--- title: "Local News Solutions 2026" description: "Local News Solutions 2026 brings publishers, journalists and revenue teams to Denver for three days of practical ideas, honest conversations and connection." url: "https://convention.press/" date_modified: "2026-08-28T01:07:53+00:00" --- ## Our communities aren’t waiting. ## Neither are we. Three days. 88 speakers. 89 sessions and conversations built around the real work of local news. [Explore the schedule](/program/schedule/) [Read the program](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/LNS-2026-Program-WEB.pdf) WHO’S COMING? ↗ ### [300+ people ·](/whos-coming/) ### [128 organizations + growing](/whos-coming/) [See who’s coming](/whos-coming/) ### 88 speakers ### 89 sessions + conversations Three days. New ideas. Stronger communities. --- On this page: [Program](#program) [Example sessions](#what-youll-work-on) [Four stories](#only-at-lns) [Speakers](#speakers) [Awards](#awards) --- ![Local News Solutions 2026 program cover](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LNS-2026-program-cover.webp) [PRINT PROGRAM (PDF)](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/LNS-2026-Program-WEB.pdf) [Read the program](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/LNS-2026-Program-WEB.pdf) ### THE 2026 PROGRAM IS HERE ## Three days. A lot to dig into. Explore the complete program, save the sessions that matter to you and build a schedule around the work you need to do now. [Explore the schedule](/program/schedule/) ### THURSDAY ### [Why does local news matter?](/program/schedule/#thursday) Stories · policy · Sundance · *Seized* · reception ### FRIDAY ### [How must local news adapt?](/program/schedule/#friday) AI · audience · revenue · workshops · peer exchange ### SATURDAY ### [Who do our communities need us to become?](/program/schedule/#saturday) Collaboration · skills · community · awards · keynote --- ### IN SESSIONS + CONVERSATIONS ## Come with a problem. Find something useful. Explore 89 practical and hands-on sessions, case studies and strategies. ### PUBLIC RECORDS ### [› When Should a Newsroom Sue the Government?](#session_39d821b3b5af81c0b7c6f527e7320f1a) ### [› The Records You Should Be Looking At](#session_391821b3b5af815d899bc361eb9542ef) ### [› When Public Records Requests Get Stonewalled](#session_3b3821b3b5af8109951ae6ee27c3a09a) ### SAFETY ### [› When the Assignment Gets Risky](#session_389821b3b5af812a99c4dd712732d00b) ### [› Is This a Real Threat?](#session_391821b3b5af81e3bfabf2c187cf3a73) ### [› Locking Down Your Digital Life](#session_3b5821b3b5af8154af9cd812f0fd23e4) ### AUDIENCE ### [› Building News People Actually Need](#session_391821b3b5af81c38291c1c742f59820) ### [› How to Get More People to Read Your News](#session_390821b3b5af81bebee6d1d7178a9d00) ### [› Audience Growth Without a Big Audience Team](#session_39e821b3b5af81e7a634f59255380e24) ### REVENUE ### [› Sales Hiring, Training, and Accountability](#session_391821b3b5af81b08af0d094cc48143f) ### [› Events and Sponsorships That Actually Work](#session_391821b3b5af81bb968ce951383e0d1c) ### [› Sponsored Content That Works](#session_39f821b3b5af8044b212ccdc855c4df1) ### AI + DATA ### [› Small Newsrooms, Bigger Investigations](#session_3a3821b3b5af81e3a943fd71dbc3b4cb) ### [› Big Local News Tools for Small Newsrooms](#session_3a3821b3b5af81cbb0b9c9c33cae0093) ### [› Data Reporting Office Hours](#session_3a3821b3b5af81e0802fce7724c2302a) ### PHILANTHROPY ### [› Beyond the Grant](#session_391821b3b5af819996b8d7c58aabf1f0) ### [› Donor Development for Local News](#session_3ae821b3b5af811bb924dec968880421) ### [› Beyond Philanthropy: Building News Organizations That Last](#session_391821b3b5af8145a1b5d948444c6297) ### REPORTING ### [› Getting Better Answers](#session_3ae821b3b5af81679fd4d582b9a7237f) ### [› Environmental Justice: Global Forces, Local Impacts](#session_391821b3b5af8103a4d2ce9247982786) ### [› Campaign Finance Data](#session_392821b3b5af81008417f52bd65277b9) ### STRATEGY ### [› Runway, Not Revenue](#session_3ae821b3b5af8173ad9cfb9fd5dd1d08) ### [› From Publisher to CEO](#session_3ab821b3b5af81feb9d7c63fa5dd51f8) ### [› Co-op and Community Ownership Models](#session_39e821b3b5af81bf88c5e9e90176f8c5) ### COMMUNITY + COLLABORATION ### [› The Story Collaboration Lab](#session_3a4821b3b5af81fc90b6d59872977961) ### [› Creators + Journalists](#session_39e821b3b5af81b887e0ce838b00e29a) ### [› How Statewide and Local Newsrooms Can Work Together](#session_3c0821b3b5af8138a427f92956ae6d44) [Browse all sessions](/program/schedule/) [What are you trying to solve?](/what-are-you-trying-to-solve/) --- ### FOUR STORIES FROM THE PROGRAM ## The combinations are the point. The program gets more interesting when different kinds of work, expertise and experience meet. ![Eugene Hernandez](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Eugene-Hernandez-headshot.webp) ![A person holds an open Marion County Record newspaper with the headline “SEIZED … but not silenced.”](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SEIZED-key-still.webp) ### THURSDAY NIGHT ## [Sundance Film Festival, Seized and a different kind of opening night.](#session_39d821b3b5af81f987f5ed5265ce8c82) Local News Solutions opens with stories from newsroom leaders, a substantive conversation with Joint Budget Committee members about Colorado’s investment in local news and recognition of lawmakers who worked constructively with local journalism. After the reception, Sundance Film Festival Director Eugene Hernandez joins us for a conversation about arts, journalism and community. The evening continues with Sharon Liese’s Sundance-debuted documentary *Seized* and a conversation with Liese and Hernandez afterward. **Thursday only: $25.** Included with any convention pass. [Explore Thursday](/program/schedule/#thursday) ### PRACTICAL AI ### Put AI to work, responsibly. Cheryl Phillips and Big Local News lead conversations and hands-on sessions on what AI and data can actually do for local reporting, including tools and outside support that can help small newsrooms take on larger accountability work. Kevin Berrier’s AI Sales Games turns experimentation into a full-day team challenge to build and present an AI-assisted advertiser proposal. Across the program, the emphasis is on practical, responsible uses that help newsrooms work smarter and better serve their communities. ![Cheryl Phillips](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Cheryl-Phillips-headshot.webp) ![Kevin Berrier](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Kevin-Berrier-Headshot.webp) ### NEWS + PHILANTHROPY ### What if the philanthropy conversation isn’t just about grants? Leaders from Gates Family Foundation, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Latino Community Foundation of Colorado, Colorado Nonprofit Association and Colorado Media Project will explore how news organizations can build durable, nontransactional relationships with funders and civic institutions. A separate hands-on session with Great Big Good brings the conversation down to practical donor development. ![Headshot of Latia Henderson](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Latia-Henderson-headshot.webp) ![James-Allan Holmes](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/James-Allan-Holmes-headshot.webp) ![Carlos Martinez](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Carlos-Martinez-headshot.webp) ![Headshot of Paul Lhevine](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Paul-Lhevine-headshot.webp) ![Kimberly Spencer](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Kimberly-Spencer-Headshot.webp) ![Brandy Bertram](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Brandy-Bertram-headshot-2024.webp) ### JOURNALISM + ART ### What can journalism and art make together? SongWriter creator Ben Arthur brings a process that puts reporting, lived experience, research and artistic practice in conversation. With Amber Coté and John Moore, he’ll lead a hands-on lab exploring how journalists, artists, researchers and community members can illuminate different dimensions of a story, reach new audiences and deepen public impact. ![Ben Arthur](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ben-Arthur-headshot.webp) ![Amber Coté](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/amber-theorg-large.jpg) ![John Moore](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/John-Moore-headshot.jpg) --- ### THE PEOPLE IN THE ROOM ## Different kinds of expertise, one gathering. Start with the keynote speakers, then meet the visiting experts and outside voices featured throughout the printed program. KEYNOTES SPECIAL GUESTS [All speakers](/speakers/) ![Laura Frank](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Laura-Frank-Headshot.webp) ### Laura Frank Executive Director COLab, the Colorado News Collaborative [Open bio and sessions for Laura Frank](#speaker_39b821b3b5af8108905ad983bd236ec4) ![Dan Grech](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Dan-Grech-Headshot-scaled.webp) ### Dan Grech Founder, YBYS; Author YBYS [Open bio and sessions for Dan Grech](#speaker_39b821b3b5af81ae91a4d3e55cadc782) ![Amanda Mountain](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Amanda-Mountain-headshot.webp) ### Amanda Mountain President & CEO Rocky Mountain Public Media [Open bio and sessions for Amanda Mountain](#speaker_38f821b3b5af81d2b091f7ffe0dda5e1) ![Amalie Nash](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Amalie-Nash-Headshot.webp) ### Amalie Nash Vice President of Journalism Knight Foundation [Open bio and sessions for Amalie Nash](#speaker_389821b3b5af8112bbbcf9a33ddb2585) ![Garry Pierre-Pierre headshot](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Garry-Pierre-Pierre-Headshot.webp) ### Garry Pierre-Pierre Director of Partnerships URL Media [Open bio and sessions for Garry Pierre-Pierre](#speaker_389821b3b5af81248eeffb236d408133) ![Kent Thiry](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Kent-Thiry-Headshot.webp) ### Kent Thiry TNC Global Board Member and Former CEO & Executive Chairman of DaVita Unite America / former DaVita [Open bio and sessions for Kent Thiry](#speaker_389821b3b5af81c09395f493ad089b9f) ![Leonor Ayala Polley](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Leonor-Ayala-Polley-headshot.webp) ### Leonor Ayala Polley Chief of Recruitment and Business Development URL Media [Open bio and sessions for Leonor Ayala Polley](#speaker_39e821b3b5af81a09ab8d3c9ecc67056) ![Ben Arthur](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ben-Arthur-headshot.webp) ### Ben Arthur Creator and host, SongWriter; songwriter and musician SongWriter [Open bio and sessions for Ben Arthur](#speaker_3a4821b3b5af8165acb5c37362c8d509) ![Brandy Bertram](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Brandy-Bertram-headshot-2024.webp) ### Brandy Bertram Founder and Principal Great Big Good [Open bio and sessions for Brandy Bertram](#speaker_3b3821b3b5af8110a4ccee32c5c651fc) ![Kevin Berrier](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Kevin-Berrier-Headshot.webp) ### Kevin Berrier Marketing Director MDDC Press Association [Open bio and sessions for Kevin Berrier](#speaker_389821b3b5af81058e48cdc98a80beaa) ![Julia Campbell](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Julia-Campbell-Headshot.webp) ### Julia Campbell Co-Chief Executive Officer Local Media Association [Open bio and sessions for Julia Campbell](#speaker_389821b3b5af8111bd58dffff279a8ee) ![Jerry Glotzer](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Jerry-Glotzer-speaker-card.webp) ### Jerry Glotzer Safety and Risk Manager Chicago Tribune Publishing / MediaNews Group [Open bio and sessions for Jerry Glotzer](#speaker_389821b3b5af815fb806cbc51b93d481) ![Sarah Glover](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Sarah-Glover.jpg) ### Sarah Glover Engagement Director Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) [Open bio and sessions for Sarah Glover](#speaker_3c1821b3b5af813cb8e0dfd7e768a447) ![Headshot of Latia Henderson](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Latia-Henderson-headshot.webp) ### Latia Henderson Director of Strategic Communications and Informed Communities Gates Family Foundation [Open bio and sessions for Latia Henderson](#speaker_3a0821b3b5af813db0b8d34afc19e002) ![Eugene Hernandez](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Eugene-Hernandez-headshot.webp) ### Eugene Hernandez Director, Sundance Film Festival & Public Programming Sundance Institute / Sundance Film Festival [Open bio and sessions for Eugene Hernandez](#speaker_39d821b3b5af81269d17d9ad9dd2e030) ![Andrew Holder](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Andrew-Holder-headshot.jpg) ### Andrew Holder Director, Community Relations and Local Government Affairs Xcel Energy [Open bio and sessions for Andrew Holder](#speaker_3bf821b3b5af81489b7cf97183f1b4c4) ![James-Allan Holmes](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/James-Allan-Holmes-headshot.webp) ### James-Allan Holmes President & CEO Bonfils-Stanton Foundation [Open bio and sessions for James-Allan Holmes](#speaker_3a0821b3b5af819ab5b6f692ba4d9179) ![Headshot of Paul Lhevine](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Paul-Lhevine-headshot.webp) ### Paul Lhevine President & CEO Colorado Nonprofit Association [Open bio and sessions for Paul Lhevine](#speaker_3a0821b3b5af8148aa83c3fa52f073a3) ![Sharon Liese](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Sharon-Liese-headshot.jpg) ### Sharon Liese Filmmaker and director of Seized Herizon Productions [Open bio and sessions for Sharon Liese](#speaker_3ac821b3b5af81c79b64cc58f9d62130) ![Carlos Martinez](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Carlos-Martinez-headshot.webp) ### Carlos Martinez President and CEO Latino Community Foundation of Colorado [Open bio and sessions for Carlos Martinez](#speaker_3a0821b3b5af81439935f0bfbecf8da8) ![Marita Pérez Díaz](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Marita-Perez-Diaz-headshot.webp) ### Marita Pérez Díaz Senior Web Engineer American Press Institute [Open bio and sessions for Marita Pérez Díaz](#speaker_3b3821b3b5af81eca7aed9b0eb4febc5) ![Katie Peshek](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Katie-Peshek-headshot.webp) ### Katie Peshek Senior communications officer The Colorado Health Foundation [Open bio and sessions for Katie Peshek](#speaker_3bb821b3b5af81909344d8e4894b333e) ![Cheryl Phillips](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Cheryl-Phillips-headshot.webp) ### Cheryl Phillips Hearst Professional in Residence; Founder and Co-Director, Big Local News Stanford University / Big Local News [Open bio and sessions for Cheryl Phillips](#speaker_38a821b3b5af8173b510e947be900a25) ![Nathan Schneider](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Nathan-Schneider-headshot.png) ### Nathan Schneider Associate Professor of Media Studies; Founder, Media Economies Design Lab University of Colorado Boulder / Media Economies Design Lab [Open bio and sessions for Nathan Schneider](#speaker_3b3821b3b5af816099bac66b6a67f849) ![Emily Sirota](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Emily-Sirota-headshot.webp) ### Emily Sirota Chair, Joint Budget Committee; State Representative, District 9 Colorado General Assembly [Open bio and sessions for Emily Sirota](#speaker_3b9821b3b5af8116adbdc965c93f131a) ![Kevin Slimp](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Kevin-Slimp-Newspaper-Academy-Headshot.webp) ### Kevin Slimp Founder Newspaper Academy [Open bio and sessions for Kevin Slimp](#speaker_389821b3b5af81dc88c9cb3f8222b2de) ![Rick Taggart](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Rick-Taggart-headshot.webp) ### Rick Taggart State Representative, District 55 Colorado General Assembly [Open bio and sessions for Rick Taggart](#speaker_3b9821b3b5af81309f98ee74206813d3) ![Rachel Zerowin](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Rachel-Zerowin.jpg) ### Rachel Zerowin Communications Manager Circular Action Alliance Colorado [Open bio and sessions for Rachel Zerowin](#speaker_3c2821b3b5af81d9ac42fcfa4e0fbed4) Select any speaker for their bio and sessions. Close ## --- ## WHAT ATTENDEES CARRY HOME ## The proof is in what happens after. ## “ ## Slides If people knew what they gained from coming to these conventions, they would come and bring their staff to every convention. It’s a great opportunity for individuals and staffs to learn, connect, and have a good time together. —Kevin Slimp, founder, Newspaper Academy So many resources, connections, vital conversations, and camaraderie. —2023 Attendee, Journalist The convention recharges our batteries, reminds us why we do what we do, and gives us fresh ideas and tools for doing better journalism. —2022 Attendee For us as funders, [the convention] reinforced why it’s so important to support this work and hear what outlets, journalists, and publishers are going through every day. —Kimberly Spencer, Director, Colorado Media Project There’s a lot to learn, and it’s information you can’t find anywhere else without hours of searching and lots of money. —2022 Attendee I walk away with new ways to collaborate, and ideas from around the country. You also deepen relationships with people in this state. —Lee Ann Colacioppo, Executive Editor, The Denver Post I’m not used to seeing such a diverse mix of people at these conventions. It’s exciting. —2022 National Sponsor This year’s convention had so much energy. I loved the workshops, which were very helpful for navigating new revenue streams. —2023 Attendee, Publisher The convention offers a great opportunity to network and learn from experts in the industry, regardless of your organizational role. —2023 Attendee, Publisher This is the best networking event you will attend all year. —2023 Attendee, Academic Events and workshops are consciously curated, and cover just about every topic in local journalism. I also appreciate the speakers from other places who had something significant to say. —2024 Attendee, Journalist Many visitors from outside CPA said this is one of the most vibrant and collaborative media groups they’ve seen. The best collaborations always seem to begin face-to-face. Be a part of it. —2024 Attendee, Journalist The CPA convention has become a true community of practice, marked by authenticity, innovation, and a shared commitment to solving hard problems together. —2025 Speaker The camaraderie of being among news industry professionals deeply committed to journalism was as inspiring as it was educational. I wish more journos at all stages of their careers could attend. —2025 Attendee, Journalist This was my first time attending all three days. The full experience was much more fulfilling than driving up for a single day. —2025 Attendee, Journalist Every year this conference introduces me to new people who inspire me. It’s a collection of passion-driven, collaborative people working for a stronger democracy, and it’s a community I’m proud to be part of. —2025 Attendee, National Journalist If you are looking to improve any part of your business, there is something for you here. —2024 National Sponsor As a journalist in a rural area, it’s easy to feel isolated from the work reporters are doing in other parts of the state. Making those connections helped me get back in touch with what made me fall in love with this work. —2024 Attendee, Journalist For young journalists, it’s a great experience to start networking early and attend workshops with seasoned journalists. The guidance and support at this conference can help re-ignite your passion for journalism. —2024 Attendee, Student Editor Tim and his team are so intentional about creating a space that helps people connect, learn from each other, and have conversations they wouldn’t have otherwise had. For this industry, [the convention] leaves us feeling energized. —Sam Moody, Associate Director, Colorado Media Project The convention is an excellent place to brainstorm new ideas and get fresh perspectives on issues that are often not isolated to a single newsroom. It is a chance to connect with the journalistic community and learn from each other. —2024 Attendee, Journalist Celebrate with and encourage your fellow journalists, and return home better informed and refreshed. —2023 Attendee, Publisher/Editor The roundtable sessions get interesting people talking about many different topics. They’re much more dynamic and social than the traditional speaker/presenter format. —2024 Sponsor I’m still riding the buzz from this year’s CPA conference. The energy, engagement, and can-do spirit of the participants were infectious and inspiring. This is a special community of practice, and I’m grateful to be a part of it. —2025 Speaker Great to hear new ideas about things impacting journalism in Colorado. Great to meet new people, both journalists and those outside of journalism. Great experience and networking for university students. —2025 Attendee, Academic This year’s convention was the best I’ve attended so far. The openness of the conversations, the diversity of perspectives, and the sense of community made it feel incredibly special. —2025 Speaker What a wonderful convention. The intimate size made it easy to chat with presenters and attendees alike. —2022 Attendee, Publisher Great networking opportunity! Interesting conversations! —2023 Attendee, Editor I learned a ton at the CPA Convention this year. I loved the focus on identifying and addressing challenges within peer groups, and I have already put some of those tips into practice. —2025 Attendee, Journalist [Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Coi4tbOGW4) --- ### AWARDS CELEBRATION ## Honoring excellence.Fueling what comes next. Saturday closes by recognizing the people and work that strengthen Colorado journalism, then asking what local news must become next. ### HALL OF FAME ### A lifetime of service to Colorado journalism. ![Bob and Gerri Sweeney](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Bob-and-Gerri-Sweeney.webp) ![Fred Brown](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Fred-Brown.webp) Honoring Bob and Gerri Sweeney and Fred Brown for decades of leadership, service, open-government work and commitment to Colorado’s newsrooms. ### A-MARK PRIZE ### Reporting that serves communities. ![A-Mark Prize plaque](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/A-Mark-Prize-plaque.webp) The A-Mark Prize recognizes public-service journalism that combines persistence, accountability and impact. ### BETTER NEWS CONTEST ### The best work in local journalism. ![Better News Contest generic award image](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Better-News-Contest-generic-award-image.webp) Celebrating outstanding reporting, photography, design and public service from newsrooms across Colorado. ### CLOSING KEYNOTE ![Garry Pierre-Pierre headshot](https://convention.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Garry-Pierre-Pierre-Headshot.webp) ### Refusing to Look Away Garry Pierre-Pierre closes the convention with “Local Journalism When Communities Need It Most,” connecting recognition of the year’s work to the responsibility ahead. [See the Saturday schedule](/program/schedule/#saturday) --- ## Bring your team. Build the future together. August 27–29, 2026 · Delta Hotels Denver/Thornton [Register now](/registration/) [Explore the schedule](/program/schedule/)