Events

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

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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 

Registration Link and Rates Coming Soon.

Schedule-at-a-Glance

Subject to change.

Friday, April 17

12:00 – 3:00 PM

• Check-in / Registration

 

1:00 – 2:15 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. 

2:30 – 3:45 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.

2:30 – 3:45 PM 

• Paving an Independent Path as Industries Crumble: As layoffs and industry restructuring continue, platforms like Substack and beehiiv offer journalists new ways to build independent careers. This session provides practical insights on audience growth, paid subscriptions, sustainable writing practices, and long-term creator opportunities.

3:50 – 5:00 PM 

• Connecting a Region: Media Strategy and Community Engagement Behind Regional Transportation: LinkUS, the largest infrastructure project in Central Ohio, highlights the critical role of media strategy, community engagement, and relationship-building in large-scale public projects. Lessons shared mirror challenges faced by regions nationwide navigating growth and change.

3:50 – 5:00 PM 

• On Location: Best Practices for Impactful Live Shots & Storytelling: Xavier Walton (NewsNation) showcases his reporting work and offers performance tips, storytelling techniques, and constructive critiques focused on impactful live shots and audience engagement

8:00 PM – 1:00 AM

• Opening Mixer – Blu Note on Town, 530 E. Town St, Columbus, OH 43215

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Saturday, April 18

9:00 – 11:00 AM 

• Check-in / Registration – Hilton Downtown Hotel registration desk

9:00 AM

• Breakfast

10:00 – 11:15 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.

11:30 AM -12:45 PM 

• Stories Within the Story: Narrative 101 for Journalists: This session offers a foundational understanding of narrative power and narrative science. Participants will learn tools to strengthen accuracy, authenticity, and ethical storytelling.
  

2:45 – 1:45 PM                                                                                                           

• Lunch & 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.

2:00 – 3:15 PM 

• 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.

3:30 – 4:45 PM 

• Fireside Chat 
  

7:00 PM 

• Closing Reception

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