Let’s hear from the leaders who power(ed) Big Tech’s algorithms

It’s been a strange year for platforms, to say the least. At a time when the decisions and parameters that drive algorithms seem blurrier than ever, we are excited to bring together Big Tech curation and editorial leaders to demystify their work at the 2023 Online News Association Conference.

Join us at ONA23 for the featured conversation The Humans Who Power(ed) Your Algorithm: The Untold Story of Big Tech’s Curation, Content, & Editorial Teams, happening Saturday, Aug. 26, at 10 a.m. in Philadelphia.

POLITICO Vice President of Product David Smydra, a former content and curation leader at Google and Twitter, will moderate a candid discussion covering the origin stories of curation teams, how they established impact and value and their uncertain future. The featured speakers will reveal what worked — and didn’t — and share valuable lessons to apply to a new era of rapid development and widespread use of AI. They include:

  • Carolyn O’Hara, Senior Director, Content Discovery, at Pocket
  • Chi-Chi Zhang, former Global Product Lead at Google
  • Rachel Richardson, Writer and Consultant; former Head of Editorial at Snap
  • Joanna Geary, former Senior Director, Curation, at Twitter

Register for ONA23  Explore the schedule

Based on feedback from the ONA community, we are presenting this year’s conference in two parts. ONA23: Philadelphia, Aug. 23–26, will focus on delivering energetic in-person learning and networking opportunities that culminate in a celebration of the 2023 Online Journalism Awards. ONA23: Onward, Sept. 28-29, will follow with a more relaxed online experience focused on listening to timely discussions. Registration to attend in Philadelphia includes access to Onward.