RSVP & Special Events

RSVP or Sign Up for These Exclusive Events for Attendees Before Heading to Cleveland! The application-based sessions and events are for registered attendees of #NABJ25.


NABJ Authors Showcase & Bookstore

Don’t miss the chance to take advantage of the 2025 NABJ Authors Showcase & Bookstore, an informative and exciting offer at the NABJ Convention & Career Fair, Aug. 6-10, at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. Open to all attendees; no RSVP required.


Thursday, August 7, 2025

ABC News Storytellers Summit | Powered by ABC News
Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025
10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Deadline July 18th | Please Apply HERE

The ABC News Storytellers Summit is a half day development workshop created by ABC News and the ABC Owned Television Stations designed to bring producers, writers, reporters and content creators together for a series of cutting-edge conversations and training sessions to take their storytelling to the next level. This workshop is led by ABC News journalists and executives from across all of our platforms and shows. Participants will walk away with first-hand knowledge around the skills that make ABC News the number one source for news and innovative ways to enhance their storytelling.

The ABC News Storyteller Summit encourages the following to apply:

  • Producers, Writers, Reporters and Content Creators with (3) years of experience or more
  • Seasoned storytellers looking to for new innovative ways to create news content

CNN MasterCraft: The Digital Essentials | Powered by CNN
Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025
1 - 5 p.m.
Please Apply HERE

Are you looking to grow your skill set and thrive in this era of digital transformation in newsrooms? CNN's industry-leading workshop is back this year with expert perspectives on elevating your storytelling, your story ideas, and your story engagement across digital platforms. This dynamic, hands-on workshop is presented by CNN's top newsroom leaders and talent executives, who will offer forward-thinking strategies on elevating your writing, editing, vertical video, and real-time storytelling skills. This four-hour workshop will prepare top journalists for the future and offer insight into CNN's approach to engaging global digital audiences.

NBCU Academy | Powered by NBCUniversal
Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025
11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Please Apply HERE

Step inside the newsroom with NBCU Academy. We’re offering a one-day, invite-only experience packed with practical skills and powerful conversations with award-winning journalists at NBC News, NBCU Local, Telemundo, CNBC and MSNBC. Learn through immersive workshops on writing, interviewing and storytelling for TV, streaming and digital — all with real-time feedback. Participants will also have exclusive access to the HelloHive team, who will offer advice on your resume. If you’re curious, driven and ready to grow — this is where your next level begins.

Friday, August 8, 2025

The Art of the Live Shot in Sports: Reporter/Producer Pairing | Powered by TNT Sports
Friday, Aug. 8, 2025
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Please Apply HERE

A live production in sports has many components, from on the court or field action to the stories happening around the game. This is why the producer-reporter chemistry is key including taking cues from each other on breaking news live shots, quick changes before an interview to rewriting a script on the spot and more. Join the team from TNT Sports to learn skills needed to improve your performance with quick scenarios that will be critiqued on the spot. Attendees will leave equipped with proven techniques and tips to be confident in covering today's sports media topics.


The Hall of Fame Induction and Luncheon
Friday, Aug. 8, 2025
12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
Purchase tickets and register HERE.
Purchase tickets as a registered guest HERE.

NABJ will induct seven journalists and communicators into its Hall of Fame as attendees connect over a delicious lunch and hear from our dynamic emcees and NABJ leaders. Each year, NABJ pays homage to legendary Black journalists, authors, educators, and activists who have made outstanding contributions to both their industry and the worldwide Black community over the course of their careers.


Moving On Up: The Road To News Management & How to Play the Game | Black Male Media Project | Powered by FOX Corporation (Private - Application-Based)
Friday, Aug. 8, 2025
3 - 4 p.m.
Deadline July 21st at 6 p.m. ET | Please Apply HERE


The Black Male Media Project is providing this unique opportunity guaranteed to provide invaluable career insights. If chosen, participants will have the chance to engage in dynamic conversations, expand their professional network, and receive guidance from executives who have excelled in leadership roles within the industry. Event Format: The event will be an engaging, rotation/speed-dating-style format, with participants having three 10 minute one-on-one sessions with three different executive mentors. In between the mentoring sessions, individuals will have time to network with one another.


Healthy NABJ Meditation Sound Bath | Presented by the NABJ Wellness Task Force
Friday, Aug. 8, 2025
8 - 9 p.m.
Sign-Up HERE

Join the NABJ Wellness Task Force at 8PM at the Huntington Convention Center for an evening of therapeutic and meditative experiences, where attendees will be "bathed" in sound waves. Meditation leader Leah Frazier of Leah Heals will take us on an unforgettable journey to mental clarity and focus. Only 75 slots are available for this FREE experience for NABJ Convention attendees. Yoga mats will be provided. Spaces limited!


NABJ Sports Task Force Scholarship Jam
Friday, Aug. 8-9, 2025
9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
House of Blues, 308 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114
Purchase tickets HERE.

The Annual Sports Task Force Scholarship Jam is a special fundraising event. Come out and enjoy music and dancing for a good cause. Proceeds from the party benefit NABJ’s Sports Task Force Scholarship Fund, which provides college scholarships to help aspiring journalists; proceeds also support general funds for NABJ and the Sports Task Force.

Disclaimers: Must be 21+. Please arrive at the event as early as possible to guarantee entrance. There could be capacity issues if you arrive very late. No refunds.


Saturday, August 9, 2025

NABJ Visual Task Force Photo Auction
Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
Open to all attendees, no RSVP required.

The Visual Task Force (VTF) has invited Black photographers and photography organizations to donate prints about the African American experience. The event is open to the general public. This auction is presented by VTF as an opportunity for photographers to showcase their images to a broader audience. Since its inception, proceeds from the popular event will go directly to the NABJ Scholarship Fund.


Salute to Excellence Awards Gala
Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025
6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
Purchase tickets and register HERE.
Purchase tickets as a registered guest HERE.

The awards ceremony is the only event in the United States that honors exemplary coverage of the African diaspora and Black issues exclusively. The Salute to Excellence Awards Gala highlights the work of media organizations and individuals involved in print, broadcast and online journalism, marketing and communications. Hear from our emcees, leadership, and honorees, and enjoy an elegant meal, memorable sounds, and our traditional red carpet.


Sunday, August 10, 2025

Gospel Brunch
Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
Purchase tickets and register HERE.
Purchase tickets as a registered guest HERE.

An NABJ tradition, the Gospel Brunch is one of the convention highlights. Be uplifted while feasting on a special brunch buffet and enjoying inspiring entertainment as we close out an unforgettable Convention.


Please Note: Underage drinking is not permitted at NABJ events. In addition, all convention attendees are subject to the rules of the NABJ Code of Conduct.

Important Notice: Entry to each event is on a first-come, first-served basis. You may not be able to enter some sessions because of seating capacity. We strongly encourage you to arrive early. Otherwise, you may be directed to an overflow room, a closed-circuit hotel channel or viewing through live-stream sources.

Back to Top