Dateline’s Josh Mankiewicz Keynotes New Conference

PRIVATE EYECON™ is set to make its debut May 15–17, 2026, bringing a first-of-its-kind immersive investigative conference to the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Designed to bridge the gap between real-world investigations and responsible storytelling, the multi-day event will convene nationally respected journalists, private investigators, forensic experts, legal professionals, documentarians, and members of the true-crime community for a hands-on look at how cases are examined from crime scene to courtroom.

Curated by investigative journalist and private investigator Sheila Wysocki, PRIVATE EYECON™ aims to move beyond entertainment-driven true crime and into thoughtful, evidence-based inquiry. The conference is built around interactive learning, ethical storytelling, and meaningful engagement between professionals and the audiences who follow real-world investigations closely.

Keynotes Bring National Voices to Murfreesboro

The inaugural conference will feature two prominent keynote speakers: Emmy-nominated Dateline NBC correspondent Josh Mankiewicz and Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker Josh Zeman, known for projects including Cropsey and The Killing Season. Both speakers are recognized for bringing complex investigations to national audiences while navigating the ethical challenges that come with covering real people and real cases.

Wysocki said the goal is to create space for meaningful dialogue between investigators, journalists, and the broader true-crime community. By bringing together voices such as Mankiewicz, Zeman, and others working in investigative media, PRIVATE EYECON™ seeks to educate attendees while emphasizing responsible, evidence-based storytelling.

Inside the Investigative Process

Programming throughout the weekend will span media, investigative, and legal tracks. Attendees can expect interactive presentations, moderated panels, case-focused sessions, and immersive discussions designed to mirror how investigations unfold in real life. The conference will include opportunities to examine evidence, hear expert analysis, and participate in jury-style deliberations that reflect how cases move from investigation to courtroom proceedings.

A special movie night screening with Josh Zeman is planned as part of the event, followed by a moderated panel discussion exploring investigative filmmaking, ethical considerations, and the real-world consequences of true-crime narratives. The structure of the conference is intended to give participants a deeper understanding of both the mechanics and the responsibilities involved in investigative work.

Professional Development and Continuing Education

In addition to public-facing programming, PRIVATE EYECON™ will offer continuing education credits for qualifying professionals, including private investigators, attorneys, and others working within justice and investigative fields. The event is hosted by the Middle Tennessee State University Department of Criminal Justice Administration, underscoring the conference’s emphasis on credibility, ethics, and evidence-based inquiry while connecting academic perspectives with real-world practice.

Early bird tickets begin at $299, with additional premium packages available for attendees seeking more in-depth access and experiences. Organizers have also opened opportunities for sponsors and vendors interested in engaging with professionals and true-crime audiences in a focused, educational setting.

A Growing Audience for True Crime

True crime remains one of the most listened-to podcast genres in the United States, with Edison Research estimating more than 19.1 million weekly listeners age 18 and older. PRIVATE EYECON™ is positioning itself as a forum that not only serves that audience’s interest in real-world cases but also raises the standard for how those stories are explored, discussed, and shared.

For more information about PRIVATE EYECON™ 2026, including tickets and event details, visit privateeyecon.com.