Catholic Media Conference 2026
Schedule Overview (optimized for mobile)
All times Eastern · Schedule subject to change
Tuesday
June 168:00 am – 4:00 pm
Exhibitor Setup
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
CMA Board of Directors Meeting
1:00 – 6:00 pm
Registration Desk Open
5:00 pm
Transportation to Opening Mass
6:00 pm
Opening Mass
All are welcome.
7:00 – 10:00 pm
Welcome and Networking on the Atlantic City Boardwalk
Separately ticketed event. Dinner, music and networking on the beach.
9:00 – 10:00 pm
Transportation to Harrah's Atlantic City Resort
Jitneys depart from Resorts Casino Hotel. As you leave LandShark Bar & Grill, walk across the boardwalk toward the front entrance/valet area of Resorts Casino Hotel. Jitneys will be parked along the curb.
Wednesday
June 177:00 am – 5:00 pm
Prayer Room Open
7:00 – 8:00 am
Past Presidents Breakfast
7:00 – 8:30 am
Coffee Service and Grab-and-Go Breakfast Items
7:30 am – 7:00 pm
Registration Desk Open
11:00 – 11:30 am
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Opening Luncheon and Keynote
"The Mirror and the Window: AI and the Future of Catholic Communication" — Taylor Black, Director of AI and Venture Ecosystems at Microsoft and Inaugural Director of the Institute for AI and Emerging Technologies at Catholic University of America.
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Dessert in the Exhibit Hall
3:15 – 4:30 pm
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall
5:00 pm
Mass
Thursday
June 187:00 am – 5:00 pm
Prayer Room Open
7:00 – 9:00 am
Coffee Service and Grab-and-Go Breakfast Items
7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Registration Desk Open
7:30 – 9:00 am
CMA Member Meeting
9:00 – 9:30 am
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall
10:45 – 11:30 am
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall
11:30 am – 1:45 pm
Cardinal John P. Foley Award Luncheon and Media Panel
"Communicating the Vision of Pope Leo XIV: Truth, Technology and Evangelization" — This panel reflects on the Holy Father's call for communication rooted in listening, oriented toward peace and attentive to the dignity of every person, particularly in light of misinformation and emerging technologies.
1:45 – 2:30 pm
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall
4:00 – 4:30 pm
Break in the Exhibit Hall
5:00 pm
Mass
7:30 pm
Film Screening: "Debating Statues & Saints"
A thought-provoking documentary about polarization in our society through the lens of the debate surrounding the tearing down of Junipero Serra statues in California. This film illuminates those looking to bridge divides with the hope of providing space to listen, learn, and heal.
Friday
June 197:00 am – 3:00 pm
Prayer Room Open
7:00 – 9:00 am
Coffee Service and Grab-and-Go Breakfast Items
7:30 am – 3:00 pm
Registration Desk Open
7:30 – 8:30 am
CNEWA Sponsored Breakfast and Program
Join CNEWA for a special breakfast program on the final morning of the conference — an opportunity for fellowship and an update on the mission of CNEWA.
9:30 – 11:30 am
Film Screening: "Sacred Heart: His Reign Has No End"
A new docudrama presenting the heart of Jesus as revealed to Saint Margaret Mary 350 years ago. Nearly a million people have seen the film in Europe to date. Particularly timely as the U.S. Catholic bishops are set to consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus this June.
10:45 – 11:30 am
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
St. Francis de Sales Award Luncheon and Keynote
The Catholic Media Association honors the recipient of the St. Francis de Sales Award — the highest award a member can receive. This year's luncheon features a keynote address by Kerry Alys Robinson, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA. Join colleagues and friends to celebrate excellence in Catholic journalism and communications while hearing reflections on leadership and service within the Church.
1:30 – 2:00 pm
Prize Giveaway in the Exhibit Hall
Prize drawing at approximately 1:45 p.m.
2:00 – 4:00 pm
Film Screening: "American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story"
Narrated by Martin Sheen, this film tells the extraordinary life, ministry, martyrdom and legacy of the first U.S.-born priest and martyr who gave his life in service of the people of Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala.
4:00 pm
Transportation to CMA Memorial Mass
5:00 – 6:00 pm
CMA Memorial Mass
6:30 pm
Transportation to Harrah's Atlantic City Resort
7:00 – 8:00 pm
Catholic Media Awards × 60th Annual Gabriel Awards Reception
8:00 – 10:00 pm
Catholic Media Awards × 60th Annual Gabriel Awards
Join us for the pinnacle of the Catholic Media Conference as we gather to honor excellence in media. Celebrate with colleagues and industry leaders as we recognize the work that inspires, informs and impacts our global Catholic community.