March 21-22, 2025
Northeastern University, Boston Campus
Our two-day conference at Northeastern University will delve into the forefront of innovation in video storytelling — from novel advancements in news reporting to the growing influence of social media. Whether you’re a visual journalist, an animator, an industry leader, or a student, come away inspired by diverse and meaningful panels. We’ll be talking about new and emerging methods of video storytelling on digital platforms, artificial intelligence, the business side of video production, and more. Experience keynotes from industry trailblazers and hands-on workshops as you learn, interact and collaborate with fellow storytellers from across the country.
Interested? Register here.
Keynote Speakers
Swati Sharma is the editor-in-chief and publisher of Vox, the premier explanatory journalism brand at Vox Media. In this role, she oversees the publication’s editorial vision and business strategy as it reaches wider audiences in more places and in more formats than ever before. Sharma previously spent her career at legacy news organizations, most recently as a managing editor at The Atlantic, where she oversaw digital coverage through a pandemic, a racial reckoning, and a historic election. Before that, she spent more than four years at The Washington Post, where she was the deputy general assignment editor working on breaking news during President Trump’s first year in office.
The Washington Post Tik Tok Team
Carmella Boykin is a host and producer on The Washington Post Universe team. She writes, shoots and edits vertical news videos that often involve creating clones of herself to explain news topics. Previously, Carmella worked as a local TV reporter in Rochester, NY where she started her TikTok account. She joined the Post in December 2021 and holds a degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from Syracuse University.
David Jorgenson is a senior video reporter leading the Washington Post TikTok Team. He launched the TikTok channel in May of 2019 and no one ever told him to stop. He also interviews kids around the country for his show “Short Takes.” Honors and Awards include Forbes Media 30 Under 30, 2021; Best Influencer — The Webby Awards.
Joseph Ferguson is a host and producer on The Washington Post Universe team, where he writes, shoots, and edits, engaging vertical news videos that blend humor with informative content. Previously, he worked as a video producer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he launched the explainer series “In Context.” Joseph holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Winthrop University.
Maribel Lopez is the Senior Director and Head of PBS Digital Studios, where she oversees award-winning digital programming and partnerships with PBS member stations to engage the next generation of public media supporters. Under her leadership, PBS Digital Studios has become a leader in online content creation for adults 18-44, reaching over 30 million users and generating 50 million views monthly on YouTube. Before joining PBS in 2021, Maribel held creative and leadership roles at Twin Cities PBS, where she served as executive producer of the award-winning YouTube series Sound Field and managing director of Racism Unveiled, an initiative on racism in Minnesota. Maribel is a passionate advocate for engaging younger audiences and cultivating future public media leaders. She is an Aspen Ideas Festival Fellow, a Poynter Leadership Academy alum, and has served as a mentor for PBS Digital Immersion and Public Media Women in Leadership. Maribel holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and Spanish from Wartburg College.
Funded by The Stanton Foundation
