Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing the way stories are created, shared and experienced. From content generation to immersive storytelling, AI-powered tools are reshaping journalism and media production in exciting and sometimes unexpected ways.

Join Retha Hill, executive director of the New Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, for an engaging and forward-thinking workshop on how AI can be harnessed for creative storytelling in journalism. This session will explore:

• Practical applications of AI in content creation, from text and video production to interactive and immersive storytelling.

• Ethical considerations for responsible AI use in journalism, ensuring authenticity and credibility in reporting.

• How AI tools can enhance creativity while maintaining journalistic integrity, allowing media professionals to engage their audiences in compelling new ways.

Presenter: Retha Hill, professor of practice, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass  Communication at Arizona State University.

With an award-winning career spanning investigative reporting at The Charlotte Observer and The Washington Post, as well as pioneering work in AI-driven innovation and game design, Retha Hill brings a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, media, and storytelling.

Whether you are a journalist, content creator or media professional looking to expand your storytelling capabilities, this session will provide actionable insights and inspire you to explore the creative potential of AI while upholding the values of ethical journalism.

Can we still communicate hope in a world in crisis, marked by war and violence,  where truth is hard to find, rage and hatred are on the airwave, crime news is our daily bread and isolation is the new epidemic. Yes! The Vatican's Dicastery for Evangelization and the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross offer new strategies for Catholic communicators. Teresa Peterson, Director of Information and Communications with the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, recently returned from Rome where she attended a seminar on communications with representatives from 60 countries, including some of the world's most influential evangelizers.

In this workshop, you will learn how your communications can focus on the new pathways of evangelization that resonate with people who in our churches and people who are not in our churches. Plus, you will learn new strategies for engaging with legacy news media and social media to earn positive coverage that tells your story and reaches more people with a message of hope during this Jubilee Year of Hope. 

Presenter: Teresa Peterson, Director of Information and Communications with the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.

Teresa’s responsibilities include overseeing a diocesan-wide media relations program and communicating the bishop’s initiatives and priorities. She has worked in diocesan communications for 18 years and serves on the bishop’s leadership team. Previously, she worked for various TV stations in the area of Public Affairs, News, and Marketing. Her favorite Scripture quote is a source of strength and inspiration, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

The Hispanic community is one of the fastest-growing and most influential demographics in North America, representing a tremendous opportunity for Catholic media professionals. But meaningful engagement requires more than just translation, it requires cultural understanding, trust-building and strategic communication.

In this workshop, experts from the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will share key insights on how Catholic media organizations can effectively connect with Latino audiences, foster engagement and grow their impact.

Attendees will learn:

• Cultural and demographic trends shaping Hispanic media consumption.

• Best practices for marketing and outreach that resonate with Latino communities.

• Building relationships with Hispanic audiences beyond language, focusing on faith, values and shared experiences.

• Practical case studies of successful engagement efforts in faith-based and secular media.

Whether you’re looking to expand your audience, improve your messaging, or develop stronger community ties, this session will equip you with the tools to engage Hispanic audiences authentically and effectively.

Presenter: Monica Villalobos, President & CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Monica Villalobos is responsible for the strategic growth initiatives of the Chamber, operation of the Arizona Minority Business Development Agency Business Center, the Native American Business and Economic Development Center, and the Capital Readiness Program - all funded by U.S. Department of Commerce.

Ms. Villalobos is also Editor-In-Chief of 23 research publications including the annual DATOS: State of Arizona’s Hispanic Market. She was also appointed by newly elected Governor Hobbs to co-chair the transition committee in 2023 for selection of the state directors to lead the Arizona’s government.

Her background as a corporate marketing executive, entrepreneur, and editor of 18 research publications over the last seven years, result in a unique combination of skill, talent, and broad experience.

This workshop teaches you the tools to make smarter, data-backed decisions that drive engagement, increase ROI, and improve overall campaign performance. Learn how to track key performance metrics, understand audience behavior, and optimize your content for maximum impact. By the end, you’ll have the tools to make smarter, data-backed decisions that drive engagement, increase ROI, and improve overall campaign performance.

Presenter: Niko Hafley, Digital Content & Social Media Manager, Diocese of Phoenix.

Niko Hafley has more than 10 years of dynamic experience in the digital marketing and social media industry, where she has honed her ability to craft and execute highly effective campaigns across leading platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. As a META-certified marketer, with additional certification through Harvard University in analytical science and backend coding, she combines creative strategy with technical expertise to deliver measurable results and innovative solutions. A key element of her approach is the use of psychology and data backed marketing strategies to deeply understand audience behavior and design campaigns that resonate on a meaningful level. In her first year with the Diocese of Phoenix, she grew engagement by 133.7% on Facebook, 84.3% on Instagram and 24.3% on YouTube.

Explore the growing trend of Catholic lifestyle magazines and their potential to build disciples and share the Gospel in practical, relatable ways. This panel discussion will delve into how lifestyle magazines weave faith into everyday life, offering guidance on infusing daily routines with Gospel values while addressing deep theological topics through engaging, story-driven formats.

Panelists:

• Marybeth Hicks, FAITH Catholic

• Janelle Gergen, Diocese of Crookston

• Kevin Greaney, Archdiocese of Denver