February 10 – 13, 2026 | Miami

By invitation only, more information and invitations will be distributed in the coming months

KMF26 will bring together practitioners on the frontlines of local journalism, civic engagement, research, academia and the arts. They will be joined by funders, policymakers and thought leaders—not as spectators, but as active participants in shaping local futures.

Together, we will focus on advancing local solutions with national relevance and national solutions with local applications. The forum will spotlight local leaders driving change in their communities and host forward-looking, solutions-oriented conversations on some of today’s most urgent challenges and opportunities. 

In a time of unprecedented uncertainty, KMF26 will provide both inspiration and a path forward. The agenda will look squarely to the future, with sessions addressing the local information landscape, civic life in the age of artificial intelligence, the First Amendment and more.

Designed for connection, KMF26 offers artistic experiences, networking opportunities, off-site events and dedicated time simply to connect.

Planning for Knight Media Forum 2026 is well underway and we want to hear from you! Is there a topic you want to hear discussed at KMF26?

Share what has been top of mind for you in your work and what tools and resources you are craving as you navigate your industry. Your insights will help us ensure KMF26 meets the needs of our Knight Foundation network. 

Submit here

*Please note, submission does not guarantee an invitation. 

About Knight Media Forum

Nineteen years ago, Knight Foundation asked a question: What if we could connect local funders and civic leaders in Knight communities with leading innovators in local news, philanthropy, policy and education–to solve shared challenges and bring solutions back to local communities?

That question gave rise to the Knight Media Learning Seminar, now known as the Knight Media Forum. Since then, KMF has grown into a landmark national convening of the brightest minds in journalism, academia, policy, philanthropy, community engagement and the arts.

From the beginning, the conference has been dedicated to serving Knight Foundation’s grantees and the communities where we work. The event is by invitation only, with no registration fee and discounted accommodations are offered for attendees. 

Over the years, KMF has featured a dynamic and packed schedule, welcoming speakers such as Dean Baquet, former Executive Editor of The New York Times; Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General; Robin Sparkman, President of ProPublica; Jay Graber, Founder & CEO of Bluesky; Cesar Conde, Chairman of NBCUniversal News Group; Jessica Rosenworcel, former FCC Chair; and journalists and leaders such as Jorge Ramos; Kara Swisher; A.G. Sulzberger; Henry Louis Gates Jr.; Thomas Chatterton Williams and many more.

In 2026, KMF is expanding. Nearly 1,000 attendees will gather for an extended program–adding an extra day to allow more sessions, more time for connection and more voices from across the sectors where Knight works.