ONA26 is where decisions about the future of journalism get made.
Taking place in Chicago, March 30 – April 1, 2026, the Online News Association’s annual conference sits at the intersection of technology and media, convening senior newsroom leaders, digital innovators and practitioners shaping how journalism evolves.
ONA26 sponsors gain direct access to a highly engaged, high‑influence audience actively evaluating tools, platforms, services and partnerships that support their work.
Who attends ONA
ONA’s annual conference brings together a diverse, interdisciplinary professional community, including:
- Newsroom leaders and executives
- Audience, growth, and analytics experts
- Product, strategy, and business leaders
- Editors, reporters, broadcasters, and visual journalists
- Entrepreneurs, technologists, funders, and educators working alongside newsrooms
Attendees come to ONA for hands-on training, interactive learning, high-level summits, and focused career-development workshops focused on emerging technology, innovation, and leadership. They leave with actionable insights and valuable connections that drive journalism forward.
Why ONA matters to sponsors
ONA26 offers multiple ways for sponsors to engage with this audience before, during, and after the conference:
- Direct access to attendee profiles and connection tools through the conference app and in-person networking
- Visibility within essential industry conversations, learning experiences and shared problem-solving
- Opportunities to contribute to the agenda through sponsored sessions and events
- Clear, structured networking moments designed for meaningful interaction
General Overview
A high-influence, decision-making audience
- 66% of ONA attendees report medium to primary influence over purchasing decisions at their organizations (including 39% who identify as primary or high-level decision-makers)
- 38% of attendees hold senior leadership roles, including Directors, Executives, C-suite leaders, and Founders
- 95% report visiting exhibit areas and lounge spaces during the conference
A newsroom-centered, interdisciplinary community
- 80%+ work directly in journalism and news organizations (10% journalism-adjacent technology/tools; 12% academic)
- Attendees span a wide range of functional roles, many with intentional overlap:
- 45% leadership and strategy
- 36% reporting, editing, and producing
- 34% audience engagement, growth, and social
- 25% product development and project management
*Data based on ONA25 attendees
Newsrooms Represented
- Digital Only: 39%
- Multiplatform: 26%
- Social Media: 18%
- Newspaper: 14%
- Newsletter: 14%
- Video: 11%
- Podcast: 8%
- Radio: 5%
- Television: 5%
- Magazine: 5%
- Wire Service: 2%
- Digital Only: 39%
- Multiplatform: 26%
- Social Media: 18%
- Newspaper: 14%
- Newsletter: 14%
- Video: 11%
- Podcast: 8%
- Radio: 5%
- Television: 5%
- Magazine: 5%
- Wire Service: 2%
Geographic Coverage Area
- Global: 13%
- Local: 23%
- National: 21%
- Regional: 15%
- Statewide/Provincewide: 12%
- Global: 13%
- Local: 23%
- National: 21%
- Regional: 15%
- Statewide/Provincewide: 12%
Top 10 types of exhibitors and sponsors attendees requested for future events:*
- Data journalism and visualization tools
- Training and professional development
- Newsletter platforms and tools
- Content distribution platforms
- Social media platforms and tools
*Data based on ONA25 attendees
- Audio, video and immersive storytelling tools and equipment
- Journalism schools and fellowship opportunities
- Workflow platforms and tools
- Data security, personal safety and privacy tools
- AI tools and large language models (LLMs)
General Sponsorship Benefits
Unless otherwise noted, all sponsor packages include the following baseline benefits:
- 10’x10’ standard exhibiting booth space in the Salon A or C foyers at the Hilton Chicago, immediately adjacent to programming spaces; shared electrical access is included
- Full conference passes (number varies by package)
- Tiered sponsor branding on the ONA26 website and in conference email newsletters
- Virtual booth on the ONA26 live event website and app
- Rotating digital ad on the ONA26 website
- Virtual booth on ONA26 live event website and app
- Rotating digital ad on ONA26 website
- Logo/name inclusion on physical signage, virtual promotion, and opening slides for general sessions
- ONA Industry Directory Listing (one year past current expiration date)
- All sponsors have the option to purchase up to two additional full conference passes at a discounted rate of $300 per pass.
Notes
- Sponsors are responsible for any specialty furniture, A/V needs and food and beverage costs. ONA will provide a list of approved vendors.
- ONA will share several updated attendee lists with confirmed sponsors and exhibitors beginning one month before the conference. Shared information will not include email addresses or phone numbers.
- For RSVP-only events, ONA will request attendee permission before sharing any participant information with sponsors.
- ONA cannot target or segment individual attendees on behalf of sponsors for outreach related to any sponsor package, including RSVP-only events.
- Limited sponsor and exhibitor storage is available at the Hilton Chicago on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Discounted conference passes for staff supporting exhibiting spaces are available for $300 per pass (limit two per sponsor group). All staff present in exhibiting spaces must hold an ONA26 conference pass.
- The option to provide coffee to ONA26 attendees in exhibiting spaces is reserved exclusively for the official ONA26 Coffee Sponsor. This restriction does not apply to private sponsor lounges in assigned rooms outside common networking areas.
Jump to Sponsorship Packages
Presenting Sponsor: $60,000
Position your organization as a leading sponsor of ONA26, with prominent visibility and alignment with the essential conversations shaping the future of journalism.
Presenting Sponsors receive:
- Up to two 60-minute sponsored sessions included as part of the official ONA26 programming. ONA will collaborate closely with the sponsor to ensure a quality experience for the sponsor, speakers and attendees. (Deadline to confirm these sessions is Feb. 11.)
- Choice of one prominently located 10’x20’ booth, event lounge, or private Parlour Room for meetings or networking. Sponsor is responsible for specialty furniture, A/V, and/or F&B; ONA will provide vendor contacts.
- Opportunity to host two virtual sessions in 2026 as part of ONA’s Midway All Year programming series. ONA will manage promotion, registration, and production; sessions will be recorded and added to the ONA Resource Library.
Additional benefits include:
- 12 full conference passes
- Top-level placement on the ONA26 website, app, and online platform
- Top-tier logo placement in conference email newsletters
- Two pre-ONA26 dedicated newsletter ads
- One pre-ONA26 blog post, promoted via newsletter and ONA social channels
- Dedicated physical signage highlighting Presenting Sponsors
Meal + Reception Opportunities
Leadership Breakfasts (3 available): $20,000
Start the day with a focused, RSVP-only networking breakfast for your ideal groups of ONA26 attendees.
Includes:
- Breakfast event for up to 100 guests on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday morning
- Room, A/V and breakfast buffet included
- Branding on digital invitations and official promotion
Notes:
- Sponsor responsible for programming and any stand-alone invitations
Additional benefits include:
- Private Parlour Room or 10’x20’ booth space
- 8 full conference passes
Leadership Luncheons: $25,000 (2 available)
Host a high-touch, RSVP-only luncheon and private networking experience targeting your ideal groups of ONA26 attendees.
Includes:
- Luncheon for up to 100 guests on Monday or Tuesday
- Room, A/V and buffet lunch included
- Branding on digital invitations and official event promotion
Notes:
- Sponsor responsible for programming and any stand-alone invitations
Additional benefits include:
- Private Parlour Room or 10’x20’ booth space
- 8 full conference passes
Women’s Leadership Accelerator (WLA) Networking Reception: $20,000
Host a targeted networking reception for senior-level women in media while supporting ONA’s flagship leadership program in its eleventh year.
Includes:
- Reception for up to 150 attendees, including WLA cohort members, mentors, speakers and alumni attending ONA26
- Year-round sponsor recognition across WLA program promotion
- Event branding on invitations and signage
- Opportunity to provide brief remarks, materials or swag
- Reception space, passed appetizers and drink tickets for 155 guests
Additional benefits include:
- Private Parlour Room or a 10’x20’ booth space
- 8 full conference passes
Diversity Reception: $25,000
Sponsor a high-energy, ticketed networking reception that brings together a diverse group of conference attendees for meaningful connection and conversation.
Includes:
- Opportunity to address attendees during a one-hour reception with appetizers and a ticketed bar (200 drink tickets included)
- Branding on the official schedule, digital invitation, and all event promotion
Additional benefits include:
- Private Parlour Room or a 10’x20’ booth space
- 10 full conference passes
Specialty Networking Reception: $20,000 (1 available)
Host a targeted, invitation-only networking reception tailored to a specific audience at ONA26.
Includes:
- One-hour reception on Tuesday, March 31 for up to 150 invited guests
- Appetizers and 150 drink tickets are included
- Branding on targeted digital invitation and official promotion
Additional benefits include:
- Private Parlour Room or 10’x20’ booth space
- 8 full conference passes
Offsite Event on the Program: $10,000
Host an offsite event, such as a happy hour, and enjoy the benefits of an official event listing on the ONA26 program.
Includes:
- Branding on targeted digital invitation and official promotion
- Option to target up to three categories of ONA26 attendees for digital invitation
Additional benefits include:
- 2 full conference passes
- 1 tabletop exhibiting space
Attendee Perks and Branding Opportunities
Joy Sponsor: $12,500
Looking to spotlight your company while also bringing surprise and delight to our attendees? Blues Brothers impersonators jamming in the hallways? An evening out to rival Ferris Bueller’s day off? Fuzzy wuzzy puppies to pet during a break? ONA will work with Sponsor to organize and host a concept at or near the Hilton Chicago to enhance the attendee experience.
Notes:
- Sponsor concepts must be approved by ONA and Hilton Chicago
- Sponsor is responsible for all costs associated with the activation
Additional benefits include:
- 4 full conference passes
Morning Yoga: $14,000
Infuse your brand with wellness and balance by hosting a calming, RSVP-only morning yoga session.
Includes:
- One-hour yoga event for up to 100 attendees
- Chair yoga instructor
- Juice shooters for 100
Additional benefits include:
- 4 full conference passes
Hydration + Refuel Lounge: $12,500 
Make sure ONA26 attendees stay refreshed and have a chance to relax in your dedicated space for hydration, refueling and informal connection.
Includes:
- Dedicated 10’x20’ lounge space in the Salon A foyer
- Designation on the official ONA26 map
- Branded on-site signage
- Promotion to on-site attendees
Notes:
- Sponsor is responsible for costs related to branded water bottles, food and beverage, specialty furniture, and/or A/V
- All food and beverage must be coordinated through the hotel
- Coffee and tea are not available for this package
- This package does not include additional exhibit space
Additional benefits include:
- 4 full conference passes
Snacking Lounge: $12,500
Treat attendees to some nosh and networking between session blocks on Monday and Tuesday.
Includes:
- 10’x20’ lounge space in the Salon A foyer
- Branded signage directing attendees to the snack break
- Push notifications via the ONA26 app promoting the break and sponsor
Notes:
- Sponsor is responsible for costs related to food and beverage, specialty furniture, and/or A/V
- All food and beverage must be coordinated through the hotel
- Coffee and tea are not available for this package
- This package does not include additional exhibit space
Additional benefits include:
- 4 full conference passes
ONA26 Coffee Sponsor: $5,000 + F&B fees 
Become the exclusive provider of coffee service during conference breaks — a guaranteed high-traffic engagement opportunity.
Includes:
- Exclusive coffee service in a 10’x20’ lounge space during breaks on Monday and Tuesday
- Branded signage and push notifications via the ONA26 app promoting coffee breaks
Notes:
- Sponsor covers all hotel coffee service costs ($35/gallon for first 25 gallons; $256/gallon thereafter, taxes and fees included) and any additional F&B
- Minimum of one coffee/tea service per day required
- Sponsor responsible for specialty furniture and A/V
Additional benefits include:
- 5 full conference passes
ONA26 App Sponsor: $20,000
A billboard in the palm of every attendee’s hand through prominent placement in the ONA26 conference app.
Includes:
- Logo placement on the opening splash page of the ONA26 app
- Static ad placement on the app homepage, linked to the URL of your choice
- Visibility as attendees build schedules and access real-time conference information
Notes:
- Content deadline: February 4, 2026
Additional benefits include:
- 8 full conference passes
Wireless Sponsor: $15,000
Maximize brand visibility each time attendees connect to the ONA26 wireless network.
Includes:
- Sponsor-selected network name and password
- Branded on-site signage
- Rotating slides in the main ballroom prior to sessions
- Sponsorship acknowledgment via informational pop-up in the ONA26 app
Additional benefits include:
- 4 full conference passes
Registration Desk Sponsor: $17,000 
Gain prominent visibility in one of the highest-traffic areas of the conference.
Includes:
- Dedicated branding and signage at the registration desk for all conference days
- Opportunity to provide one giveaway to be handed to all attendees upon registering
Additional benefits include:
- 5 full conference passes
Attendee Badge + Lanyards : $15,000
Ensure your brand is visible throughout all three days of ONA26.
Includes:
- Sponsor logo prominently displayed on all attendee badges and lanyards
Additional benefits include:
- 4 full conference passes
T-Shirt and Tote Sponsor: $18,000
Connect your brand to the conference long after attendees go home!
Includes:
- Sponsor logo and brief text on the back of ONA26 t-shirts and tote bags; attendees will have the choice of one item.
- ONA26 logo featured on the front
Additional benefits include:
- 5 full conference passes
Exhibiting Spaces
Exhibiting + Recruiting Spaces in the ONA26 Midway
Engage directly with ONA26 attendees through face-to-face conversations in high-traffic conference areas.
ONA26 will offer both 10’x10’ exhibit spaces and stand-alone tabletop spaces located immediately outside the Salon A and Salon C programming rooms. The Midway will open Monday morning and close following programming on Tuesday.
10’x10’ Exhibit Space: $6,500
Includes:
- One 6’x2’ table, two chairs, wastebasket and ID sign
- Pipe and drape
- Shared electric drop
Tabletop Space: $4,500
Includes:
- One 6’x2’ table, two chairs, wastebasket
- Shared electric drop
Note:
- No stand-alone backdrops exceeding 5 feet in width
Both options include:
- 2 full conference passes
- Inclusion on the interactive map in the ONA26 app
- Opportunity to provide giveaways
ONA26 Scholarships: $7,500 per category (multiple opportunities available)
upport access, equity, and participation at ONA26 by sponsoring scholarships that expand who is able to attend and benefit from the conference.
Scholarship categories include:
- Students and New Professionals
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Financial Hardship
- Local News
- Caregiver Support (includes a stipend to support family or caregiving needs during the conference)
Includes:
- Sponsor recognition on the primary ONA26 scholarship page and on individual scholarship category pages
- Sponsor inclusion in scholarship promotion and communications
- Opportunity to connect with scholarship applicants
Additional benefits include:
- 2 full conference passes per sponsored category
- 1 tabletop exhibiting space
Private Salon Sponsorship: $18,000 (1 available)
Host focused meetings, trainings, or networking in a private, dedicated space during ONA26.
Includes:
- Private salon space at the Hilton Chicago accommodating up to 70 people theatre-style or 110 for a reception
- Flexibility to host sponsor-led meetings, briefings, or small events
Notes:
- Sponsor is responsible for A/V, specialty furniture, and F&B
- Deadline to confirm: Feb. 11
Additional benefits include:
- 5 full conference passes
Start-Up Alley: $550 (10 spaces available; application required)
Showcase early-stage tools and companies designed to support journalism innovation.
Eligibility:
- Companies must be two years old or newer
- Application (coming soon) and review required
Includes:
- 1 full conference pass
- Shared tabletop networking space in the Midway
- Inclusion in Start-Up Alley on-site signage and interactive map
- Promotion as an official part of the ONA26 program
- Dedicated listing on the ONA26 schedule encouraging attendees to visit Start-Up Alley
Additional Promotional Opportunities
The following opportunities are available with or without an ONA26 sponsor package. No additional benefits are included beyond those listed.
- ONA26 Newsletter: $800 per issue (limited availability)
- ONA26 Conference Daily: $1,250 per ad per issue (2 ads per issue available)
- ONA26 Premium Online Ad Space: $1,000 for the month of March
- ONA Weekly Newsletter: $750 per issue (discounts available)
Additional year-round partnership opportunities are available upon request.