About
The Summit will bring together hundreds of independent news leaders, supporters, vendors, and funders for three days of keynotes, sessions, and networking opportunities.
This event is hosted by LION Publishers, a journalism-support organization dedicated to strengthening the local news industry by empowering independent news publishers to build more sustainable businesses.
At the Summit, we'll also host the eighth annual LION Sustainability Awards Ceremony & Dinner, honoring dozens of winners across 10 categories with awards and cash prizes. The LION Awards will be held on the evening of September 9.
LIONs: Save big with early-bird pricing
We have 120 early-bird tickets available for LION members at $200 each, regardless of organization size. Each LION member may purchase up to two early-bird tickets. This promo ends April 30 or when we sell out, whichever comes first!
Who attends the Summit
- Leaders of independent news publications.
- We define a leader as CEO/executive director, founder, publisher, editor, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, or equivalent.
- Anyone who works for an independent news publication.
- Attendees have told us that sending team members who work on the business side has been a valuable experience for them.
- Supporters of independent news publications.
- This includes vendors, coaches, and consultants who serve publishers, individual donors, news funders, local news enthusiasts, and those who work for other journalism-support organizations.
- Educators, students, and soon-to-be news entrepreneurs.
- This event is a great opportunity to connect with local news leaders and others who care deeply about the future of independent journalism.
What the Summit features
- Panels, fireside chats, and lightning talks with industry leaders
- Peer-to-peer knowledge sharing via roundtables and interactive workshops
- Numerous educational sessions on financial health, operational resilience, and journalistic impact — LION’s pillars of sustainability
- Facilitated networking opportunities and special after-hours events (may require separate registration)
- The eighth annual LION Awards Ceremony & Dinner (separate ticket required)
What a Summit ticket includes
- Three catered lunches, plus coffee, hot tea, and soft drinks throughout the day
- Access to all main Summit sessions, including the LION Awards Social Hour on Wednesday, September 9, held just before the LION Awards Ceremony & Dinner
- Access to our interactive event app, Whova, which lets attendees view the schedule and session materials, participate in icebreakers, message fellow attendees, arrange meetups, and more
- Access to our Vendors’ Fair, where attendees can connect with sponsors and supporters and learn more about their work with independent news publishers
- Opportunity to sign up for office hours on a first-come, first-served basis with other journalism-support organizations, like Lawyers for Reporters
- Opportunity to register for special after-hours learning and networking events held in conjunction with the Summit
What a LION Awards ticket includes
- Access to the LION Awards Ceremony & Dinner on September 9
- A three-course plated meal
- An evening of inspiration, camaraderie, and connection as we celebrate the incredible accomplishments of LION members across the U.S. and Canada
What past attendees say
Here's a snapshot of what people said after attending our 2022 Summit in Austin, 2024 Summit in Chicago, and 2025 Summit in St. Louis:
Get involved
- Want to sponsor the only event for local independent online news leaders? Email Shelly Hunter, LION’s development director, at sponsorships@lionpublishers.com.
- Want to secure your seat before we sell out? Register.
- Want to volunteer at the Summit and/or LION Awards? Email Hayley Milloy, LION's marketing manager, at summit@lionpublishers.com.