America's NewsMediaAlliance is introducing a series of 'small-group' conversations for its upcoming mediaXchange event.

The group's Michelle Harris says the 'table talks' will be a series of engaging, small group conversations aimed at tackling major issues in news media: "These mini- sessions will give delegates an opportunity to collaborate with top minds in the field to explore new ideas and solutions to challenges they may face."

They will also provide an opportunity to ask questions, provide ideas and brainstorm as a group.

"We think this will be one of the most rewarding experiences at mediaXchange," she says. "Many of our speakers will act as the hosts, and have proposed the conversation topic of their choice, to give these a crowd-source vibe.
The list of topics can be found here.

mediaXchange is being held in New Orleans from Sunday until May 3. This year's theme is focused on the Futures of News. Not the singular future, but the plural form.

"The future is not a one-size-fits-all approach," says chief executive David Chavern. "Every news organization is going to have its own unique blend of business - including print, digital, social distribution, events, subscriptions and video - but we all have one thing in common: audience, and that audience is growing and consuming more news all the time."

At mediaXchange, the talk will be about emerging technologies, platforms and solutions to challenges publishers are currently facing.

"I'm thrilled to present a new mediaXchange format, which has become sleeker, more innovative and interactive than ever before. This annual event has evolved to become more representative of what we are," says chavern.

Table talk topics will be clearly marked, available online and in the mediaXchange app. After a brief introduction from a table talk host, delegates can select a topic and join a conversation at a table. Harris says there will be two rounds of conversations, each about 20 minutes in length, with the chance to provide input into two topics. "We'll also take notes to share, which will be available afterwards.

More details on mediaXchange; full speaker programme