Wednesday, July 8, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Free
Kick off your conference experience by digging into industry challenges with the PMGC Roundtables. These station-to-station discussions are facilitated by your fellow public media professionals. Past topics have included utilizing AI, corporate support basics, university licensees, major donor engagement, small station fundraising, and young professionals.
Specific topics for 2026 will be announced in June.
- Tackle pressing issues: Dig into the unique challenges of your station size, type, or market size with fellow public media colleagues.
- Build connections that last: Network with fellow station attendees, then continue these supportive relationships beyond the conference.
- Get actionable insights: Share best practices, learn from each other’s experiences, and develop concrete strategies to implement back home.
Roundtables are free for station attendees and do not require pre-registration.
Please note that the Roundtables are only available to radio, joint licensee, and TV station attendees.
Roundtables Schedule:
2:00 – 3:15 p.m. – Roundtables Block 1
3:15 – 3:45 p.m. – Break
3:45 – 5:00 p.m. – Roundtables Block 2
Check out this preview of the Roundtables you can expect at the PMGC. The full list of Roundtables will be available in early June.
“Session title: Build the Inside Game for a Major-Giving Program That Wins
Session description: Public media doesn’t have galas—we have pledge drives, tiny teams, crowded calendars, and communities that rely on us. This supportive, energizing roundtable discussion will put you in the work and show how inside‑the‑station culture and practices unlock major‑giving success. You’ll leave with ready‑to‑use tools that are relevant for your station size, cross‑team hacks, and an actionable plan to turn internal alignment into real revenue.
Track: Philanthropy
“
“Session title: Reimagining Public Media from Scratch in 2026
Session description: If your station launched today, would it look anything like it does now? This session challenges public media leaders to rethink everything, from audience and content to distribution and revenue. Through candid panel insights and interactive exercises, we’ll identify what to leave behind, what to build next, and how to start testing change immediately. Less tweaking, more rebuilding.
Track: General Interest
“
“Session title: A Live Watercooler on Donor Retention Post–Federal Funding Cuts
Session description: With the loss of federal funding, public media development teams are navigating an urgent new reality: retaining donors amid uncertainty, anxiety, and rapidly shifting messaging needs. This live “watercooler” session, hosted by members of the PRADO board, brings together development leaders and frontline staff from stations of varying sizes and markets for candid, real-time conversation about what’s working — and what isn’t — in donor retention today. Rather than a traditional panel, this interactive discussion explores how stations are reframing value, communicating urgency without fatigue, and strengthening community trust, with practical strategies attendees can adapt immediately.
Track: Membership
“
“Session title: Small Station Fundraising: Practical Solutions for Lean Teams
Session description: Small public media stations operate with lean teams, limited budgets, and little margin for experimentation, yet they are expected to meet ambitious revenue goals. This facilitated roundtable creates space for development professionals at small stations to exchange practical fundraising solutions grounded in operational reality. The session will open with a brief case study from WMNF, followed by guided discussion on strategic prioritization, smart tool selection, and expanding capacity through boards, committees, interns, and volunteers. Participants will leave with adaptable frameworks and peer-tested ideas for resource-constrained environments.
Track: Membership
“
“Session title: SMUG Roundtable (Small Market Underwriting Group)
Session description: Are you selling underwriting in a small market, or is your station’s underwriting operation 2 people or less? Join the SMUG group to share underwriting best practices on specific topics for small-market stations. Often, the challenges in small markets can be similar to those of larger markets; however, the resolution is often different due to staffing and funding. We’ll discuss issues of particular relevance for small market salespeople, from staffing and breaking down silos internally to successful underwriting packages and more. Come share, learn, and build community.
Track: Corporate Support
“
“Session title: Learn the Do’s, Don’ts, Cans, and Can’ts for Underwriting Copy
Session description: Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran, join this lively underwriting copy roundtable discussion with your fellow public media professionals. We’ll review the online resources in Greater Public’s Credit Copy Central and the FCC’s guidelines for compliant copy. Facilitated by Gordon Bayliss, a Greater Public Corporate Support Advisor.
Track: Corporate Support
“
“Session title: How Music-Only Stations Meet our Members
Session description: Independent, all-music public radio stations approach cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation a little differently. As arts organizations first, using radio as our medium, that perspective shapes how we build relationships and grow support. In this interactive session, staff from WDPR Discover Classical (Dayton), KRCL (Salt Lake City), and Classical KING (Seattle) share how they navigate these three pillars at organizations ranging from 2,000 to 16,000 members, with lean teams and big ambitions. You’ll hear concrete examples of how we use and maximize the communication tools at our disposal, have time to reflect on your own market, and leave with ideas you can use right away.
Track: Membership
“