National Conventions

Fall 2021

Presented virtually

Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, 2022

More information and registration

Spring 2022

Los Angeles

April 7-9, 2022

More information and registration

About JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Conventions

The JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention is a semiannual gathering of high school journalists and advisers sponsored by the Journalism Education Association and its partner, the National Scholastic Press Association. The associations partner to prepare hundreds of practical and professional learning sessions, from high-profile keynotes to specific, problem-solving breakouts, hands-on workshops and discussion groups. Other convention activities include an exhibit hall with vendors who sell to student media, JEA’s on-site National Student Media Contests, NSPA’s Best of Show contest, receptions, awards convocations, critiques, career round tables and evening entertainment.

Breakout sessions for students from all media types — newspaper, online, broadcast, yearbook and magazine — are planned to meet the publishing and broadcasting needs of all scholastic student media. Some are specifically for advisers, administrators or middle school students. Whether it’s ethics and law, technology and design, advertising and business operations, photography and art or just the basics of news writing and reporting, this convention covers the bases.

With typical attendance of more than 4,000 delegates, the JEA/NSPA convention has become the place to seek solutions to the most challenging publishing and broadcasting problems, share and celebrate success stories, see what’s new in the media marketplace, discover trends and network with students and advisers from throughout the United States.

VOLUNTEER TO SPEAK

Members and other individuals interested in supporting the goals and programs of JEA, NSPA and scholastic journalism are invited to submit convention program proposals for sessions at the national convention. This invitation is extended to teachers/advisers, professional journalists and students in editorial-leadership positions. Proposals must be received by Dec. 15 (spring convention) or July 15 (fall convention), to be listed in the registration booklet.

WHY CONVENTIONS MATTER

Are you running into some obstacles at your school regarding convention travel? We know that field trip restrictions are tighter than ever, and we're here to help. Download this PDF to share with your administrators as you seek travel approval. This one-page document promotes the benefits of JEA/NSPA national conventions and might help showcase why conventions offer essential learning experiences — for teachers and students — beyond the regular classroom.

TRAVEL

Planning on attending a convention? Here's everything from basic rules to permission slips to guidance on flying. CLICK HERE.

UPCOMING CONVENTIONS

JEA and NSPA invite teachers and professionals to speak at our national conventions about tips, topics and trends relevant to scholastic media.

For inquiries about sponsorship, exhibit space or advertising, visit the National Scholastic Press Association and select the appropriate contract.

Vendors interested in bidding on audio-visual or other event services can contact JEA's executive director:

Kelly Glasscock
Journalism Education Association
Email: kelly@jea.org
W: 785-532-7822

Los Angeles — April 7-9, 2022
If you are a southern California scholastic journalism educator who wishes to assist the local team, contact Kelly Glasscock at kelly@jea.org.

St. Louis — Nov. 10-13, 2022
If you are a local scholastic journalism educator who wishes to assist the local team, contact Kelly Glasscock at kelly@jea.org.

Convention history

Click on the link for some cities to view pictures and other information from that convention.

Statistics from spring 1990 through fall 2020
Average — 4,022
Fall average — 4,536
Spring average — 3,507
Largest — Washington, D.C., fall 2014 (6,406)

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