It’s true — ONA26 is moving to the spring!
Early Bird registration is now open. Big changes keep reshaping journalism, and we’re working through them together. Join us in Chicago to swap insights, sharpen leadership at all career stages and nurture the networks that make our industry more resilient.
How the conference sustains our mission
The ONA annual conference offers a platform for thousands of journalists, technologists, newsroom leaders and other changemakers to be in community and shape the industry’s future. We rely on proceeds from the conference to carry out our mission to equip journalism professionals across all roles, functions and career stages with adaptive leadership capabilities, strategic foresight, and collaborative communities and networks, creating a connected ecosystem where shared learning, experimentation and innovation strengthen journalism’s capacity to serve democracy. It is the primary fundraiser that allows us to provide a robust slate of learning and networking events, fellowships, toolkits and other actionable resources all year.
When you register for a conference pass, your contribution goes a long way toward keeping the ONA community thriving.
If your organization would like to contribute scholarships or support the conference through sponsorships, email Head of Strategic Partnerships, Hanaa Rifaey: hanaa@journalists.org.
Ready to join ONA?
Members receive discounts to the conference and other opportunities year-round.
Ready for ONA26 in Chicago?
Options are available for members, non-members, students and single-day passes We’re excited to see you soon!
What’s included in your conference pass
Attendees will have access to:
- Face-to-face networking with the ONA community.
- Access to all sessions and the opportunity to attend select RSVP-required workshops in-person.
- Access to our Midway (exhibit area) and career events to connect with sponsors, support and recruiters.
- Access to speakers’ reference materials and resources.
- Direct connections with sponsors, supporters and recruiters.
Note: Some sponsor-hosted networking and workshops may require an RSVP closer to the event.
Members-only benefit
Members save significantly on registration prices. A one-year membership is $75. Learn more about ONA membership and join your peers in sustaining our work year-round.
To access the ONA member discount: You will be able to log in to our registration site with your ONA ID and password, and the discounted pricing will be reflected in your account.
For questions or support with your existing or expired ONA membership account, send a message to support@journalists.org.
ONA26 Pass
| Early Bird Sept. 20 – Dec. 17 |
Getting Closer Dec. 18 – Feb. 26 |
Almost There Feb. 26 – March 30 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| ONA members | $375 | $495 | $600 |
Additional rates:
Student member: $150
Student non-member: $175
Non-member: $675
Day rate member: $175
Day rate non-member: $200
Group rate: Enjoy a discount of $25 per pass for 10 or more people registering together
Registration policies
Code of Conduct
We aim to create a friendly, vibrant learning environment for all. Conference attendees, sponsors, vendors, speakers, volunteers, ONA staff and others participating in the event are expected to adhere to our Code of Conduct.
Accessibility
Accessibility is a major consideration in all ONA programs and events. We are compiling detailed information about what to expect in terms of accessibility. We will continue to update the page leading up to the conference as we better understand our capabilities. Additionally, individual requests can be made during the registration process.
Group Registration
Groups of 10 people or more registering together receive a discount of $25 per ticket. If you would like to purchase a group of registrations at the ONA member rate for a further discount, or if you need an invoice to purchase tickets, email registration@journalists.org.
Student Registration
Student registrations are reserved for high school, college and university students, including undergraduate, graduate and associate degree students. Student attendees should include the name of their affiliated educational institution in the Organization field of the registration form. Graduate students who are employed full time and students in certificate programs are not eligible for student registration.
Complimentary Passes
There are occasional opportunities to receive complimentary registration, including through volunteering.Subscribe to the ONA26 newsletter for updates.
Refunds and Transfers
We understand plans can change. If you are unable to attend the conference, we’ll do our best to support you.
Non-attendance does not constitute a cancellation.
Read the full policy and how to request a refund or transfer.