PMJA Regional Professional Development Series
Hosted in partnership with Google News Initiative
Register Now$150 members · $199 non-members
AI isn’t coming. It’s already in your newsroom. The question is whether you’re using it well.
Every public media journalist is navigating the same moment: tools that can genuinely help sitting next to real risks, unclear policies, and a lot of noise about what AI means for the industry.
Near + Now New York City cuts through that noise. Journalists, producers, editors, news leaders, and every role in between spend the day getting practical: what responsible use actually looks like, which tools are worth your time, how to build the policies your newsroom needs, and what happens when things go wrong.
Hosted at Google’s New York offices through the Google News Initiative, this event includes hands-on time with tools and real case studies from newsrooms that have been figuring this out in the open.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Registration and coffee at 9:00 AM · Program runs 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
All times Eastern (ET)
A clear-eyed view of what AI can and can’t do for your newsroom, the frameworks to act on it responsibly, and a peer partner who’ll follow up when you’re back at your desk.
Before you arrive
You don’t need to come in as an AI expert. Two free live sessions before September 9 and a vocabulary guide can help you get grounded before the day begins.
Google, New York City
Near + Now New York City is hosted at Google’s New York offices through the Google News Initiative, a global program supporting the future of journalism.
Sessions take place in Google’s Chelsea offices.
Plan your trip
By Air
New York is served by three major airports: JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark (EWR). Subway and rideshare options connect all three to Manhattan.
By Train
Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal serve Amtrak and regional rail from across the Northeast. Both connect directly to the subway.
Getting Around
The NYC subway is the most reliable option. The C and E trains stop at 23rd Street, a short walk from the venue. Lyft and Uber are also widely available.
Parking
Street parking is limited in Chelsea. Reserve a spot in advance through SpotHero.
Find Parking on SpotHero →Building Security
Google’s offices require a valid government-issued photo ID to clear security. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in.
Hotel
Holiday Inn Express New York City Times Square
343 West 39th Street, New York, NY 10018 · Block dates: Sept. 8–10 ·
Book by Aug. 8
$279/night
The booking page displays $299 because a $20 destination fee appears at checkout. That fee is waived at check-in — your rate is $279.
Book Your Room →Dine-Arounds: Tuesday, September 8
Optional · Night Before the Event
Dinner with new colleagues before the work begins.
On the evening of Tuesday, September 8, we’re heading out to dinner. Multiple restaurants within walking and rideshare distance, each one chosen by a local New York colleague who knows the city well.
Sign up for the restaurant that sounds right to you and you’ll spend the evening at a table of about 10 people. Some you’ll know. Most you won’t. Seating is limited, so sign up early when registration opens.
The New York City scholarship application window has closed.
Applications for Near + Now New York City closed June 7, 2026. Recipients will be notified by July 1, 2026.
Scholarships are available at each event in the series. Learn more about the Near + Now scholarship program.
Register for New York City
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 · Google, 85 Tenth Avenue, Chelsea, NYC
Register Now — $150Members only
Near + Now Series Pass
One registration for each of the four events — Indianapolis, New York, Austin, and San Francisco — for $500. That’s $125 per event. The pass covers one seat per event and can be used by a different person from your newsroom at each one.
Get the series pass →Questions? conference@pmja.org
Near + Now: NYC Speakers
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Etan Horowitz
Global Innovation Programs Lead, Google News Partnerships Google News Initiative
PMJA Near + Now sponsors
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Corporation for Public Broadcasting
401 9th St NW
Washington, DC 20004Series funding partner -
