NLGJA 2026 National Convention

The way journalists report on suicide has real‑world impact. This highly interactive, hands-on workshop equips reporters with practical tools to cover suicide ethically, accurately and with empathy. Designed for journalists who want to strengthen their craft, this session breaks down the storytelling elements that matter most: framing, language, source selection and narrative structure. Panelists will show how small shifts in these areas can reduce contagion risk, avoid harmful tropes and ultimately support prevention. Participants will learn to add essential context to their reporting without sensationalizing, stereotyping, or oversimplifying lived experiences.  This is not a lecture. Attendees will work directly with real‑world story excerpts, headlines and scenarios, receiving real-time expert feedback. Journalists will leave with concrete, actionable techniques they can apply immediately in their own newsrooms. This session empowers journalists to tell stories that inform—and stories that save lives.

What is it like to be an LGBTQ+ woman in the news industry? There can be unique challenges, triumphs and obstacles to overcome. How has the industry continued to evolve to fit more out women in its spaces? What still needs to be done to get even more out women in the industry? Hear a panel of speakers share their personal journeys and delve into some of the most pressing topics related to being a LGBTQ+ woman in news

If you want to bolster your reporting with some easy techniques, this is the session for you. Learn how to analyze data quickly, file strong public records requests, and find hidden info online that will make your work even stronger.