Spring 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 Seattle

April 24-26, 2025

at the Sheraton Grand and Seattle 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.

Seattle 2025 convention logo

Registration rates

Registration is now open through April 4.
Early bird rates end March 14.

JEA or NSPA members

$125 Early Bird Rate
$145 Regular Rate

Nonmembers

$175 Early Bird Rate
$195 Regular Rate

Convention hotel - Sheraton Grand Seattle

$279 per room, per night + taxes and fees

Hotel room block reservations will be available from Feb. 11 to March 26.

Get involved

If you plan to attend the convention, consider getting involved by judging JEA National Student Media Contests or critiquing yearbooks, newspapers, videos or magazines. Advisers volunteering their time and expertise during the convention may be eligible for discounted or complimentary registration, depending on their contributions.

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 spring Seattle convention is Jan. 17, 2025. Learn more and apply here.

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 spring Seattle convention is Jan. 15, 2025. Learn more here.

Upcoming conventions

Nov. 13-16, 2025 in Nashville
Registration $135-$205, Hotel $239/night + taxes
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

Visit the fall 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

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 email Amber James, JEA's events and programs manager.

Convention-area scholastic journalism educators who wish to assist the local team can contact Veronica Purvis, JEA's executive director.

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)