Events

 

April 17, 2026 - April 18, 2026

2026 NABJ Region II Conference

April 17-18, 2026 | Hilton Columbus Downtown

402 North High Street | Columbus, OH

Theme: A New Frontier: Innovation, Ownership, and the Future of Black Media

 

Join us for the NABJ Region II Conference, April 17-18, 2026, in Columbus, OH

A must-attend event for journalists and communicators! 

As newsrooms continue to evolve amid sweeping industry changes, this dynamic gathering will center around honest, timely conversations on career sustainability, emerging opportunities, and navigating a rapidly changing media landscape. Join us for meaningful dialogue, practical skill-building, and future-focused strategies at the intersection of media, technology, and ownership.

Registration 

Click Here to Register and See Registration Rates
Book Your Hotel Room Here: https://bit.ly/BookRegion2Hotel

Schedule-at-a-Glance

Subject to change.

Friday, April 17

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Check-in & Onsite Registration
12:00  – 1:00 PM
  • Lunch
1:10 – 2:00 PM 
  • What Can We Say Now? Reporting on Equity, Identity, and Community Under New Laws: Recent legislation such as Ohio’s SB1, has reshaped how public institutions approach diversity, equity, and inclusion. This panel explores how journalists can navigate evolving legal and institutional constraints while continuing to tell authentic, community-centered stories. Attendees will gain practical tools for responsibly covering equity, identity, and marginalized communities. 
2:10 – 3:00 PM 
  • Inside Law Enforcement: Reporting Across Jurisdictions: This panel features local, state, and federal law enforcement officials sharing story ideas, access strategies, and best practices for reporting across jurisdictions and communities. Panelists will discuss transparency, accountability, and building trust while covering public safety.
6:00 – 9:00 PM 
  • NABJ Night at the Ballpark (Huntington Park):  We’re bringing journalists, students and media leaders together for a high-energy evening of baseball, bold conversations and unbeatable networking under the lights. Don’t miss this grand-slam kickoff to our conference weekend! Transportation to and from the ballpark will be provided. One free admission ticket per registration.

Saturday, April 18

8:00 – 11:00 AM 
  • Check-in  & Onsite Registration 
9:00 – 10:00 AM
  • Breakfast: Opening and Welcome from City of Columbus: Located in the heart of the Midwest, Columbus is Ohio’s capital and one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Known for its vibrant arts scene, innovative business community and passionate sports culture, Columbus blends historic charm with modern energy. The city is home to world-class attractions, diverse neighborhoods and a thriving media market.
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Headshots by Ian Alexander Photography
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Reels, Resumes and Reviews
10:10 – 11:00 AM 
  • AI Is Already in the Room: What Journalists Need to Know About Banking, Business & Algorithms: This session examines AI’s growing role in journalism, including story discovery, editing, distribution, monetization, and audience trust. Attendees will gain practical guidance for responsible and ethical AI use in reporting.
10:10 – 11:00 AM – Bellows Ballroom B
  • On Location: Best Practices for Impactful Live Shots & Storytelling: In this interactive session, seasoned network journalists will share real-world reporting examples, performance tips, storytelling techniques, and constructive critiques to help you deliver more engaging, impactful live shots in the field.
11:10 AM – 12:00 PM  – Bellows Ballroom A
  • Stories Within the Story: Narrative 101 for Journalists: Journalists aren’t taught about narrative (narrative science) and the role that media plays in it structurally or vice versa. We hear the word narrative a lot in media, politics and culture, but most people are conflating narrative with story. This session offers a foundational understanding of narrative power and narrative science. Participants will learn tools to strengthen accuracy, authenticity, and ethical storytelling.
11:10 AM – 12:00 PM  – Bellows Ballroom B
  • Paving an Independent Path as Industries Crumble: As layoffs and industry shifts continue to reshape journalism, this panel explores how media professionals are building sustainable careers beyond traditional newsrooms. From award-winning TV reporting to entrepreneurship in podcasting, radio, filmmaking and independent publishing, panelists will share how they’ve leveraged platforms like Substack and beehiiv to grow audiences, generate revenue and expand their impact. Learn how journalists are charting independent paths while redefining success in today’s evolving media landscape.
12:15 – 1:45 PM – Bellows Ballroom C
  • Lunch | Celebrating 50 Years of NABJ: As NABJ continues to celebrate the momentum of its historic 50th anniversary, this session highlights chapters within the region that are also reaching this important milestone. NABJ Chicago will preview a trailer showcasing the chapter’s history, impact, and continued success, followed by a conversation with NABJ stalwarts who have helped shape the organization’s legacy. The session will also feature a screening of “Beyond the Headlines: The NABJ Journey,” a documentary that captures the history, impact, and enduring mission of the National Association of Black Journalists.
2:00 – 2:50 PM – Bellows Ballroom A
  • Connecting a Region: Media Strategy and Community Engagement Behind Regional Transportation: LinkUS is the biggest infrastructure project central Ohio has supported and the strategy to engage community, media and community leaders was significant. Leading the outreach engagement and media was a monumental undertaking and learnings from it will help underscore the importance of media, relationships and connecting.
2:00 – 2:50 PM – Bellows Ballroom B
  • Ready for the Newsroom: Hear directly from students and emerging journalists who are making the leap from campus to the newsroom. This candid conversation explores the challenges, opportunities and breakthroughs that come with starting a career in journalism.
3:00 – 3:50 PM – Bellows Ballroom A                                                                                               
  • Is It Legal? Journalism in the Anti-Information World: This panel explores legal protections for the press, navigating misinformation, restricted access, and evolving media law. Panelists will provide practical guidance on defending press freedom and informing the public in challenging environments.
3:00 – 3:50 PM – Bellows Ballroom B
  • Let’s Talk Contracts: A breakdown of contracts, non-competes, and legal fine print shaping journalists’ careers. Panelists will share insights on negotiation strategies, rights, protections, and avoiding common pitfalls.
4:00 – 5:00 PM – Bellows Ballroom C
  • Fireside Chat: Join us for an intimate fireside chat featuring seasoned journalists from across the industry. This candid conversation will explore career journeys, newsroom challenges, evolving media landscapes and the future of journalism. Attendees will gain practical insights, honest reflections and inspiration from professionals shaping the field.
8:00 PM
  • Closing Mixer: Blu Note on Town, 530 E. Town St, Columbus, OH 43215