For SPJ leaders and members

If you’re active in the Society of Professional Journalists – or if you want to be – MediaFest features several ways to learn more about the 116-year-old membership organization that’s known for its Code of Ethics, Legal Defense Fund, and  fierce advocacy for press freedom.

SPJ opening member meeting

Join SPJ’s opening member meeting to hear what the organization has accomplished this past year and what’s ahead. Get inspired as we celebrate standout contributions to journalism – honoring top pro and campus chapters, exceptional student journalists, distinguished educators, and more. All members welcome.

5:30 pm Wednesday, October 15, Penn Quarter A-B (1B)

SPJ chapter meeting

Join fellow SPJ chapter leaders to exchange ideas on programming, fundraising, membership growth, and more. Connect with SPJ staff for updates on the new membership platform and explore the full range of resources available from SPJ HQ to support your chapter’s success.

hosted by SPJ staff and regional coordinators

4 pm Friday, October 17, Latrobe (3B)

SPJ’s near future

While SPJ has been around since 1909, the last three years have been a wild ride. What happens over the next three? The next five? All SPJers are welcome to make their predictions and suggest prescriptions. This is a conversation, not a presentation.

moderated by Michael Koretzky, SPJ Refresh admin

3 pm Friday, October 17, Franklin Square (5B)

SPJ committee/community meetings

SPJ committees and communities will hold board meetings during the convention—and all members are welcome. These open meetings are a great opportunity to learn more about SPJ’s work, connect with fellow members and get involved in areas that matter to you.

Click here to find your meeting

Awards & Honors
9 am Thursday, Lincoln Boardroom (2B)

Bylaws
10 am Thursday, Lincoln Boardroom (2B)

Diversity & Inclusion
1 pm Thursday, Lincoln Boardroom (2B)

Ethics
2 pm Thursday, Lincoln Boardroom (2B)

Freedom of Information
3 pm Thursday, Lincoln Boardroom (2B)

Journalism Education
4 pm Thursday, Lincoln Boardroom (2B)

Sports
10 am Friday, Lincoln Boardroom (2B)

Membership
1 pm Friday, Lincoln Boardroom (2B)

Resolutions
2 pm Friday, Lincoln Boardroom (2B)

International Community
4 pm Friday, Lincoln Boardroom (2B)

SPJ regional meetings

Connect with members from your region to hear from your regional coordinators, share strategies, spark collaboration, and swap practical advice for strengthening programming. These meetings are a great opportunity to learn from fellow leaders, discuss ways to support journalists’ interests, and explore how your chapter can help defend and advance press freedom. Led by SPJ’s regional coordinators, these sessions are open to all members.

Click here to find your regional meeting

Region 1 with Michelle Watson
9 am Thursday, Oct. 16, Bulfinch (3B)

Region 2 with Stephenie Overman
10 am Thursday, Oct. 16, Bulfinch (3B)

Region 3 with Michael Koretzky
1 pm Thursday, Oct. 16, Bulfinch (3B)

Region 4 with Ginny McCabe
2 pm Thursday, Oct. 16, Bulfinch (3B)

Region 5 with Nicole DeCriscio
3 pm Thursday, Oct. 16, Bulfinch (3B)

Region 6 with Joe Radske
4 pm Thursday, Oct. 16, Bulfinch (3B)

Region 7 with Loretta McGraw
9 am Friday, Oct. 17, Bulfinch (3B)

Region 8 with Laura Garcia
10 am Friday, Oct. 17, Bulfinch (3B)

Region 9 with McKenzie Romero
1 pm Friday, Oct. 17, Bulfinch (3B)

Region 10 with Don Meyers
2 pm Friday, Oct. 17, Bulfinch (3B)

Region 11 with Ankita Kumar
3 pm Friday, Oct. 17, Bulfinch (3B)

Region 12 with Jennifer Ellis
4 pm Friday, Oct. 17, Bulfinch (3B)

SPJ closing member meeting

Come together one last time before the conference ends to learn the results of SPJ’s national elections and reflect on a memorable gathering. The closing member meeting is your chance to celebrate new leadership, share final thoughts, and say farewell to SPJ friends and colleagues – until we meet again. All members welcome.

12:30 pm Saturday, October 18, Penn Quarter A-B (1B)

SPJ Awards Reception

Celebrate press freedom and the SPJ community at this year’s Awards Reception. We’ll honor the SPJ Fellows of the Society and other distinguished award winners – from student journalists to lifetime achievers – and welcome SPJ’s new national president. Join us for an evening of recognition, connection, and inspiration. This is a ticketed event.

Emily Bloch and Chris Vaccaro, outgoing and incoming SPJ presidents

6 pm Thursday, October 16, Penn Quarter A-B (1B)

SPJ Foundation Reception

Join the SPJ Foundation for an evening that honors the power of public service journalism and the fight for First Amendment freedoms. This special reception will recognize the recipients of the Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Public Service Journalism, the Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award, Terry Harper Scholars, and others. Gather with fellow journalists and supporters to celebrate the people and principles that fuel our mission. This is a ticketed event.

Hagit Limor, SPJ Foundation president

6 pm Friday, October 17, Penn Quarter A-B (1B)