The Professional Publishers Association (PPA) has announced the launch of a dedicated Next Gen Stage at this year’s PPA Festival (Wednesday 6 May 2026 in London), creating a new space for emerging talent to learn, connect, and build the skills needed to succeed in publishing today.
The PPA says new for 2026, the Next Gen Stage is designed for ambitious professionals under the age of 30. The agenda will focus on practical advice, honest conversations, and real-world insight, alongside providing valuable networking opportunities.
Confirmed speakers so far:
- Mike Soutar, entrepreneur & advisor
- Lia Mappoura, beauty writer, Cosmopolitan
- Rachel Richardson, creator, Highly Flammable Newsletter & previously editorial director, Snap
- Shira Jeczmien, CEO, Screenshot Media
- Lisa Smosarski, managing director, Stylist
- Laurence Mozafari, editorial director - youth audience, Reach
- Serena McMahon, managing director, Haymarket
- Sean Cornwell, CEO, Immediate
- Sarah Ellis, Sunday Times’ Best-Selling Author
A major highlight of the stage will be 'You’re Hired: Mike Soutar’s guide to starting a business’. Having built some of the most successful media brands of the past two decades and as a well-known figure from BBC’s The Apprentice, Soutar will share his perspective on what it takes to build a media brand in 2026.
The session will also give aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their own ideas live on stage, offering direct feedback from one of the industry’s most experienced operators.
According to the PPA, the agenda also includes:
- How I did it: the gen Z talent reshaping the industry A session spotlighting early-career professionals already making an impact, sharing candid insights on what’s worked and what hasn’t.
- The skills you need to make it in the industry today A practical session focused on how emerging talent can harness their understanding of audiences, platforms, and formats to build careers and create new opportunities.
- How to learn like a lobster Sarah Ellis, the co-founder of Squiggly Careers, will explore how continuous learning can unlock career growth, with all Next Gen Stage delegates receiving a copy of her book.
Sajeeda Merali, CEO PPA commented: “The launch of a dedicated Next Gen Stage at Festival 2026 reflects our commitment to supporting the future leaders of our industry. This is a space designed for ambitious talent to come together, learn from those shaping the sector today, and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to progress their careers. By creating opportunities for open, honest conversations and meaningful networking, we’re helping ensure the next generation is equipped to drive innovation and continued success across trusted editorial brands.”
Julian Linely, Festival Content Producer and Media Consultant added: "The voices that will shape the future of our industry are already out there. We just need to build the structures to welcome them in, invest in their growth, and get out of the way. The Next Gen stage at the PPA Festival exists for exactly that. It's time to hand over the mic."
The PPA says Next Gen tickets include:
- Five dedicated sessions with Gen Z talent and industry leaders.
- Networking lunch & afternoon break in the exclusive Next Gen Zone (with tap-to-connect delegate badges).
- Access to the opening & closing sessions at PPA Festival.
- Ticket to the PPA Festival breakfast, morning networking break, & closing drinks (which includes cocktails, mocktails, & canapés)
- Access to watch all PPA Festival sessions on demand, & a post-event pack with resources, discounts, and session summaries.
- Digital copy of the 2026 PPA x Enders insight report.
- The first 20 bookers will receive a copy of Mike's new book, 'Next Gen CEO: 60 Lessons for Leaders in an Uncertain World'. And all attendees will receive a copy of Sarah's 'Learn like a Lobster'.
Tickets for the Next Gen Stage are separate from PPA Festival tickets, and sold on a first-come, first-served basis due to very limited availability. Tickets start from £216 per person.
Find out more here.
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