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  • Two woman talking with a banner reading "newsgeist" in the background.
  • Groups of people standing in a front corridor and talking.
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Newsgeist is an invitation-only gathering that runs on the unconference model: no preset agenda and no passive audience. Participants come from journalism, technology, civil society and research. In 2025, CNTI assumed stewardship of this highly coveted event.

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People sitting in a small group circle in chairs during a game at the 2026 Newsgeist conference.
Watch Ignite Talks from the 2026 Newsgeist online.

What is a Newsgeist Unconference?

Pitch

On the first night, attendees pitch the ideas and questions they want to explore. Those pitches become the weekend’s program, so the agenda comes straight from the room.

Lead Over Lecture

Each session is led by the person who proposed it. Instead of giving a presentation, they guide an open conversation where everyone in the room is able to contribute.

Open & Candid

All sessions run under the Chatham House Rule, so participants can share what they think and what they’ve learned without worrying about quotes being attributed to them.

Accessible For Attendees

There is no fee to attend. Participants cover their own travel and accommodation, and sponsors cover the cost of the event.

“At CNTI, we take a three-pronged approach to moving journalism forward: conducting rigorous research, hosting honest discussion and sincere listening, and driving real innovation in practice, product and thought. Newsgeist has been a long-treasured opportunity for that honest discussion and for innovative ideas.”

— Amy Mitchell, Executive Director, CNTI

Past Events

Two men talking with a banner in the background that reads "newsgeist."

Hamburg, Germany · October 16–18, 2026

Newsgeist 2026

CNTI’s second Newsgeist, co-hosted with Hamburg Media School, brought 160 participants together for 48 sessions at Hamburg Media School and Der Spiegel.

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Speaker giving a talk at Newsgeist 2025.

Phoenix, Arizona · October 2025

Newsgeist 2025

The first Newsgeist under CNTI’s stewardship brought 180 participants together for 54 sessions at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

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