Reinventing the funnel: A new agenda for subscription growth in the AI and creator era of media
The 9th INMA Subscription Summit comes at a pivotal moment for news media: when the traditional funnel must be reimagined for an era shaped by artificial intelligence, the creator economy, and evolving audience expectations.
This year’s summit focuses on redefining how we attract, engage, and retain subscribers in a world overflowing with content and shifting trust.
Across five days in Toronto, we’ll explore:
How to engage both heavy users and casual audiences
What premium means in the age of abundance
How retention is becoming the new growth frontier
How community, identity, and human connection drive loyalty
What role creators, journalists, and AI play in the next subscription playbook
Kick off the Subscription Summit 2026 at Craft Beer Market Toronto.
Think 100+ beers, high ceilings, downtown views, and an easy buzz of conversation. This is where the week starts strong — a casual yet electric Toronto evening where strangers become colleagues over a pint (or two).
You can pick up your summit badge at the Craft Beer Market Toronto.
Head to the Steam Whistle Brewing, the venue for the Media Subscriptions Summit 2026. Get your registration credentials and settle into the networking lounge for coffee, tea, and snacks. Meet colleagues and connect with INMA speakers and leaders.
Sessions take place in Locomotive Hall.
Digest inspiration from the day’s programming over bier or wine and traditional Toronto snacks. Engage with other attendees, speakers and industry partners and consider joining your peers or inviting them to join you for dinner and enjoy the local cuisine.
Start your second day at the Media Subscriptions Summit with a cup of coffee, tea, and enjoy the morning snacks. This is a great opportunity to meet colleagues, connect with INMA speakers and industry partners, and set the tone for a productive day ahead.
Sessions take place in Locomotive Hall.
Step into the temple of Canada’s greatest stories — resilience, teamwork, triumph — with a cocktail in hand. Among legendary jerseys and the Stanley Cup itself, we’ll celebrate your media wins in style. It’s not a wrap party. It’s a victory lap. Enjoy refreshing drinks, and great company in a welcoming atmosphere perfect for reflection and connection. Let’s raise a glass to an unforgettable gathering!
Join the INMA community at the Subscriptions Summit by connecting with people face-to-face and sponsoring, email raquel.meikle@inma.org.