Fall National High School Journalism Convention
JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention
The nation’s largest gathering of scholastic journalists, advisers and journalism teachers
Sponsored by Journalism Education Association and National Scholastic Press Association
Join us in Orlando
Nov. 19-22, 2026
at the Orlando World Center Marriott
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 over 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.
Registration rates
Registration opens in August 2026.
Early bird rates end in early October. Online registration closes in late October.
JEA or NSPA members
$145 Early bird rate
$165 regular rate
Nonmembers
$195 early bird rate
$215 regular rate
Venue - Orlando World Center Marriott
Hotel room rate info coming soon
Volunteer to speak
Members and other individuals interested in supporting the goals and programs of JEA, NSPA and scholastic journalism are invited to submit proposals for sessions at the national convention. This invitation is extended to teachers, advisers, professional journalists and students in editorial leadership positions.
The call for submissions will open in April 2026. Proposals must be received by 11:59 p.m. CT on Aug. 31.
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. This webpage 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.
Planning for a convention
It takes planning and preparation to attend a journalism convention, and we’re here to help with planning documents for advisers. Visit journalismconvention.org for resources and testimonials to help you appeal to school officials.
Travel resources
Planning on attending a convention? Check out our planning resources for advisers.
First-time convention grant
This scholarship aims to bring an adviser and up to two of their students to their first JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in person. Advisers applying for this grant should be first-time attendees at NHSJC.
Learn more
Submit a session proposal
Typically, the convention comprises of over 300 breakout sessions. Members and other individuals interested in supporting the goals and programs of JEA, NSPA and scholastic journalism are invited to submit proposals for breakout sessions at the national convention. This invitation is extended to teachers/advisers, professional journalists and students in editorial leadership positions. The proposal deadline for the fall Orlando convention is Aug. 31, 2026. The application will open in April.
Vendors and sponsors
For inquiries about sponsorship, exhibit space or advertising, please contact Jon Erickson with our partner organization, National Scholastic Press Association.
Vendors interested in bidding on audio-visual or other event services can contact Amber James, JEA's events and programs manager.
Other inquiries
If you are a convention-area scholastic journalism educator who wishes to assist the local team, contact Veronica Purvis. Please direct all other inquires to Amber James.
Convention history & future events
Attendance statistics from spring 1995 through spring 2025
4,238
Average
4,762
Fall Average
3,714
Spring Average
6,406
Largest
(Washington, D.C., Fall 2014)
Upcoming conventions
April 16-18, 2026 in Minneapolis
Registration $135-$205
Minneapolis Convention Center
Hotel room prices TBA
Nov. 19-22, 2026 in Orlando
Registration $145-$215
Orlando World Center Marriott
MORE INFO COMING SOON
