• A celebration of standout local journalism, including regional award-winners from the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania and this year’s student scholarship recipients, along with a spotlight on the Young Press Social Club.

• Recognition of the first-year achievements of the Pittsburgh Media Partnership Newsroom—an initiative created to fill reporting gaps and launch early-career journalists—featuring introductions to current staff.

‍• Story Pitch Competition: Five Pittsburgh-area college students pitch their reporting ideas to the audience, which will vote to award a $500 stipend to the winning story.

• Signature cocktail crafted by Wigle Whiskey, with additional support from community sponsors including Abstract Realm Brewing.

• Live performance and emceeing by Pittsburgh artist, FRZY

Registration with breakfast pastries, coffee, and juice.

“Newsie” Nick Tommarello welcomes attendees and introduces Mayor-elect Corey O’Connor; Dr. Shari Payne, Provost of Point Park University; and Marlin Collingwood, Vice President of Enrollment Management.

The keynote discussion will then begin with Natalie Daher of Axios, exploring the role of local journalism, emerging industry trends, and audience engagement. The conversation is moderated by Dr. Andrew Conte, Director of the Center for Media Innovation (CMI), and Alexus Metayer, CMI graduate assistant, followed by a brief audience Q&A.

AI in the News: Friend, Foe, or Frenemy?

A panel discussion exploring the ethics of using AI and its impact on news delivery, with audience Q&A to follow. Panelists include Matt Adams (Texas Tribune), Luis Fábregas (Trib Total Media), Jennie Ewing Liska (Pittsburgh's Public Source), and Tristan Loper (Lenfest Institute), moderated by KDKA-TV news anchor, Erica Mokay.

"Is it Real...or Ai?"

An interactive game led by Alexus Metayer, CMI graduate assistant, challenging participants to identify authentic vs. AI-generated images using Kahoot.

Machines vs. Humans: Who Should We Trust?

A discussion featuring Chris Baxter (Spotlight PA), Jeanna Sybert  (Pittsburgh Media Partnership), and Mike Zula (Partnership to Advance Responsibility), moderated by KDKA-TV investigative reporter Andy Sheehan, with audience Q&A to follow.