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

Nov. 4–7, 2026 | Kansas City

Go beyond the story

Step into the heart of how stories are reported, produced and shared—across every platform. This is an opportunity to learn from professionals, faculty and advisers across the country, and hear from students sharing real newsroom work and ideas.

The fall convention is headed to Kansas City, bringing together students, advisers and media professionals from across the country for four days of learning, connection and collaboration.

Presented by Associated Collegiate Press and College Media Association, the convention features sessions, speakers, critiques and contests across print, broadcast, audio and digital media.

Attending offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry professionals, build practical skills and connect with peers from across the country. Through workshops, panels and keynotes, participants gain insight into the evolving media landscape while sharing ideas and real newsroom experiences.

With nearly 1,000 attendees, the convention also serves as a space to showcase student work, receive feedback from experts and explore career paths in media.

Convention registration

Early bird pricing is available through Oct. 13.

Student/Adviser Member: $175

Student non-member: $225

Nonmember Adviser/Attendee: $295

*prices will increase by $50 after the early bird deadline of Oct. 13, 2026

Submit a session

Submit a session proposal for the Fall National College Media Convention! Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, with selections based on relevance, originality, and impact. Chosen sessions will be announced when the full program is finalized.

Submit here

Lodging

The convention will be hosted at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center.

Attendees can reserve discounted rooms at $215 per night for up to quad occupancy. The total nightly rate is ~$262, including taxes and fees. Rooms are subject to availability and MUST be booked before October 20, 2026 to receive this rate.

Below is the booking link for the hotel. One person can reserve up to 10 rooms at a time.

Reserve here

Keynote speakers

Lauren Woodman

Dave Jorgenson

Sarah Kellog

Rachel Lippmann

Matt Flener

Lauren Woodman | 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5

USAFacts President Lauren Woodman will discuss data literacy as both a core journalism skill and a civic necessity. In a healthy democracy, an informed public depends on journalists handling information responsibly. This is especially important in our current era, where trust in news media is declining, in part due to a lack of data-driven reporting.

Dave Jorgenson | 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6

In a media landscape where misinformation can travel faster than the truth, journalists have an opportunity and a responsibility to meet audiences where they are. Award-winning journalist, digital creator, and Local News International co-founder Dave Jorgenson explores how journalists can use social media creatively and strategically to make credible information engaging, accessible, and shareable.

Sarah Kellogg and Rachel Lippmann | 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6

St. Louis Public Radio journalists Sarah Kellogg and Rachel Lippmann share insights from covering state government, politics, public safety and the courts. Drawing from their award-winning work, they will explore how journalists identify consequential local stories, use public records to hold institutions accountable, build trust with communities, and report thoughtfully on complex issues.

Matt Flener | 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7

Investigative Reporter Matt Flener shares his experience with overcoming anxiety, perfectionism, and the fear of public failure. It’s common for those with public facing roles. Flener shares how freezing during high school announcements and later during a live broadcast from the Oscars red carpet led to a growth mindset.

Learn more

HELPFUL INSTRUCTION

Explore hundreds of sessions focused on improving your publications and platforms—and better serving your audience and community. Sessions are designed for staffs and schools of all sizes and experience levels.

Sessions span a wide variety of learning tracks

HONORS & RECOGNITION

The Pacemaker Awards recognize overall excellence in collegiate media. Presented by the Associated Collegiate Press, Pacemakers are considered as one of the highest honors in student journalism.

The Pinnacle Awards honoring outstanding student work and the organizations behind it across a wide range of platforms and categories. Presented annually by the College Media Association, the awards highlight innovation, impact and excellent student journalism nationwide.

ACP Best of Show, presented on-site at the convention, Best of Show awards are limited to media outlets attending the fall convention.

NATIONAL NETWORKING

Critiques Receive on-site feedback from experienced advisers, editors and journalists.

Receptions Connect with students, advisers and professional industry partners from across the country.

Media tours
Go behind the scenes at Kansas City media organizations—from newsrooms to PR agencies to corporate teams that employ communications and media professionals.

THE HUB

A convention highlight, The Hub connects students and advisers with graduate program recruiters, industry professionals and vendors that support newsroom and creative work.

Media Zone: Share your publications, connect with peers and take samples home to inspire your next project.

GOLD SPONSOR