This year's meeting will focus on the topic of media transformation. As an introduction, Nancy Lane will share insight from the Local Media Association : "We think publishing companies must innovate on the core side of their business (print product) but they also need to develop separate digital business units and dedicate a certain level of investment for this activity. We also believe that small and mid-sized companies have a natural talent for the organization of events and that they should make it a part of the overall strategy, with the appropriate resources/staffing" says Lane. "We actually have strong feelings (with data to back it up) on how to organize and staff all three areas". Lane will be joined by Peter Newton, Chief Revenue Officer for GateHouse Media, who will share his company’s impressive transformation strategy (including the creation of Propel Marketing that is now a $48 million business for them across many small and mid-size markets), and Rick Ducey, Senior Analyst with BIA-Kelsey, who will share interesting research and industry trends on a wide variety of subjects.

Special guest: Andiara Petterle will give an update on the very unique paid content strategy of Grupo RBS located in Brazil.