Building Boldly: Lessons from Our H1 Events and a Glimpse into What’s Next
By Marisa Cole, Head of Global Events, Arc XP
As we wrap up the first half of 2025, I can’t help but feel energized by the bold conversations, inspiring partnerships, and powerful ideas that came to life on our event stages around the world. From Toronto to Mexico City, Amsterdam to Krakow, we set out this year to champion the next generation of media innovation — and we did exactly that.
In collaboration with our customers, partners, and industry visionaries, Arc XP continued to drive critical conversations around the future of storytelling, audience engagement, and the powerful role of artificial intelligence in modern publishing. Here are a few highlights that stood out:
AI-Powered Engagement is No Longer Optional
At NAB Show and Connect London, we explored how AI is moving from a buzzword to an everyday newsroom reality. Together with voices from The Washington Post, Graham Media Group, and other leaders, we showcased how AI can empower journalists, personalize audience experiences, and unify broadcast and digital workflows. It’s clear: newsrooms that embrace AI to automate routine tasks and deliver richer experiences will be the ones that thrive.
Customer Stories That Inspire
One of my personal highlights this year was shining a spotlight on our customers’ incredible stories. From PRISA’s data-driven personalization success shared at Connect Mexico City, to The Globe and Mail’s AI-powered content strategies at Ignite 2025, we saw living proof of how modern media companies are building their own digital destinies. These stories remind us that Arc XP is more than a platform — it’s a partner in reinvention.
Bold Conversations with Industry Shapers
Across events like WAN-IFRA World News Media Congress and DCN Next Summit, we engaged deeply with executives, editors, and product leaders on the future of audience monetization, sustainable revenue models, and the transformative potential of smart, scalable platforms. Our message was clear: the time for bold bets is now.
Partner Power
We also leaned heavily into partner collaboration this year — co-hosting sessions with AWS, working hand in hand with Viafoura, Marfeel, and Pugpig, and amplifying thought leadership together with The Washington Post. These alliances not only elevated our presence, but helped us deliver richer, more authentic value to attendees.
A Unified Arc XP Vision
As we look toward the second half of the year, we’re aligning even more intentionally with The Washington Post’s rallying cry to bravely reinvent journalism and empower storytelling that changes the world. Our H2 event strategy will champion media companies bold enough to break free from Big Tech dependencies and shape their own future. You’ll see Arc XP leaning into themes of independence, innovation, and journalistic integrity — all with a focus on building platforms that empower reinvention.
I look forward to continuing to tell the stories of brave media leaders — and showcasing how Arc XP and The Post are helping them build smarter, faster, and more fearlessly than ever before.
I’m excited for what’s ahead, and I’m grateful for everyone who’s helped us make H1 such a success. Let’s keep building boldly — and I look forward to seeing many of you at our events later this year.
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