, Hall A):Start the day with a power-packed session hosted by Smartico, featuring Christian Scherbel (Founder & CEO) and Guy Tasaka (Local Advertising Evangelist, ex-NYT). Over coffee, discover five revenue-boosting AI strategiesused by publishers across Europe and North America, including:
- Building high-value local business directories
- Creating long-tail display ads and landing pages at scale
- Identifying advertiser leads with AI-powered crawling and scoring
- Automating spec ad creation to empower sales teamsThis practical session is ideal for digital ad and revenue leaders looking to unlock AI’s potential in media sales.
- Specialist Summits:
- Summit on Digital Advertising:Â Strategies for maximizing ad revenue and engaging local advertisers.
- Summit on Content Innovation:Â Exploring new forms of storytelling and audience engagement.
- Summit on Technology and Media:Â The impact of emerging technologies on content distribution and user experience.
- Workshops:Â Interactive sessions focusing on practical skills, such as data-driven journalism and AI applications in newsrooms.
Day 3: May 6
- Study Tour: Experience Krakow’s local media landscape with guided tours of prominent news organizations.
- Awards Ceremony:Â Celebrate the best in journalism and media innovation.
- Closing Panel Discussion:Â A look ahead at the future of media and how organizations can adapt to ongoing changes.
Target Audience
This event is a must-visit for media executives, digital directors, advertising leaders, and chief revenue officers from news organizations around the globe. Attendees will benefit from gaining actionable insights, learning best practices, and networking with industry peers—all of which are crucial for staying at the forefront of media innovation.
