Our highlights from Upscore Connect

A day full of deep conversations and inspiring insights. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

With “Upscore Connect,” our goal is to create a platform where real connections emerge between publishers, editors, and industry experts - connections that spark new ideas across regions and perspectives.

One central question guided us throughout the day: How can we make our industry future-ready together - whether through better tools, smarter workflows, or the courage to challenge old patterns?

We introduced Reader Loops: an approach that integrates feedback cycles between readers and editorial teams directly into everyday newsroom routines. This strengthens the quality and impact of content while boosting reach and subscriptions.

In the “Upscore Next” session, we showcased the most important new functions and features we developed for 2025. This includes tools covering all areas: newsroom support, improved content recommendations, and significant upgrades to our paywall. And we’re already working on a number of new developments for 2026 - for our products and for you.

The three discussion rounds that followed were particularly intense. They explored “product development and what Upscore users want,” “AI in everyday editorial work,” and “radical reader orientation.”

The session on radical reader orientation was especially eye-opening. It highlighted how differently individual publishers handle reader feedback -and how essential it is to approach this process in a practical and long-term way. This is precisely where Upscore GRIP comes in, helping editorial teams implement sustainable solutions.

The openness among participants was remarkable, especially because the well-known resistance to change -an invisible obstacle -was addressed head-on. The consensus: while it can’t be eliminated overnight, there are various strategies to overcome it, and many of them were discussed in depth.

The practical insights were particularly inspiring: Arnd Stessun from HCSB in Bayreuth shared examples from his own work, demonstrating how data-driven decision-making can deliver measurable success. And in the “4 Questions” live sessions with Volker Zota from Heise Medien and Claudia Fudeus from Funke Women, People & Family, the big and small questions shaping our industry were openly discussed.

What became clear throughout the entire day—whether in the sessions, during breaks, or over coffee - was that “Upscore Connect” was defined by openness, exchange, and collaboration. And that is precisely what makes events like this so valuable. The best ideas often emerge outside the official agenda - in spontaneous conversations, when different perspectives collide unexpectedly.

For us, “Upscore Connect” was a fantastic kick-off that proved how essential trustful collaboration and open dialogue are - especially in a time when our industry is changing rapidly.

Would you like to continue the conversation, ask questions, share ideas, or connect with other publishers? We’d love that! Or join us at one of our upcoming events. We’re looking forward to it!

Singa Feder is Junior Marketing Manager at Upscore.