Schedule Overview
June 16-19, 2026
All times Eastern | Schedule subject to updates.
With Gratitude to Our Sponsors
Keynote Speakers and Panelists
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Taylor Black
OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Taylor Black serves as Director of AI and Venture Ecosystems at Microsoft, and Inaugural Director of the Institute for AI and Emerging Technologies at Catholic University of America. -
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Kerry Weber
COMMUNICATING THE VISION OF POPE LEO XIV: TRUTH, TECHNOLOGY AND EVANGELIZATION
Kerry Weber is President of the Catholic Media Association and Executive Editor at America Media. -
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Dr. Paolo Ruffini
COMMUNICATING THE VISION OF POPE LEO XIV: TRUTH, TECHNOLOGY AND EVANGELIZATION
Dr. Paolo Ruffini is Prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Communication. -
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Carol Glatz
COMMUNICATING THE VISION OF POPE LEO XIV: TRUTH, TECHNOLOGY AND EVANGELIZATION
Carol Glatz is Editor in Chief of the Catholic News Service Rome bureau. -
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Fr. Arthur Purcaro, OSA
COMMUNICATING THE VISION OF POPE LEO XIV: TRUTH, TECHNOLOGY AND EVANGELIZATION
Fr. Arthur Purcaro, OSA, is Assistant Vice President at Villanova University. -
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Kerry Alys Robinson
FRIDAY KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Kerry Robinson is President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA.
Tuesday, June 16
8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Setup
Location: Avalon 15-17 Exhibit Hall, Waterfront Conference Center at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
CMA Board of Directors Meeting
Location: Avalon 24-25
1:00-6:00 p.m.
Registration Desk Open
Location: Second Floor of Waterfront Conference Center
5:00 p.m.
Transportation to Opening Mass at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church
Notes: Jitneys depart from Harrah’s Atlantic City Resort - WCC Porte Entrance. Across from Wildwood 12
6:00 p.m.
Opening Mass
All are welcome.
Location: St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 1409 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
7:00-10:00 p.m.
Welcome and Networking on the Atlantic City Boardwalk
Separately ticketed event.
Sponsored by Family Theater Productions - Bronze Sponsor
Location: LandShark Bar & Grill, 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Notes: Dinner, music and networking on the beach
9:00-10:00 p.m.
Transportation to Harrah’s Atlantic City Resort
Notes: Jitneys depart from Resorts Casino Hotel
(As you leave LandShark Bar & Grill, you are going to walk across the boardwalk down the street toward the front entrance, valet area for Resorts Casino Hotel. The jitneys will be parked along the curb right as you come off the boardwalk.)
Wednesday, June 17
7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Prayer Room Open
Location: Avalon 8
7:00-8:00 a.m.
Past Presidents Breakfast
Location: Coastal Craft Kitchen & Bar
7:00-8:30 a.m.
Coffee Service and Grab-and-Go Breakfast Items
Sponsored by Prenger Solutions Group and Catholic Social Media
Location: Avalon 15-17 Exhibit Hall
7:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Registration Desk Open
Location: Second Floor of Waterfront Conference Center
9:00-11:00 a.m.
Session 1 | Master Camps
Location: Avalon Breakout Rooms
11:00-11:30 a.m.
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall
11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Opening Luncheon and Keynote
Sponsored by The Pontifical Mission Societies and EWTN News - Gold Sponsors
“The Mirror and the Window: AI and the Future of Catholic Communication”
Start the conference with an exploration of the intersection of faith and artificial intelligence. This keynote features Taylor Black, who serves as Director of AI and Venture Ecosystems at Microsoft and Inaugural Director of the Institute for AI and Emerging Technologies at Catholic University of America.
Location: Avalon Ballroom, Waterfront Conference Center
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Dessert in the Exhibit Hall
2:00-3:15 p.m.
Session 2 | Peer-to-Peer Roundtables and Special Breakout
Location: Avalon Breakout Rooms
3:15-4:30 p.m.
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall
5:00 p.m.
Mass
Location: Avalon Ballroom, Waterfront Conference Center
Thursday, June 18
7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Prayer Room Open
Location: Avalon 8
7:00-9:00 a.m.
Coffee Service and Grab-and-Go Breakfast Items
Sponsored by Prenger Solutions Group and Catholic Social Media
Location: Avalon Exhibit Hall
7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Registration Desk Open
Location: Second Floor of Waterfront Conference Center
7:30-9:00 a.m.
CMA Member Meeting
Location: Avalon Ballroom, Waterfront Conference Center
9:00-9:30 a.m.
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall
9:30-10:45 a.m.
Session 3 | Breakout Sessions
Location: Avalon Breakout Rooms
10:45-11:30 a.m.
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall
11:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
Cardinal John P. Foley Award Luncheon and Media Panel
Sponsored by Prenger Solutions Group, and Paulist Fathers and Paulist Productions - Silver Sponsors
“Communicating the Vision of Pope Leo XIV: Truth, Technology and Evangelization”
One year into the ministry of Pope Leo XIV, his teaching has already offered a clear orientation for the Church’s communications mission. 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. Panelists will consider how Catholic media can respond to this vision with fidelity, prudence and hope.
Moderator:
Kerry Weber, Executive Editor of America Media and President of the Catholic Media Association
Panelists:
Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Communication
Carol Glatz, Editor in Chief of the Catholic News Service Rome bureau
Fr. Arthur Purcaro, OSA, Assistant Vice President for Mission and Ministry at Villanova University
Location: Avalon Ballroom, Waterfront Conference Center
1:45-2:30 p.m.
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall
2:45-4:00 p.m.
Session 4 | Breakout Sessions
Location: Avalon Breakout Rooms
4:00-4:30 p.m.
Break in the Exhibit Hall
5:00 p.m.
Mass
Location: Avalon Ballroom, Waterfront Conference Center
7:30 p.m.
Film Screening
“Debating Statues & Saints”
Sponsored by The Paulist Fathers and Paulist Productions - Silver Sponsors
Debating Statues & Saints is a thought-provoking new documentary about polarization in our society through the lens of the debate surrounding the tearing down of Junipero Serra statues throughout California. This film not only delves into the historical record, but illuminates those looking to bridge divides with the hope of providing space to listen, learn, and heal.
Location: Avalon 24-25 Theater
Friday, June 19
7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Prayer Room Open
Location: Avalon 8
7:00-9:00 a.m.
Coffee Service and Grab-and-Go Breakfast Items
Sponsored by Prenger Solutions Group and Catholic Social Media
Location: Avalon Exhibit Hall
7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Registration Desk Open
Location: Second Floor of Waterfront Conference Center
7:30-8:30 a.m.
CNEWA Sponsored Breakfast and Program
Join CNEWA for a special breakfast program on the final morning of the conference. This session will offer an opportunity for fellowship and an update on the mission of CNEWA.
Location: Avalon Ballroom, Waterfront Conference Center
9:30-10:45 a.m.
Session 5 | Breakout Sessions
Location: Avalon Breakout Rooms
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Film Screening
“Sacred Heart: His Reign Has No End”
His Reign Has No End is a new docudrama that presents the heart of Jesus as revealed to Saint Margaret Mary 350 years ago in France. Today, the mystery of the Sacred Heart continues to draw men and women from around the world to its love, grace and transforming power for all humanity. In this year of America’s 250th anniversary, the film is even more timely as the U.S. Catholic bishops are set to consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus this June. Characterized as a blockbuster overseas, nearly a million people have seen the film in Europe to date.
Location: Avalon 24-25 Theater
10:45-11:30 a.m.
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
St. Francis de Sales Award Luncheon and Keynote
Sponsored by FAITH Catholic and OSV News - Silver Sponsors
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 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.
Location: Avalon Ballroom
1:30-2:00 p.m.
Prize Giveaway in the Exhibit Hall
Prize drawing at approximately 1:45 p.m.
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Film Screening
“American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story”
Sponsored by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City - Friends of CMC Sponsor
Narrated by critically acclaimed actor Martin Sheen, American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story tells audiences about 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.
Location: Avalon 24-25 Theater
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Session 6 | Region Roundtable Discussions
Location: Avalon Breakout Rooms
4:00 p.m.
Transportation to CMA Memorial Mass at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church
Notes: Jitneys depart from Harrah’s Atlantic City Resort - WCC Porte Entrance. Across from Wildwood 12
5:00-6:00 p.m.
CMA Memorial Mass
Location: St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 1409 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
6:30 p.m.
Transportation to Harrah’s Atlantic City Resort
Notes: Jitneys depart from St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Catholic Media Awards x 60th Annual Gabriel Awards Reception
Sponsored by National Catholic Reporter - Bronze Sponsor
Location: Pre-function Area, Avalon Ballroom, Waterfront Conference Center
8:00-10:00 p.m.
Catholic Media Awards x 60th Annual Gabriel Awards
Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus - Gold Sponsor
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.
Location: Avalon Ballroom, Waterfront Conference Center