Takeaways from an Inspiring Event in San Francisco

There’s something special about gathering in person. At our recent event in San Francisco, we had the pleasure of meeting face-to-face with many of our customers, industry leaders, and partners. The conversations were insightful, the wine was excellent, and most importantly, we left feeling energized by the connections we made and the lessons we learned. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Personal Connection Drives Meaningful Insights

There’s no substitute for in-person conversations. The opportunity to sit down, read body language, and “read between the lines” led to deeper and more meaningful discussions about the challenges publishers face. People opened up in ways that simply don’t happen over a Zoom call or email exchange. That human connection allowed us to truly empathize with their struggles and better understand the context behind their pain points—insights that will enable us to craft even more effective solutions.

2. AI Is a Hot Topic—and a Source of Anxiety

If there was one topic on everyone’s mind, it was AI. And opinions were all over the map. Some attendees expressed concern about AI’s impact on creativity and integrity, worrying that publishers using AI could risk losing their authenticity. Others were anxious about the rapid pace of AI adoption and the potential for dangerous, costly mistakes if AI is left unchecked. But across the board, people wanted to know: What do we, the software providers, think? And how is AI being incorporated into our products to support publishers responsibly? The dialogue reinforced the need for thoughtful, transparent AI innovation that enhances creativity rather than replacing it.

3. The Shift Toward Niche and Local Publications Is Real

One thing is clear: the publishers who are thriving right now are niche publications and city/regional publications. This trend reflects two key shifts:

• Community matters more than ever. Whether it’s a physical community like a city or a virtual community of like-minded individuals, people crave content that feels personal and relevant to their world.
• The nature of print is changing. Years ago, we predicted that print would evolve into a luxury product—less frequent but higher quality, with premium content and presentation. That prediction has come true. The publishers succeeding in print today are focusing on quality over quantity, and it’s paying off.

4. Be Ready to Pivot—And Stay Calm

‍If there’s one thing events teach you, it’s that flexibility is key. Just hours before our event, our venue ran into a last-minute issue. Within an hour, we had secured a new location, communicated with our guests, and carried on as if nothing had happened. It was a reminder that, while those moments can feel overwhelming, staying calm and pivoting quickly makes all the difference. In the end, our guests seamlessly adapted to the change, and we had a fantastic evening. Things go wrong—it’s inevitable. But if you push through and focus on solutions instead of stress, everything has a way of working itself out.

‍5. Good Wine, Good Conversations

‍Of course, no event in California would be complete without a glass (or two) of exceptional wine. San Francisco’s cool, brisk evenings are perfect for a rich glass of Sonoma’s finest, and good wine has a way of sparking even better conversations. On that night, the wine wasn’t just a drink—it was a catalyst for honest discussions, new ideas, and genuine human connection. We left San Francisco with a renewed sense of purpose, armed with new insights into the challenges publishers face and new ideas for how we can help solve them. Thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to many more conversations—over good wine or otherwise.