NABJ 2024 Convention and Career Fair
FAQs

• Discipline-specific training and the ability to learn about new tools and techniques.
• Education on the present and future landscape of the industry.
• The opportunity to hear from newsmakers and influencers important to current and future news cycles.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and innovation, career fair and company engagement, networking activities, and relationship-building opportunities.

• 25+ sessions with training on investigative journalism and research.
• 10+ sessions on spotting disinformation/misinformation and accurate reporting.
• 40+ sessions on storytelling and content development.
• And multiple sessions on mental health, work-life balance, and productivity in the workplace.

• Sessions on how to use artificial intelligence to the benefit of journalists, communicators, and the journalism and media industry overall.
• A leadership academy designed to provide skills to NABJ members looking to make the next move up the ladder to News Director, Editor, General Manager, etc.
• Training for dozens of next-generation journalists in our esteemed Student Projects program.
• The largest career fair of its kind that will help managers find their next great employee (whether it’s a producer, editor, reporter, anchor, MMJ) or help attendees find out what hiring opportunities and skills are trending.
• Opportunities to interact with and ask questions of headline makers and leaders. We have invitations going out to President Biden and Former President Trump for 2024.
  • Past special guests included: then-Sen. (President) Barack Obama, President George W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, Former Vice President (President) Joseph R. Biden, Vice President Kamala D. Harris, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. This year, in Birmingham, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona came in person to share the administration’s plans and field questions.

• We historically have more than 85 partners at our Convention, including just about every major media company in the country: ABC, CBS, CNN, FOX, NBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, etc.
• Many of our partners are heavily involved in our overall training and provide workshops and learning/networking lunches. Google, for example, will be providing training in spotting misinformation and disinformation, as efforts are accelerating to undermine journalism and, on a larger scale, democracy as a whole. The training will also include efficient ways and platform techniques to disseminate accurate information.

Workshop Sessions
Click HERE for #NABJ24 sessions information and deadlines.

Q: What is the deadline to submit a member session proposal?
A: The call for member session proposals deadline is midnight PT on Thursday, February 15, 2024. This deadline will not be extended.
 
Q: What is the deadline to submit a partner session proposal?
A: Convention partners and sponsors may submit their workshop and session proposals starting Monday, December 4, 2023 through midnight PT on Monday, April 15, 2024. Existing partners will receive access information for the portal via email notification from programming@nabj.org. If you would like to sponsor or partner with us for sessions or workshops contact: fsigers@nabj.org.
 
Awards
Click HERE for #NABJ24 Salute to Excellence awards information, rates and deadlines.
 
Q: How can I apply for the NABJ Awards?
A: Nominations are now open for NABJ’s 2024 Awards. Nominations for Salute to Excellence, Hall of Fame and Special Honors will be accepted until midnight PT on Thursday, February 15, 2024. The deadline will not be extended.

Salute to Excellence: https://bit.ly/NABJ24SalutetoExcellence
Special Honors: https://bit.ly/NABJ24SpecialHonorsNomination
Hall of Fame: https://bit.ly/NABJ24HallofFame
 
Q: Who selects the NABJ Hall of Fame recipients?
A: The NABJ Hall of Fame recipients are selected by a special selection committee and the NABJ Board of Directors.
 
Q: Where are awards distributed?
A: The awards will be announced and distributed at our annual convention in Chicago. Salute to Excellence awards are mailed after winner entries are verified.
 
Q: How do I purchase NABJ tickets to the award events?
A: NABJ convention registrants will be able to purchase their tickets for the NABJ Salute to Excellence Gala, Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon through the registration form or Attendee Service Center.
 
Registration
Click HERE for #NABJ24 registration information, rates and deadlines.
 
Q: How much is registration for #NABJ24?
A: Click HERE to review the registration rates and policies.
 
Q: Do you offer any career fair access only registrations?
A: No, we do not offer career fair access only registration. We do offer daily convention registration. Please visit HERE to review the rates and deadlines.
 
Q: How do I cancel my #NABJ24 registration?
A: All registration cancellation requests must be made by June 1, 2024.
Click HERE to submit your cancellation request.
Professional/Emerging/Alumni/Academic/Media Related member registration cancellations received on or before June 1, 2024, will be eligible for a refund, less $125 administration fee ($35.00 for students)
 
Q: Do you have any active promos or discounts to attend the convention?
A: Yes, we offer early-bird registration discounts for current members and attendees to attend the convention. Please watch our eblasts, website and social media pages for announcements on early-bird deadlines.
 
Q: Can I transfer my #NABJ24 registration to someone else?
A: Yes, you can transfer your registration by June 1, 2024. Click HERE to review the requirements and submit your transfer request.
 
Q: Where do I pick up my registration materials onsite?
A: You will need to pick up your name badge along with convention materials when you arrive at the Hilton Chicago. Your name badge serves as entry to all convention functions except invitation-only events. The #NABJ24 registration desk is located in Salon B.

BADGE POLICY: #NABJ24 attendees must wear their convention issued badges at ALL TIMES.
 
Q: What are the onsite registration hours?
A: Registration Hours:
Tuesday, July 30: 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - EXHIBITORS ONLY
Wednesday, July 31: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 1: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 2: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 3: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
 
Special Events

Q: How do I purchase a special event ticket, if I’m already registered?
A: To purchase special event ticket(s), please use the NABJ24 Convention and Career Fair Attendee Service Center (ASC). The ASC is your one-stop-shop resource to all things regarding your convention registration. From the ASC 's "Registration" drop down menu you are able to do the following:

• Register an additional guest
• Purchase special event tickets
• Pay outstanding balances

TO ADD additional sales items: Log into the ASC, using the registration access information located in your registration confirmation letter. Once logged into the system, click "Additional Sales Items" from the "Registration" drop down menu then click "Edit Conference Registration Fees" to add registrations or tickets. To PAY outstanding balance, click "Registration Payment" from the "Registration" drop down menu to process your balance payment. Next, confirm your payment method in the drop down menu, enter your payment amount in the field(s) provided, click the green check button icon, and enter your credit card information then click "Submit".

TO PAY outstanding balance: Log into the ASC, using the registration access information located in your registration confirmation letter. Once logged into the system, click "Registration Payment" from the "Registration" drop down menu to process your balance payment. Next, confirm your payment method in the drop down menu, enter your payment amount in the field(s) provided, click the green check button icon, and enter your credit card information then click "Submit".

TO UPDATE existing sales items: Log into the ASC, using the registration access information located in your registration confirmation letter. Once logged into the system, click "Registration Fee Update" from the "Registration" drop down menu, then click "edit" to add registrations and/or tickets. Next, edit your sales items and enter your credit card information then click "Submit".
 
Career Fair
Click HERE for #NABJ24 career fair booth information, rates and deadlines.
 
Q: How much is a 10’ x 10’ exhibitor booth space?
A: Click HERE to review the available booth locations, rates and deadlines.
 
Q: Do you offer any vendor/sales booth at the career fair?
A: No, we do not offer any vendor/sales booths at the career fair. The career fair is strictly for career/education recruitment, networking and exhibiting business & services.
 
Q: What are the career fair hours?
A: Career Fair Hours:
Wednesday, July 31: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 1: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 2: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 
Hotel
Click HERE for #NABJ24 hotel information, rates and deadlines.
 
Q: What is the headquarters hotel for #NABJ24? - SOLD OUT
A: The headquarters hotel for #NABJ24 is Chicago Hilton. The address is 720 S Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605.
 
Q: How much is the convention rate?
A: The #NABJ24 discounted standard and double room rate is $189 + 17.4% tax. In order to be guaranteed the group rates, all room reservations must be made on or before Friday, July 8, 2024 cut-off date. After the cut-off date, the Hotel will determine whether or not it can accept reservations at the NABJ group rate based on space and rate availability.

Q: Is a deposit required for reservations?
A: Upon booking your reservation, your credit card will be charged a deposit equal to the first night's room and tax.
 
Q: What is the hotel cancellation policy?
A: The hotel requires a 72-hour cancellation notification prior to the arrival date and the guest may then cancel the reservation with no penalties. However, if the reservation is canceled less than 72 hours prior to arrival date, the guest will forfeit their deposit of the 1st night's room and tax. 
 
Q: Do you have a roommate-matching list?
A: No, we do not offer roommate-matching services.
 
Q: What are the hotel parking fees?
A: Valet and self-parking available, contact the hotel directly for the rates.
 
Q: Do you offer any discounts for travel?
A: No, we do not offer any travel discounts.
 
COVID Policy

NABJ members and convention attendees are strongly encouraged to have updated COVID vaccinations/boosters because proof of updated and current COVID vaccination/boosters may be required for entry into any and all sessions. By registering, you agree to abide by all rules and requirements that may be in place now or later, including during the convention. You understand that refusal to adhere to rules and requirements may lead to immediate expulsion with no refund for registration or any event and activation. NABJ recommends the wearing of masks while reserving the right to mandate masks at any time. You understand that rules are subject to change at NABJ's sole discretion. By registering for the convention, you understand that such gatherings may expose you to higher risks of contracting COVID and other viruses and that you accept that risk and do not hold NABJ liable for any adverse health conditions you or others may encounter.
 
Partner
Click HERE for #NABJ24 partner information, rates and deadlines.
 
Q: Who do I speak to regarding (Sponsorship…Advertising, Career Fair, etc.)
A: Faye Sigers, NABJ Director of Development at fsigers@nabj.org.
 
Q: How do I become a #NABJ24 partner?
A: If you are interested in a possible partnership opportunity, please contact Faye Sigers, NABJ Director of Development at fsigers@nabj.org.

Media Credentials
Click HERE for #NABJ24 media credential information and deadlines.
 
Volunteer
The #NABJ24 volunteer application and deadline is coming soon.
 
Q: Can I volunteer to attend the #NABJ24 without paying the registration fee.
A: No, volunteers are expected to work the convention and not attend the programming and events. Only paid registrants can attend the #NABJ24 programming and events.