Press Play Salt Lake City

Celebrate the innovation, talent, and future of Salt Lake City's media landscape! RSVP to snag your spot ↓

About Press Play Attend

What's the schedule?

3:30pm check-in opens (water, coffee, tea available)
4:00pm opening panel convo
What does it take to tell stories today?
Doc filmmakers, video journalists and creators are finding new paths to get stories made, funded and seen, but distribution has changed and audience attention is scattered. We’ll look at what's actually working right now: hybrid funding models, festival routes that lead to audience reach & impact, and nonprofit newsrooms using video to keep communities informed — what does it take to tell stories today?
5:00pm break out into facilitated community conversations
Convo topics will include:
- building trust with participants
- fact checking for filmmakers
- fact checking for journalists
- truth telling — sound bites, social dynamics and media literacy
- grant writing & fiscal sponsorship 101
- breaking in - careers in nonfiction video
- how to approach visuals creatively
5:45pm Break!
6:00pm local shorts screening + Q&A
7:15pm food, drinks, music
8:30pm wrap!

What is Press Play SLC?

Press Play SLC is a gathering that convenes to foster cross-sector collaboration, embrace and reimagine new forms of media, and bring storytellers and the public together to celebrate their community. Learn more here!

Who is this for?

Press Play is a space to be seen, heard, and inspired — whether you consume the news or make it.

The Public: Everyone is invited! If you believe in the power of connection and want to be part of the solution, you belong at Press Play.
Creators: Journalists, documentary filmmakers, newsrooms, and storytellers of all kinds.
Stakeholders: Civic groups, activists, funders, local entities, and media allies looking to support community cohesion.

When is it?

Friday September 18, 2026! This experience is designed to inspire and activate. We’ll gather for interactive panels, community-led breakouts, and a screening + filmmaker Q&A. Press Play is a space to ask big questions, share knowledge, and make real connections across disciplines.. 🎉

How is it being programmed?

The national Press Play tour is run by local-first global nonprofit Video Consortium (that's us!). Press Play SLC is co-hosted by Utah Film Center & Salt Lake Tribune along with support from our community partners: UFC's Artist Foundry, Spy Hop, The Plains, Utah Documentary Association and more!

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

What should I expect when I attend?

Come one your own, 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. 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.

Who's involved?