This June, the Catholic media community will gather for one of its most anticipated events of the year: the 2026 Catholic Media Conference.
From June 16-19 in Atlantic City, Catholic journalists, communicators, editors, publishers, digital media specialists and nonprofit leaders from across the United States and beyond will converge on the iconic Jersey Shore – a destination rich in history, seaside fun and vibrant energy.
At its core, the Catholic Media Conference is designed to empower communicators who serve the Church and evangelize through thoughtful storytelling and strategic media engagement. This year’s conference at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City will bring together hundreds of professionals from publications, diocesan communication offices, Catholic universities, nonprofit ministries and media organizations.
Attendees can expect deep professional development, hands-on workshops, roundtable discussions, networking, opportunities for spiritual growth, and fellowship with colleagues who share a passion for Catholic media and mission. Whether the focus is print journalism, digital content, social media strategy, video storytelling or organizational communications, the conference offers something for all communicators to enhance their skills and expand their vision.
Registration includes access to catered luncheons, daily Mass, master classes, dozens of workshops and roundtables, film screenings, and the opportunity to connect with industry exhibitors. Early bird registration has opened, with discounted rates for Catholic Media Association members and savings for organizations sending teams.
One of the most beloved elements of the conference is its ability to bridge professional excellence with spiritual formation. Catholic communicators don’t just learn how to produce better content; they explore how their work contributes to the Church’s evangelizing mission in an increasingly complex media landscape.
This year’s plenary line-up highlights leaders whose perspectives span technology, service and contemporary Catholic identity – each offering insights that are both timely and deeply rooted in faith.
Taylor Black, director of AI & Venture Ecosystems at Microsoft and founding director of the Institute on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies at The Catholic University of America, will bring an innovative voice to the conference. His opening plenary will explore how Catholic communicators can engage emerging technologies thoughtfully, ethically and with the Church’s mission at the forefront.
The keynote on June 18 will feature a panel discussion marking the first year of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, moderated by Kerry Weber of America Media. This timely conversation will reflect on the early impact, priorities and messages of the new pontificate, exploring what his leadership means for Catholic identity, evangelization, and media engagement in the years ahead. Panelists will be announced later.
The closing keynote speaker is Kerry Alys Robinson, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA. Robinson’s leadership in one of the Church’s largest humanitarian networks gives her a unique vantage point on storytelling that amplifies service, justice and compassion, urging Catholic media professionals to lift up stories of human dignity and hope.
The Catholic Media Conference is more than a series of sessions; it’s a gathering of storytellers, leaders and innovators committed to proclaiming the Gospel through their work. Between inspiring plenaries, practical sessions and the natural beauty of Atlantic City, attendees will find renewal, challenge and community.
From boardwalk breezes to breakout rooms, from new technologies to timeless truths of the faith, CMC 2026 promises to be an unforgettable experience where Catholic communicators are equipped and encouraged to continue telling the stories that matter with excellence, integrity and heart.
To learn more about the conference, go to www.catholicmediaconference.org. Contact the Diocese of Camden’s Communications Office for a link to discounted rates for diocesan ministries, parishes and schools.
CMA note: Remember to make your hotel reservations through the conference registration portal to both support the conference and ensure the best housing options.
This article was originally published in the Catholic Media Association’s Catholic Journalist.
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