Press Play Chesapeake Bay

If you're an emerging or established journalist, documentary filmmaker, media student, newsroom/media org leader, nonfiction creator, or creative of any kind who cares about informing and inspiring audiences, Press Play is for you.

Press Play is for and by the media makers in the DMV. Let's celebrate this place, forge new connections, and have solutions-focused conversations that push us farther, together.

Friday, September 19th and Saturday September 20th! This experience is designed to inspire and activate. We’ll gather for interactive panels, community-led breakouts, and a screening + filmmaker Q&A. From practical conversations on distribution and fundraising to bold dialogue around AI, branding, and building sustainable careers in media — Press Play is a space to ask big questions, share knowledge, and make real connections across disciplines.. 🎉

The national Press Play tour is run by local-first global nonprofit Video Consortium (that's us!). Press Play Chesapeake Bay is co-hosted by the Philip Merrill College of Journalism - University of Maryland, with support from our partners Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund, WETA, Maryland Public Television, Evident Media, Docs In Progress, DC/DOX Festival, and Double Exposure Film Festival.

Press Play is made possible by Knight Foundation, in addition to Sony and Rode.

🎧 Attendees, get ready for a raffle of superb Rode audio gear!

Come alone, with a colleague, or with a friend. Everyone who's attending will have their own skillset and perspective, but what we all share is a desire to use media for good — to share true stories that wake people up, to inform the public, and to inspire audiences.

We'll highlight what's working and what's changing across the media landscape while focusing heavily on video and innovation.

Come ready to have honest, collaborative, and solutions-focused conversations (and an empty stomach, as there will be great food).

Any follow up questions? Holler at us here.

Friday, Sept 19

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.

• 6:30pm — check-in & happy hour 
   
• 8:00pm — screening & panel conversation: navigating the film festival circuit 

Saturday, Sept 20

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.

• 9:00am — fuel up with coffee (or tea?) and get into a full day of conversations and connection
   
• 10:00am – introductions, welcome
   
• 10:30am —  breakout sessions
   
• 11:30am — panel conversation: distribution 
   
• 12:30pm — lunch
   
• 1:30pm — panel conversation: funding & fundraising 
   
• 2:15pm — breakout sessions
   
• 3:15pm — convene to share what we learned in the breakout sessions 
   
• 3:45pm — panel conversation: constructive use of AI & ethics 
   
• 4:30pm — panel conversation: video, social and the future 
   
• 4:45pm — wrap up / thank yous
   
• 5:30pm — afterparty!