NLGJA 2026 National Convention

Every great journalist has at least one story idea that deserves more than just day-to-day coverage, but how do you scale your daily reporting skills into that beautiful 80,000-word manuscript? This panel of journalist-turned-authors and publishing insiders will demystify how you can take that leap to long-form narrative. We will break down how to evaluate your ideas for book-length viability, map out a compelling narrative arc, and help you think about how to write a non-fiction book proposal that grabs literary agents’ attention, and also talk about how to do it all while you’re balancing that 9-to-5. You’ll walk away with a practical roadmap to transform your beat reporting into a published book.

What's it like to be a queer journalist in a red state? How do you engage with people who are the polar opposite of who you are? How do you ensure a fair and balanced report when the policy proposals also impact you? Let's have a conversation with LGBTQ+ journalists in the "flyover" and red states about navigating the complexities and intersectionalities that come with being an LGBTQ+ journalist in those states. 

During an unprecedented time in our nation for both journalists and the LGBTQ+ community, GALECA (The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics) presents a panel discussion on how we can continue to elevate under-represented voices and stories and do so at a time when telling the truth is needed more than ever.

The Bay Area is one of the queerest places in the world, and KQED’s coverage reflects that — from arts and culture to politics, climate and community. But with such a vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ population, there’s no single queer perspective. Join KQED climate reporter Ezra David Romero for a lively conversation with the journalists and editors who tell these stories, bringing their own identities and experiences to the work. Hear from a panel of reporters as they discuss how they cover queer communities, navigate differing viewpoints, and shape the stories that define the Bay Area. We will also discuss how to address LGBTQ+ issues in every beat area, from climate to culture to government to family systems.

Come to this session prepped with your PR pitches and get real-time constructive critique and feedback from journalists, editors, and PR professionals. Learn how to get a journalist’s attention, figure out which pitch is going to grab them and make them follow up.

The days of the "tough-love" editor or news director screaming at you across a crowded newsroom are officially dead, or at least they should be. As news organizations navigate monumental change in staffing, tech, trust, and audience interest, this panel brings together a diverse group of media leaders to discuss how to motivate, manage, and mentor in this ever-changing profession. Whether you are an established executive or an aspiring manager, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to build trust, foster inclusive environments, and even under the tightest deadlines, guide your team through change with empathy—proving that you don’t have to rule with an iron fist to break the big stories.

Queer women face persistent erasure in media and culture, misrepresentation and stereotypes, and a lack of spaces specifically celebrating queer women. How can we reclaim the L in LGBTQ+ media while still being inclusive. 

Join the People Inc. social media masterminds behind “The Intern,” “Cool People” and more as they share insights on navigating the fast-evolving world of vertical video with an eye toward inclusive engagement. Learn how they tackle the biggest challenges and leverage each platform to tell stories that help build stronger connections with diverse audiences.

Outsports.com has been the leader in LGBTQ+ coverage of the Olympics for nearly two decades. Its “Team LGBTQ” list of out athletes at the Olympics every two years drives coverage. We will share insights about covering out athletes in Olympic sports, just months after the 2026 Winter Olympics and two years ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. While it may be two years out, American media has already begun their coverage of these Olympics, with its massive expectations.

Media is at a critical inflection point. As legacy and mainstream outlets decline ― in readership, trust, funding and support for marginalized populations ― progressive media makers are using emergent strategies to shape the future of storytelling. Among these innovative methods of storytelling, a unifying vision has emerged: in the future, marginalized communities will maintain agency over our own narratives.  This panel will feature four trans and nonbinary thought leaders, from journalists to authors to community organizers, articulating possible pathways for building the media future we deserve. Participants will leave the session with ideas for how to integrate this vision in their current newsrooms, and inspiration for building their own media initiatives. Attendees will gain an understanding of movement journalism and the frameworks for establishing media co-ops and zines. They will also network with other media makers who share similar goals, increasing their ability to accomplish them.

This convention session showcases the remarkable talent and dedication of our 2026 CONNECT Scholars. Join us as these budding journalists present their compelling work, highlighting the stories, interviews and features they’ve produced during the 2026 National Convention. Experience the power of diverse voices and gain fresh insights into LGBTQ+ journalism through the eyes of the next generation of storytellers.