Why Attend Media Matters 2026? Hear from Last Year’s Participants
If you’re responsible for telling your organization’s story, chances are media relations isn’t the only thing on your plate.
One day, you might be writing social media content. The next, you’re planning an event, updating the website or preparing a spokesperson for an interview request that came out of nowhere.
That’s exactly why we created Media Matters.
Media Matters isn’t about theory or communications buzzwords. It’s a hands-on workshop designed to help you feel more prepared the next time a reporter calls, a camera shows up, or an opportunity arises to tell your organization’s story.
Last year, communicators from nonprofits, corporations, educational institutions and hospitality organizations spent the day practicing interview techniques, learning how to pitch their stories, hearing from local journalists and connecting with peers facing many of the same challenges.
But don't just take our word for it. Here's what attendees had to say about their experience.
Practice Today, Put it to Work Tomorrow
One of our goals for Media Matters was simple: make sure participants leave with skills they can apply immediately.
"I loved attending this workshop! It was a great media day, and I learned so much from the Peritus Team,” Allison Taylor of Camp Seale Harris said. “Thank you for providing us nonprofit communicators tools to further our mission and exemplify the best media practices."
For Rachel Phillips of i3 Academy, those lessons paid off immediately.
Just days after attending Media Matters, Rachel found herself participating in multiple interviews for her organization. After connecting with a reporter during the workshop and practicing interview techniques, she “felt so much more confident” stepping in front of a camera.
Hear Directly from the People Receiving Your Pitches
One of the most anticipated portions of Media Matters is our journalist panel. Participants hear directly from reporters about what makes a story stand out, how they prefer to be pitched, and how communicators can build meaningful relationships with media.
"I arrived early just to network and hear the journalists' lunchtime panel because I love learning new skills and hearing from others who are doing exceptional work,” said Christiana Roussel, national travel writer and the 2025 keynote speaker.
For many attendees, hearing directly from journalists helped pull back the curtain on the media process and made future interactions feel a lot less intimidating.
Connect with Fellow Communicators
Media work can feel isolating, especially when you are wearing several communications hats. Media Matters brings together people navigating many of the same questions, pressures and opportunities, creating space to trade ideas and learn from one another.
Throughout the day, attendees swap ideas, share lessons learned, discuss common hurdles and build relationships that continue long after the workshop ends.
Candace O’Neal of Honda (formerly of United Way of Central Alabama) said she left with “fresh perspectives, actionable takeaways and a renewed focus on making every communication count. It's always inspiring to connect, learn and grow with fellow communicators.”
Leave More Confident Than You Arrived
For organizations that don't interact with media every day, confidence can make all the difference when opportunities arise. And confidence comes through preparation and practice.
"I took away such valuable information I can't wait to share with my team,” Mattison McWhorter of Goodwyn Mills Cawood shared.
Attendees frequently cited the energy and engagement of the day as a highlight.
Penny Groux of Perdido Beach Resort said, “Those of us who don't do it on a regular basis but need to be adept at it when the occasion requires us to do so, need this sort of training. I intend to register for every training session you provide.”
Register for Media Matters 2026
The best time to prepare for a media interview is before it arrives. If you're looking to sharpen your media skills, learn what journalists are looking for, connect with fellow communicators and gain practical tools you can immediately apply, reserve your spot for Media Matters 2026. We would love to have you in the room.