When: Jan. 6–8, 2026
Where: Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus + Creativity Commons on the ASU Tempe Campus
Day 1 – Tuesday, Jan. 6: The future is here
Location: Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Downtown Phoenix
12:30 – 2 p.m.: Registration and building tours
12:30-1:45 p.m.: Optional break-out sessions
2:00 – 2:10 p.m.: Welcome and What to Expect: Nicole Carroll, executive director, NEWSWELL and Julia Wallace, launch director of the Knight Center for the Future of News
2:10 – 3 p.m.: Keynote Talk. The World Is Changing Fast — Here’s How to Thrive.
3 – 3:50 p.m.: Keynote Conversation. How to Lead Through Change.
4 – 5 p.m.: Decision Theater. Solutions to complex problems require a strategic approach. Using data analytics and high-performance computing to drive software-integrated models, we’ll show you how Decision Theater streamlines big data and transforms it into good decision-making.
5:30 – 7 p.m.: Reception | Thunderbird School of Global Management Bar
Day 2 – Wednesday, Jan. 7: Thriving in the future
Location: Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Downtown Phoenix
6:30-7:15 am.: Mural walks (see the beautiful murals in downtown Phoenix) and courtyard yoga
8:15-8:45 a.m.: Continental breakfast and networking
8:45 – 10 a.m.: Keynote Panel. The Future of AI and News. David Chivers, Lenfest Institute for Journalism, George Edelman, director of partnerships at FT Strategies and others.
10:30 – 11:50 a.m.: Scenario Planning: Exploring the Future of News. Participants dive into future-world scenarios and the work we need to do now.
12:00 – 1:15 p.m.: Lunch and Expert Table Talks: Among the table hosts: Dr. Joshua Garland, director the ASU Center on Information and Narrative Complexity; Dr. Shelby Grossman, professor of practice at the ASU Howard Center for Investigative Reporting and Djordje Padejski, associate director of the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University.
1:45 – 2:30 p.m.: Workshops:
- Culture and strategic integration: A.X. Mina, special vice president, American Journalism Project
- Future of News consumption and revenue:
Mary Walter-Brown, founder, CEO, News Revenue Hub - Ways AI can power journalism now: Burt Herman, co-founder, Hacks/Hackers
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.: Field Trips: AI in Action at ASU Tempe.
Includes visits to:
– Dreamscape Learn VR Lab: The lab blends cinematic storytelling, immersive virtual reality (VR), and advanced pedagogy. We’ll use VR headsets, motion tracking, and sensory effects (like floor vibration and wind) to become avatars in virtual worlds, engaging in missions that mirror scientific exploration.
– AI Research Fair: ASU students and professors from different disciplines will demonstrate and explain how they are using AI to solve today’s problems and think about tomorrow.
– Next Lab: You’ll visit Next Lab, which brings together learners, educators, industry leaders and global partners to tackle the world’s most complex challenges using cutting-edge tools, skills and mindsets. See their research and projects in action.
6:30 – 8 p.m.: Evening Mixer: Taco Truck and Margaritas | Arizona Center Courtyard
Day 3 – Thursday, Jan. 8: Creating What’s Next
Location: Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Downtown Phoenix
8 – 8:30 a.m.: Continental breakfast and networking
8:30 – 9:45 a.m.: Ignite Sessions: Steal This Idea!
See rapid 5-minute presentations showcasing AI innovations in three key areas: culture and strategic innovation; future of news consumption and revenue and powering journalism today.
10:30 – 11:25 a.m.: Open Pitch Session: From Ideas to Action
Participants pitch projects for collaboration (small-group and large scale)
11:30 a.m. – Noon: Closing Conversation: Here’s what we heard. Here’s what’s next.
Amalie Nash, VP journalism, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Noon – 1 p.m.: Adjourn + Box Lunches | Rooms open for group/cohort meetings, project meet-ups/continuing collaborations and networking.