We ‘Heart’ Our Partners

DATES: Nov. 4–7, 2026
LOCATION: The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center

Presented by Associated Collegiate Press and College Media Association, the convention features sessions, speakers, critiques and contests across print, broadcast, audio and digital media. The fall convention, to be held in Kansas City, will bring together more than 1,000 students, advisers and media professionals from across the country for four days of learning, connection and collaboration.

Even better, it’s an on-site opportunity for you to reach decision-makers in collegiate media, students seeking internship opportunites, and students interested in a master’s degree in journalism or communications.

• Ideal for companies with goods and services for student media groups.
• Perfect for educational institutions pursuing prospective graduate students.
• Optimal for organizations seeking to connect with student journalists.

About ACP
The Associated Collegiate Press, part of the National Scholastic Press Association, offers journalism education to more than 700 member publications globally. Since 1921, ACP has recognized, educated and connected collegiate journalists and their advisers.

About CMA
The College Media Association represents student media and their advisers, providing education, reserach and resources. Established in 1954, CMA has more than 600 members who advise collegiate media outlets, including newspapers, yearbooks, magazines and broadcast media across the U.S.

Exhibit Tables

Exhibit Table | $1,000
One exhibit table and two chairs in the Exhibit Hall. Two convention registrations included.

Nonprofit Exhibit Table | $800
One exhibit table and two chairs in the Exhibit Hall. Two convention registrations included. Must be a registered 501(c)(3) organization or a nonprofit college/university.

Additional Exhibit Table | $400
Add an additional exhibit table and two chairs for $400. Additional complimentary registrations not included. 

Programming

The Hub Promotional Session | $750
One 20-minute promotional session, held in The Hub Stage (exhibit hall). Session listing in the convention app as a sponsored session.

Advertising & Promotion Options

NEW: Tabletop Banners | $500
Feature your organization and message on five, custom-designed, 11″ x 17″ tabletop tripod banners. Banners placed on the tables in the The Hub for two days. All five banners can be the same design or up to five different designs. View a sample tabletop banner. (1 available)

NEW: Video Message/Ad | $1,000
A 30- to 60-second video message or ad to be shown in rotation prior to the start of one of the three keynote sessions. (3 available)

Preconvention or Post-convention Email eBlast | $800
Have your custom message sent to all registered attendees prior to or following the conclusion of the convention. View a sample eBlast.

Logo Submission

Submit your organization’s logo graphic file for promotional use. If you have been a sponsor or exhibitor with ACP or NSPA within the last year, your logo is already on file. 
Deadline: With your completed Sponsor & Exhibitor Agreement
Specifications:

• • Format: AI (Adobe Illustrator) or EPS
  • Color Mode: RGB

Digital Ads

Sponsor-specific Email eBlast
Deadline: Oct. 19, 2026 (Preconvention) | Nov. 2, 2026 (Post-convention)
Specifications: Submit eBlast materials by downloading and completing the eBlast Submission Form. Alternatively, content created as a complete graphic may be submitted.

Video Message/Ad
Deadline: Oct. 19, 2026
Specifications: When creating the video, follow these specifications:

• • Length: Up to 60 seconds
  • Format: MP4
  • Resolution: 1920 px (width) x 1080 px (height)

Mobile App Banner Ad
Deadline: Oct. 19, 2026
Specifications: When creating the banner ad, follow these specifications: 

• • Color Mode: RGB
  • Format: JPG
  • Size: 750 px (width) x 210 px (height)

Programming

The Hub Promotional Session
Deadline: Oct. 19, 2026
Specifications: Complete and submit your The Hub Promotional Session Form.  

Hotel Information

The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
1 East Pershing Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64108

Flat room rate $262 (inclusive of all fees, taxes). Rooms are subject to availability and must be booked before Oct. 20, 2026, to receive this rate.

2027 ACP Spring National College Media Conference
La Jolla, Calif. | March 4–6, 2027

2027 CMA Spring National College Media Convention
Atlanta | March 3–6, 2027

2027 ACP/CMA Fall National College Media
Washington, D.C. | Oct. 27–30, 2027

1. To sponsor or exhibit at the convention, complete the Sponsor & Exhibitor Agreement. Submit it to ACP along with your payment. Prepayment is required to hold your sponsorship/exhibit space. Unless otherwise arranged, fees for all sponsors and exhibitors should be paid to ACP.

2. Exhibit space is assigned according to sponsorship level and the date an agreement is received by ACP. Exhibitors at equal sponsorship levels will alternate exhibit space preference with other equal level sponsors. Exhibitors can have the same sponsorship as the previous convention, but if another company is interested in that sponsorship, it cannot be held for more than two consecutive conventions. ACP reserve the right to make and/or change exhibit table locations at any time as deem necessary.

3. Location of exhibit space is determined at the discretion of ACP and the hotel. Exhibits must be available for viewing by convention delegates at the official start time of The Hub (exhibit hall).

4. Exhibit tables must comply with the ACP display guidelines and The Hub rules and regulations. ACP shall have the full discretion and authority in the placing, arrangement and appearance of all items to be displayed within The Hub by exhibitors. Displays that impede the line of sight for other exhibit tables will not be allowed. Materials, such a banners, may be displayed behind the exhibit table when space is available and directly in front of the table. Materials may not be place to the sides of the exhibit table.

5. Exhibit table fees include one skirted table with two chairs, name badges and convention registration fees for up to two individuals from your organization. Name badges are contingent upon exhibitor and the exhibitor team registering for the convention on the official convention website. Only official name badges from ACP are allowed to be used. Additional delegates from your organization should register for the convention.

6. All arrangements for internet and electrical power must be made directly with third party providers, whose contact information will be provided to you.

7. ACP assumes no responsibility for expenses incurred for exhibitor material shipping or handling, electrical, telephone, equipment or other utility hookups and usage.

8. If there will be any third-party deliveries outside the designated The Hub (exhibit hall) service, you must notify ACP 30 days prior to the convention start date.

9. Materials for exhibit tables may be shipped directly to the hotel in advance of the convention. Complete shipping information will be provided to you. Storage and handling fees will be accessed by the hotel or its agent directly to the exhibitor.

10. Each exhibit space should be used to display materials for only the organization who signed the contract; it is not acceptable to let other groups “show from” or “share” your exhibit table. If you would like to be located near another exhibitor, please let us know before we assign the table numbers, and we will do our best to accommodate all such requests.

11. ACP/CMA will take reasonable precautions, including the hiring of security guards, to ensure the area provided for exhibits is secured during non-exhibiting hours. However, ACP/CMA assumes no liability for damage, loss or theft of any property owned by the exhibitor or its agents. By authorizing this contract with a signature, the exhibitor hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless ACP, CMA, their officers, directors, employees and agents for any and all claims arising out of such damage.

12. Exhibitors and giveaways must be distributed from, and confined to, the exhibit table space. Exhibitors cannot occupy the aisles, block adjacent tables or distribute materials outside of their assigned space. Each exhibitor has the right to conduct business at their table without interference from others. Noise and smells must be kept to a minimum. No exhibitor may sell anything at their booth nor distribute materials which are potentially harmful to the delegates or the facility (i.e., flying disks, stickers, gum). Please contact ACP if you plan on sampling any food products. The playing of music as part of your table is prohibited.

13. To receive sponsorship benefits, exhibitors must meet the submission deadlines for advertising and exhibiting. To be included convention materials, advertising art must be received at ACP by the deadline listed on the contract.

14. No exhibitor shall sponsor an educational program during the convention without 30 days advance notification to ACP officials. No exhibitor shall be host for a reception, hospitality suite or social function during the hours of an official ACP/CMA function at which advisers are present. Exhibitors must notify ACP officials no later than 21 days before the convention if a reception or program is to be held when there is no official ACP convention program. ACP supports the right of exhibitors to sponsor private, invitation-only events.

College Media Association Anti-Harassment Policy

Adopted July 10, 2019

College Media Association strives to be a safe and welcoming organization. Harassment of any kind is not acceptable in our online communications platforms or at our events. To the best of our ability, we intend to eliminate inappropriate conduct from our organization. We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all members and event participants, regardless of actual or perceived gender, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, background, religion or political affiliation, and other forms of diversity and identity as this definition continues to evolve.

This policy applies to all CMA members and event participants, including speakers, staff, volunteers, attendees, and others affiliated in any with CMA events and activities, as well as and others affiliated in any manner with activities. This policy extends to events co-sponsored by CMA and Associated Collegiate Press; convention and event participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the convention or event at the discretion of CMA and ACP leadership.

Expected behavior

• Abide by the norms of professional respect that are necessary to promote the conditions for free academic interchange.
• Be collaborative.
• Communicate views to others in a fair and constructive manner.
• Value and support the fact that the student media community is diverse in all manners.
• Respect the rights and dignity of others, regardless of our differences and different perspectives.

Unacceptable behavior

• Physical assault (including unwelcome touching or groping).
• Real or implied threat of physical harm.
• Persistent and unwelcome solicitation of emotional or physical intimacy.
• Intimidating, harassing, abusive, derogatory, or demeaning speech or actions.