Lead a Table Talk at the 2025 Independent News Sustainability Summit

Are you interested in facilitating discussion among fellow media entrepreneurs working through similar challenges? Do you have resources and experiences you’d like to share to help others avoid “reinventing the wheel” on a certain topic? 

If you answered “yes,” you’re a great fit to propose a Table Talk at the 2025 Independent News Sustainability Summit, which will be held in St. Louis from September 3-5.

What are Table Talks?

Table Talks are small-group conversations that last 90 minutes, designed to foster connections around shared topics of interest for publishers (e.g., revenue experimentation, membership models, and reducing burnout). These sessions work best for groups of 10 to 12 participants, guided by one peer facilitator. Proposals that fit well with this format will focus on topics related to news entrepreneurship. 

If you plan to attend the Summit and have an idea for a Table Talk that you would like to facilitate, submit it by 5 p.m. PT on June 2.

Note: Table Talks will take place on Friday, September 5, from 10:30 a.m. to noon CT. Please refrain from submitting a pitch if you cannot participate at that time, as we won’t be able to schedule Table Talks outside of this time window.

How will you select Table Talks?

We’ll select pitches that coordinate well with the main themes of the Summit: 

• Revenue generation ideas
• Business and strategic planning
• Financial management
• Audience research/development/engagement
• Strategies to foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging 
• Impact measurement 
• Hiring, onboarding, and retaining staff
• Management/leadership best practices
• Tools and tech stacks 
• Product development

We’ll look for clarity from applicants regarding what they envision participants at their Table Talk will learn from each other. We’d also like to know how this session will help build community among Summit attendees and why you are well-positioned to facilitate discussion on your proposed topic. 

How can I apply? And what happens next if I’m selected?

We encourage all who are interested and planning to attend the Summit to submit a Table Talk proposal by 5 p.m. PT on Monday, June 2. You’ll hear from us by mid-June to learn if your proposal was accepted.

We’ll host a virtual orientation session ahead of the Summit to help you prepare. If you’re a first-time conference speaker who needs more support, we’re happy to provide extra guidance.

FAQ

• Can I submit more than one Table Talk proposal?
  • While it’s permitted to submit more than one Table Talk proposal, we strongly encourage you to focus on one pitch and make it as strong as possible! 

• If I facilitated a Table Talk at last year’s Summit, can I facilitate one this year?
  • Yes, you are welcome to propose a Table Talk this year, even if you facilitated one previously. However, we may prioritize proposals from Summit attendees who haven’t facilitated a Table Talk before. 

• Will I receive a free ticket to the Summit if I’m a Table Talk facilitator?
  • Yes, Summit attendees selected as Table Talk facilitators will receive complimentary Summit registration. If you previously purchased a Summit ticket and request a refund because we are providing you with a complimentary ticket, we will refund the total cost of the ticket plus the service/processing fee (please note this exception excludes early bird tickets!)

• Can I co-facilitate a Table Talk with another attendee?
  • Due to the small group size for Table Talks, please only propose a topic that you’re comfortable leading as a single facilitator. 

If you have any questions about the 2025 Table Talks or additional ideas for building community at the Summit, please get in touch with LION Community Manager Natalie Van Hoozer at natalievanhoozer@lionpublishers.com.