2026 agenda sessions
Delegates can expect thought-provoking keynotes, tangible case studies, practical presentations, and strategy-focused panel sessions delivered by experts both inside and outside of the industry.
Alongside the sessions below, the agenda will feature issue-based roundtables, which offer a unique opportunity to engage with peers in an intimate group to cover the issues facing independent publishers today.
Below you'll find the topics to be discussed over a series of sessions and case studies covering three stages.
Click here to book your tickets and save over 20% with earlybird rates until October 21.
Speakers and timings to be announced.
Business Strategy
Innovation in Media: the independent advantage
Drawing on the latest Innovation in Media Report, Juan Señor explores the ideas, innovations, and strategy reshaping publishing today. From AI and audience growth to reader revenue, community and trust, discover the trends that matter most and the practical lessons independent publishers can adapt, test, and turn into competitive advantage.
So you want investment?
Investment can unlock the next stage of growth, accelerate innovation, expand reach, and present new opportunities. Yet growth capital also brings new stakeholders, heightened expectations, and a shift in how businesses are governed and measured.
Hear from industry leaders who’ve been there - as they share insights on navigating investor relationships, balancing growth with independence, and turning external backing into long-term success.
The mistakes that made us
Founders and CEOs get candid on the decisions that changed everything. From failed products and missed opportunities to unexpected growth and successful pivots. Every business has a story to share – and speakers will share their insights about scaling, surviving setbacks, and building momentum.
Untapped markets: new revenue, new customers, new products
Ambitious publishers don't just grow their audience they expand their horizons. Whether it's entering a new market, serving a new customer segment, or offering proven products to untapped audiences, we’ll hear from independent publishers who identified their next big opportunity, tested demand, and scaled successfully.
Scaling fast in a specialist market
Meet the publishers who are spotting a gap, building momentum, and scaling fast. This session hears from those who successfully capitalised on the opportunities others have missed, doubled down on a market niche, and unlocked impressive growth appealing to those looking to acquire.
Revenue & Growth
Supercharge your subscription strategy
The best subscription businesses don't compete on price they compete on value. Explore how publishers are pricing their content, testing new revenue models, improving conversion, and reducing churn- with practical lessons on turning audience trust into sustainable recurring revenue.
Events as a growth strategy: converting audiences into revenue
For many publishers, events are no longer a marketing channel, they're a growth strategy. This case-study session explores how publishers are building high-value commercial products around communities, insights, and experiences.
The commercial opportunities hiding in plain sight
From first-party data and audience intelligence to overlooked sponsorship, lead-generation, and advertising opportunities, this session explores how to uncover the commercial value already within your business.
Subscriptions rules drop in
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA) introduces significant changes to the legal framework governing subscription contracts.
Before they come into effect in January 2027, attend a drop-in session with the PPA’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs to discuss these new rules.
Content & Community
How to win the AI discovery game
As audiences increasingly discover information through AI platforms, how can publishers ensure their content and expertise remain visible? We explore the emerging rules of AI discovery, from authority and credibility to structured, clearly sourced content. Learn how to strengthen the signals that help AI systems recognise, trust, and surface your work.
The human advantage: editorial trust in the age of AI
AI can save time, streamline workflows, and unlock new opportunities, but not every task should be automated. This session explores how publishers are using AI to increase efficiency while protecting the editorial judgment, expertise, relationships, and trust that set them apart.
Building community: turning audiences into advocates
This session explores how independent publishers are building deeper relationships through membership, live experiences, print, and owned channels - turning passive audiences into active participants, advocates, and loyal communities.
Future proofing: what the next generation wants
Younger audiences and employees have different expectations of media brands, workplaces, and communities. They value authenticity, participation, and purpose, and are more likely to trust people than institutions. This session explores what the next generation wants, who they trust, and how publishers can build stronger connections with the audiences and talent that will shape their future.
Unlock the power of video
Can video really work for specialist publishers? Through a series of practical case studies, discover how publishers are creating engaging video on limited budgets, building in-house skills, growing audiences and turning attention into revenue.