Call for Proposals: NPA Summit 2026

The News Product Alliance (NPA) Summit has launched a call for proposals for sessions for this year’s summit to be held in Chicago on from  October 21–23, 2026.

The organisers look for sessions designed for senior practitioners and leaders across news product, editorial, audience, technology, and business. These are people responsible for making strategic decisions, building systems, and leading teams through change. The best sessions are grounded in real experience, focused on practical application, and honest about the tradeoffs.

Thematics

Thematically, applicants don’t need to force multiple alignments, but may choose up to two if their session genuinely spans both. For this year’s Summit, the organisers are looking for sessions that connect to one of the following:

• Audience Intelligence & First-Party Data Systems: How news organizations build, connect, and operationalize first-party audience data to turn research and signals into decisions, products, and strategy;
• AI-Native News Operations: Designing newsroom workflows, tools, and governance models where AI is embedded into everyday operations—not layered on as an experiment;
• Sustainable, Audience-Led Business Models: Aligning revenue strategies with audience value creation through product-led monetization, trust, loyalty, and long-term retention;
• The Future of Distribution & Non-dependability: Navigating platform volatility by building direct relationships, reducing dependency on search and social, and regaining strategic control over distribution;
• Product Leadership in Uncertain Times: Leading cross-functional teams through change by designing organizations, decision frameworks, and accountability systems built for uncertainty.

How to apply

The organisers strongly recommend reviewing the Session Proposal Guide. This includes detailed guidance on session formats, themes, and what they look for in strong proposals: 👉 https://newsproduct.org/summit-session-proposal-guide

Applicants can meet the organisers online on Tuesday, March 17, at 12:00 pm ET for an Info-Session. RSVP here. Applications can be submitted through this page. 

The deadline to pitch a session for the NPA Summit is April 6, 2026.