Special Events
You're invited!
NAHJ26 is more than just a conference—it’s a celebration of Latino excellence in journalism. Join us for special events that honor industry leaders, recognize outstanding achievements, and bring our comunidad together. From insightful discussions to prestigious award ceremonies, these moments will inspire, connect, and empower. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the experience!
Opening Ceremony
Wednesday, July 22, 6 p.m. | New Orleans Marriott
The Opening Ceremony is sponsored by the New Orleans Saints & the New Orleans Pelicans.
Kick-off Event
Wednesday, July 22, 6:30 p.m. | New Orleans Marriott
Join NAHJ President Dunia Elvir for a fireside chat with Knight Foundation President and CEO Maribel Pérez Wadsworth to discuss our current moment in the changing media and how that could evolve. Free for all conference attendees!
Opening Reception
Wednesday, July 22, 8 p.m. | House of Blues New Orleans
Connect with old and new friends at the Opening Reception, which follows at the House of Blues. NAHJ attendees will be guided by a Second Line and walk five minutes from the hotel to the famed concert hall. Enjoy light bites, music, dancing, fun and more. Admission is included with a conference registration. Curious about the history of Second Lines in New Orleans, read more here.
Ñ Awards Luncheon
Friday, July 24 | 12:15 p.m.
Noche de Fiesta
Friday, July 24, 8 P.M. - 11 P.M.
Dance the night away at the 2nd Annual Noche de Fiesta at The Fillmore. Attendees will have a special opportunity to connect in a relaxed, casual setting outside the conference hotel. Enjoy light bites, delicious beverages and great music. Limited spots available.
Hall of Fame Gala
Saturday, July 25 | 7:00 P.M.
The NAHJ Hall of Fame recognizes trailblazing journalists whose dedication and contributions have paved the way for Latinos in the industry. Honoring a legacy of excellence, the Hall of Fame celebrates individuals who have made a lasting impact through their work, mentorship and commitment to accurate and representative coverage of Latino communities. Inductees will be honored at the NAHJ Hall of Fame Gala during our 2026 Conference & Expo in New Orleans on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
OPPORTUNITIES THAT REQUIRE PRE-REGISTRATION
Hands-Only CPR & AED: Lifesaving Skills Every Storyteller Should Know
Wednesday, July 22, various time slots available
Presented by American Heart Association
Every second counts during a cardiac emergency and journalists might be on the scene when it happens. Join the American Heart Association for hands-on, interactive Hands-Only CPR and AED training. This session empowers participants with the confidence and practical skills needed to respond quickly and effectively during sudden cardiac arrest emergencies — at work, in the community or at home.
Only 20 spots available per time slot.
Nuestro Periodismo Bajo Ataque
Wednesday, July 22, 12:25 p.m. - 1:55 p.m., Almuerzo proporcionado
Sponsored by EL PAÍS US
Cincuenta años después de su fundación al servicio de la democracia en España, y con más de una década de presencia en América Latina, EL PAÍS US reafirma su compromiso con las comunidades hispanas y latinas en Estados Unidos, en un momento que evoca sus orígenes: el auge del autoritarismo y la urgente necesidad de un periodismo en español riguroso, global e independiente. Los periodistas latinos enfrentan peligros físicos en el campo, acceso limitado a la información pública, recortes de financiamiento y ataques directos contra las comunidades que cubren. ¿Cómo deben responder los periodistas para servir al interés público?
Esta sesión se llevará a cabo en español y se ofrecerá interpretación simultánea al inglés.
Almuerzo proporcionado. Se requiere confirmación de asistencia (RSVP). Cupos limitados disponibles.
—
Our Journalism Under Attack
Fifty years after its founding in the service of democracy in Spain, and with more than a decade of presence in Latin America, EL PAÍS US strengthens its commitment to Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States at a moment that echoes its origins: the rise of authoritarianism and the urgent need for rigorous, global, independent Spanish-language journalism. Latino journalists face physical danger in the field, limited access to public information, funding cuts and targeting of the communities that they cover. How should journalists respond to serve the public interest?
Lunch provided. RSVP required. Limited seats available.
This session will be conducted in Spanish. Simultaneous interpretation into English will be available.
Pivoting Your Career and Powering Up Your Side Hustle
Thursday, July 23, 12:25 p.m. - 1:55 p.m., Lunch provided
Sponsored by JPMorganChase
Thought of pivoting your journalism career and starting your own business? Or are you looking to generate extra income beyond your full-time job. Whether you’re starting out or looking to scale your existing enterprise, this luncheon discussion will provide insights from media entrepreneurs, small business and financial experts on essential small business tips, including identifying market opportunities, balancing your side hustle with a full-time job and navigating barriers to growth.
Lunch provided. RSVP required. Limited seats available.
MTC @ NAHJ Workshop: Tackle Your Biggest Challenge
Friday, July 24, 9:45 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Presented by the Media Transformation Challenge
Apply for this hands-on workshop to implement the Media Transformation Challenge (MTC) @ Medill Executive Program’s core theory of change in your own work.
You’ll learn how MTC’s core insight — that transformation comes through performance, not just planning — can help you tackle your biggest leadership challenges.
Submission is an application to participate, not a confirmation. You will be notified by MTC if you are selected for the workshop.
Ask Me to Remember: How Do We Keep Memory Alive?
Friday, July 24, 1:30 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Presented by Lede New Orleans and Preservation Hall
Participants will gather at Preservation Hall and walk to nearby Congo Square, engaging in a guided conversation to reflect on the role of storytelling in sustaining community memory and what newsrooms can learn from community-driven approaches to preservation. The program concludes with a live jazz performance and time to connect with fellow journalists and storytellers.
This program is free to registered conference attendees.
Only 50 slots are available. Pre-registration is required.
Press Freedom & Safety Training Day
Saturday, July 25, 10:00 A.M. - 4 P.M.
Presented by The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
Reporting in the field exposes journalists to growing safety risks — from covering immigration enforcement operations to documenting protests across U.S. cities. Over the past year, reporters have raised urgent questions about how to protect themselves and their sources amid expanding surveillance and on-the-ground threats.
The training focuses on physical, digital and psychosocial safety. Participants will develop core skills in risk assessment and mitigation, personal security, reporting on protests and civil unrest, and trauma awareness and self-care. The training is open to journalists of all genders.
A certificate will be issued upon completion of the workshop
Only 50 slots are available. Pre-registration is required. This program is free to registered conference attendees. Lunch is included.