At our sold-out Evolve European User Conference in Hamburg, one thing became clear: even though we speak different languages, we’re all telling the same story—one of change, challenge, and incredible opportunity.
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Publishers, media brands, and membership organizations across Europe are facing the same pressures as their North American counterparts: evolving technology, changing consumer expectations, and the delicate balance between creativity and commercial success.
Here’s what we learned.
In every discussion—from print-to-digital transitions to audience engagement—the same themes emerged: data silos, outdated tech, retention challenges, and the never-ending quest for operational efficiency.
But the shared struggle also means a shared path forward: modernization, integration, and smarter use of data to deepen audience relationships.
Many German publishers are still running on legacy systems like SAP, which are being sunset. But this isn’t just a local problem—it’s a wake-up call for all media organizations. Modernization isn’t optional. It’s the cost of staying competitive.
Publishers worry AI could steal content, reduce web traffic, and undercut ad impressions. Those fears are valid—but fear shouldn’t freeze innovation.
The opportunity lies in using AI to enhance human creativity, not replace it. We must shape AI before it shapes us.
AI will become as fundamental as CMS or CRM once were—but how we build, train, and apply it matters.
Publishers have an ethical role in shaping responsible AI: transparent, creative, and fair.
From paid memberships and learning academies to retail, events, and data services—publishers are diversifying like never before.
The future belongs to brands that treat audience relationships as assets and find new ways to monetize engagement, not just eyeballs.
Once, success was measured by subscriber counts. Now, it’s measured by connection.
Communities—online or off—build loyalty, advocacy, and resilience in ways that transactions never could. In a fragmented media world, community is your moat.
Audiences no longer pay for access—they pay for belonging.
When trust and consistency become scarce, loyalty itself becomes a currency. Publishers who invest in that relationship will win long-term, even as platforms and algorithms shift.
When every decision is filtered through cost-cutting or automation, creativity suffers.
Innovation requires courage, experimentation, and yes—risk. The next big leap in media won’t come from playing it safe.
Evolve Hamburg reminded us that transformation isn’t about technology alone—it’s about mindset.
The publishers who will thrive aren’t just modernizing their systems; they’re modernizing their thinking.
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