THE NATION’S LARGEST GATHERING OF COLLEGIATE JOURNALISTS, MEDIA STUDENTS AND THEIR ADVISERS

2019 and 2022 convention photos by Bradley Wilson, Midwestern State University

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Check out the event schedule!

Registration is still open!

The fall convention returns to the South in 2024, from Wednesday to Saturday, Oct. 30-Nov. 2, in New Orleans.

Sponsored by Associated Collegiate Press and College Media Association, the nation’s largest gathering of college journalists and advisers meets at Sheraton New Orleans for four days of sessions, speakers, critiques and contests.

Attending the ACP/CMA Fall National College Media Convention offers a multitude of benefits for college students and media enthusiasts alike. This convention provides a unique opportunity to network with industry professionals, learn from seasoned journalists, and gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of media and journalism.

By attending workshops, panels and keynotes, participants can enhance their skills, stay up-to-date with the latest trends, and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals. With attendance near 1,000 delegates, the convention serves as a platform for showcasing student work, receiving feedback from experts, and exploring potential career opportunities. Whether you are a budding journalist, aspiring media professional, or simply passionate about the power of storytelling, the ACP/CMA Fall National College Media Convention is a must-attend event to expand your knowledge, grow your network and ignite your passion for media.

CONVENTION REGISTRATION

Registration opens in August and the early bird rate ends Oct. 8.

early bird rate / regular rate

$175 / $200
Student member

$200 / $225
Adviser member

$225 / $275
student nonmember

$300 / $325
adviser nonmember

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

ACP and CMA are excited to welcome several keynote speakers to New Orleans.

Photographer Kathy Anderson to speak Thursday, Oct. 31

After 28 years as a newspaper photographer for The Times-Picayune,
Kathy Anderson boldly decided to leave the stability of her full-time position to venture into the world of entrepreneurship. In this keynote, she shares her transition from an award-winning photojournalist to a successful business owner. Kathy will explore the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned from building her photography business and how her career in journalism uniquely prepared her for this new chapter. Attendees will gain insights into embracing risk, redefining success, and navigating the path from employee to entrepreneur.

Muralist, illustrator George F. Baker III to speak Friday, Nov. 1

George F. Baker III uses design and illustration tools to engage everyone’s inner child and engage with a wide variety of people. Through his art career he has learned that everyone is a reflection of each other and harnesses personal anecdotes to connect to audiences. Baker has worked with brands such as ESPN, Patagonia, Nike and Verizon and currently serves as the Creative Director of Foster, a studio-collective. Check out his work here. 

Investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell to speak Saturday, Nov. 2

The stories of Jerry Mitchell, an investigative reporter for Mississippi Today, have helped put four Klansmen and a serial killer behind bars. The two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist has won more than national awards, including a $500,000 MacArthur “genius” grant. His memoir, Race Against Time, details his pursuit of the Klansmen. His team has uncovered allegations regarding Mississippi sheriffs, including a “Goon Squad” that terrorized a rural county for a generation.

HELPFUL INSTRUCTION

Hundreds of instructional sessions on how to improve your publications and sites — and serve your readers and community. Our sessions help staffs and schools of all sizes and skill levels.

> Look through the hundreds of convention sessions in our 20 learning tracks.

Pre-convention workshops take a deep dive into trends and technology.

HONORS & RECOGNITION

The top national awards
in collegiate media —

ACP awards
Pacemakers in broadcast, innovation, magazine, multiplatform and newspaper/newsmagazine, 
plus Individual Awards
and Best of Show

> CMA awards
Pinnacles
honoring organizations and individuals,
Adviser Awards

CMA FILM & AUDIO FESTIVAL

Join us for our showcase of collegiate film and audio.

NATIONAL NETWORKING

On-site critiques with
common-sense feedback
from experienced advisers, editors and journalists.

Convention receptions to meet students and advisers from across the country, including Radio Television Digital News Directors attendees.

MEDIA TOURS

Learn more about the city and its media with one of our media tours.

TRADE SHOW

Always a convention highlight, our exhibits feature collegiate journalism programs and companies with decades of experience helping advisers and students.

> Trade show & sponsorships

MEDIA ZONE

One of the best parts of our conventions is meeting students and advisers from across the nation. The Media Zone is a designated location where students and advisers can exhibit their work and network with others.

Photo by Zack Smith