Press Play Chesapeake Bay is a forward-thinking community-driven gathering for filmmakers, journalists, students, partners, and creators across the DMV area who are shaping the next chapter of local storytelling — and wanting to do it together.

Whether you're crafting docs, reporting stories, filming reels, or just starting out, this experience is built to connect, inspire, and activate. Expect conversations on distribution, fundraising, AI, branding, and what it means to build a creative career today.

Friday, Sept 19
6:30pm - 9:00pm

We’re kicking things off with a laid-back welcome and happy hour, followed by a screening of local shorts and a panel. Come ready to meet fellow storytellers, swap ideas, and start building the creative energy that will carry through the weekend.

Saturday, Sept 20
9:00am - 5:30pm

Fuel up with coffee (or tea?) and get into a full day of conversations and connection. From community breakouts to expert panels on fundraising, distribution, and digital nonfiction — with a break for a catered lunch — Saturday is where bold ideas meet real-world strategies. We’ll close it out with a collaborative share-out and head to a local spot for [optional] post-event drinks to keep the momentum going.

Powered by Knight Foundation and co-hosted by the Philip Merrill College of Journalism, with support from our partners Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund, Sony, Rode Microphones, WETA, Maryland Public Television, Evident, Docs in Progress, Double Exposure Festival.

If your economic circumstances prevent you from being able to purchase a ticket, please email press.play@videoconsortium.org. We don’t want the cost to stop you from attending the event.

Press Play Chesapeake Bay is part of Press Play, a cross-country tour convening local media, with a focus on innovation and video, to help shape a meaningful future for us all.

Want to become a Video Consortium member? Learn more and sign up here.

⭐ Are you a VC Gold member? Sign in and RSVP for free! Not Gold? Join us and attend all events gratis.