The Congress agenda is LIVE!
About WNMC
At a time of profound industry transformation driven by artificial intelligence, shifting audience expectations, and evolving business models, the Congress provides a trusted forum for senior leaders to exchange insights, address strategic challenges, and identify opportunities for sustainable growth.
Three conference tracks: AI in Media, Future of Journalism, Revenue and Growth
These three tracks are cornerstone gatherings of the WNMC26, bringing together top newsroom leaders, innovators, and visionaries.
Attendees will gain cutting-edge insights into how AI is transforming the media business, from processes to output. Editorial leaders will come together to rethink their journalism and the way they operate their newsrooms. Revenue officers will unpack what is delivering impact right now - and how to scale it. Plus plenty of case studies, perspective and debate to inspire and challenge.
The tracks feature high-profile speakers and practitioners and the sessions provide a unique platform to explore emerging trends, share best practices, and shape the global media agenda.
Language: All conference sessions are delivered in English, with complimentary AI-powered live translation covering 50+ languages.
Pre-Congress Deep Dives
Covering technology, business, content & innovation, these four engaging, interactive, and hands-on sessions are designed to jumpstart your Congress experience.
Table Talks
Interactive sessions where experts lead discussions on media sustainability, revenue diversification, the future of print, the emerging news creator ecosystem, and other topics of interest to Congress delegates.
The entry to the above sessions is included in your registration.
Golden Pen of Freedom Awarding Ceremony
The Congress offers a moment to reflect on the global state of media freedom and acknowledge the brave individuals and organisations which risk much to keep publishing. Laureates 1961-2025
Since 1961, the Golden Pen has turned the spotlight of public attention on repressive governments and journalists who fight them. The Pen has, on several occasions, secured the release of a publisher or journalist from jail or afforded him or her a degree of protection against further persecution.
Exhibition
The WNMC26 Exhibition is where leading suppliers showcase their most innovative solutions to power your newsroom and transform the news industry. From AI-driven tools to cutting-edge publishing platforms, this is the place to experience the technologies shaping the future of media. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover them on the exhibition floor and connect with the partners who can take your journalism to the next level.
Welcome Reception
Location: Reverso at R2 Le Rooftop des Terrasses, 9 Quai du Lazaret 13002 MARSEILLE
Date & time: 01 June 2026, 18:00 - 20:00
A relaxing and memorable evening at one of Marseille’s most distinctive venues. This stylish setting offers an exceptional location with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. As the sun sets over the coastline, unwind with fellow delegates in a social atmosphere, designed to spark a conversation, networking, and connection.
The entry to this event is included in your registration.
Awards Night & Soirée
Location: Palais du Pharo (Congress venue)
Date & time: 02 June 2026, 19:00
WAN-IFRA’s Digital Media Awards is the news media industry’s truly global digital media competition. This award recognises news publishers who have delivered unique and original digital media projects.
The 2026 winners will be announced at this year’s World News Media Congress in Marseille.
The entry to this event is included in your registration.
Post Congress Study Tour
Paris | 4-5 June 2026
After an inspiring exchange at the Congress, complement your visit with a two-day Study Tour in Paris. We will travel together to Paris to step inside leading French Newsrooms to gain first-hand insights into the most impactful projects influencing France’s media landscape. Take the opportunity to engage directly with the innovators in charge of transforming the newsroom operations daily. We will hear about the latest trends on digital transformation, video strategies, AI and more.
This Study Tour is exclusively available for publishers to attend, and is not included in the Congress registration.
Please contact Virginia Melero to express your interest and for more information.