Fall National 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 Nashville

Nov. 13-16, 2025

at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

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.

JEA Nashville-2025

Registration rates

Registration opens in August 2025.
Early bird rates end in late September. Online registration closes in October.

Exact dates TBA.

JEA or NSPA members

$135 Early bird rate
$155 regular rate

Nonmembers

$185 early bird rate
$205 regular rate

Venue - Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

Room prices TBA.

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 Aug. 15.

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 flyer 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 advisers and 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. The application deadline for the fall Nashville convention is Aug. 24, 2025. Learn more.

Upcoming conventions

Photo of the Seattle Skyline that reads, JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention, April 24-26, 2025 - Sheraton Grand, Seattle

April 24-26, 2025 in Seattle
Registration $125-$195
Sheraton Grand and Seattle Convention Center
$279/night plus taxes and fees

Visit the spring convention website >>

National High School Journalism Convention in Minneapolis April 16-18, 2026.

April 16-18, 2026 in Minneapolis
Registration $135-$205
Minneapolis Convention Center
Hotel room prices TBA

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: Veronica Purvis at veronica@jea.org.

If you are a convention-area scholastic journalism educator who wishes to assist the local team, contact Veronica Purvis at veronica@jea.org.

Convention History

Statistics from spring 1990 through fall 2020

4,022
Average

4,536
Fall Average

3,507
Spring Average

6,406
Largest
(Washington, D.C., Fall 2014)