top of page
Event Info
Vertical videos and YouTube stars. Podcasts, films, and Instagram posts.
At a time of crisis and distraction, the planet’s stories can take new shapes to inform and influence new audiences.
At this year’s Summit, the most compelling student storytellers will take the mic and the stage alongside the most creative media leaders. They are redefining how we communicate in the age of algorithms.
Through live feedback sessions, questions, and conversations, we’ll explore how to cut through the noise of disinformation and polarization to tell stories that inform, engage, and drive innovation.
Agenda
PROGRAM
Wednesday, April 15
Join us to kick off the 2026 Summit with some refreshments and a live recording of Forked, a podcast from the Food & Environmental Reporting Network (FERN)! Check out some of their latest episodes to get a taste of the policies that are affecting what’s on your plate. 🍽️
Thursday, April 16
We hit the stage featuring a fun and interactive showcase of student stories, then challenge yourself to participate in our first ever "StoryFAST”—where you’ll learn how to create vertical videos for viral moments and be a storyteller! Get insights from the news content team at YouTube, and hear from speakers like environmental influencer Kristy Drutman (aka Browngirl Green), one of NPR's leading climate editors Sadie Babits, and many more to be announced! In the afternoon, get into deeper discussions in breakout sessions with fellow attendees. Close out the night by joining us for a reception filled with inspiring conversations! Plus, explore student-led research, ideas, and solutions, and meet students who published with Planet Forward.
Friday, April 17
Join us for the last exciting day of the 2026 Summit with a special speaker (it’s a secret for now!) and even more from our creative media leaders—plus the final student showcase. Finally, check out some of the best StoryFAST submissions from the Summit and—the moment you’ve been waiting for—the Storyfest winners announcement, where we’ll learn who’s winning a trip to East Greenland! Plus, leave Summit with some new Planet Forward swag to show off!
GET INSPIRED
Learn why inspirational stories are the most motivational — and effective — to drive action.
GET SKILLED
Learn the very best in communication techniques that you can apply immediately to your environmental communication.
GET MOBILIZED
Learn how you can create a movement for the planet on your campus and in your community.
GET CONNECTED
Connect with leading journalists, policymakers, innovators, and more and apply for exclusive internship and job opportunities.
4 REASONS TO JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Sponsors
SPONSORS
bottom of page