NLGJA 2026 National Convention: Full Schedule

The intersex community is two percent of the population, but you wouldn’t know it from the news stories dominating the headlines today. How can journalists better cover the intersex community in an age when sex and gender are polarizing the populace? This workshop will feature a thoughtful discussion about better ways to include intersex voices in coverage of the biggest storylines of the...
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Speakers

Sara Bonisteel

Assistant Director, The New York Times

A journalist with more than 25 years of experience, Sara Bonisteel (she/her) has written about Canadian butter tarts, all-you-can-eat chicken dinners in Michigan and the World’s No. 1 Elvis fan. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and studied cultural... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Seacliff C

Breakout Session

9:45am PDT

Bi and Trans: The Intersections

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT

Seacliff A

This panel will explore the intersection of bisexual and transgender history, advocacy issues, everyday shared life experiences and how to bring these issues to life in stories.

Speakers

Amber Dodd

Producer, The National LGBTQ Task Force

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Seacliff A

Breakout Session

9:45am PDT

ChatGPT For Real Newsroom Work

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT

Seacliff D

Everybody is talking about AI. But who is actually using it well? In this practical session, OpenAI Academy will share AI workflows for journalists, shaped by actual newsroom experience: finding sharper story angles, preparing better interviews, making sense of messy documents, cleaning up data, and improving drafts. You will leave with ways to start using AI today, grounded in how journalists...
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Speakers

Evan Hirsch

OpenAI

Evan Hirsch helps lead OpenAI’s adoption efforts for the journalism industry, working closely with newsroom leaders and staff members, and across OpenAI’s Global Affairs and Media Partnerships teams. Before joining OpenAI, he spent more than two decades in broadcast journalism... Read More →

Sponsors

OpenAI

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Seacliff D

Breakout Session

9:45am PDT

Sound Like Yourself: Using Your Voice Across Audio and Video

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT

Seacliff B

In this session, we’ll break down what actually makes voices engaging, and why sounding natural takes skill. You’ll explore the difference between voice and speech, how writing choices affect delivery and how small shifts in pacing, pitch and emphasis can change how your reporting lands. We’ll listen closely, try short, practical exercises, and talk about how to self-diagnose what’s...
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Speakers

George Bodarky

Reporter Trainer, National Public Radio

George Bodarky is a reporter trainer on the NPR Training team. Before joining NPR, he served as the Community Partnerships & Training Editor at WNYC, where he built a comprehensive newsroom training program and coached scores of reporters, hosts, editors, and producers on voicing... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Seacliff B

Breakout Session

9:45am PDT

Chapter Leadership Meeting

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:45am - 12:00pm PDT

Waterfront CDE

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:45am - 12:00pm PDT
Waterfront CDE

11:00am PDT

Covering A Divided Nation: Lessons from Black and Brown Media

Thursday September 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Seacliff B

As we head into a high-stakes midterm election season, community journalists are bridging the gaps across ideological, geographical, and cultural divides for voters nationwide. This comes as the national discourse remains polarized more than ever before. This session brings together a group who are not just seeing America's divisions in their nuanced, ground-level reporting, but working to...
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Speakers

Da'Shaun Harrison

Executive Director, Development, Scalawag

Sonali Kohli

Senior Recruiter, URL Media

Sonali Kohli (she/her) is the author of the young adult nonfiction book Don’t Wait: Three Girls Who Fought for Change and Won, which was published in June 2024 by Beacon Press. Don't Wait follows the stories of three young women activists of color fighting for some of today’s... Read More →

Anajana Nagarajan-Butaney

Journalist, India Currents

Anjana Nagarajan-Butaney is a journalist at India Currents and Founder/Producer at desicollective.media where she reports on the South Asians diaspora, covering the social and cultural impact of issues like immigration, health, social justice, politics, census, elections, technology... Read More →

Mariana Duran Flores

Reporter, El Tecolote

Mariana Duran is a bilingual reporter based in San Francisco. She covers the city’s Latino communities, focusing on immigration, health, culture, housing and affordability.

Thursday September 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Seacliff B

Breakout Session

11:00am PDT

Follow the Money: AI and the Cross-Platform Global Newsroom

Thursday September 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Seacliff C

Following the money has always been at the heart of the best journalism, and AI is reshaping how newsrooms uncover, connect and explain the business forces driving our world. Using real-world examples and practical insights, this panel of senior Bloomberg talent will explore how AI is transforming not only the newsroom of the future, but also the way journalists cover business, tech, finance and...
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Speakers

Josh Eidelson

Senior Reporter, Bloomberg

Josh Eidelson covers the workplace as a senior reporter for Bloomberg News and Bloomberg Businessweek. His work is frequently cited by public officials and scholars, and has been honored by groups including UCLA Anderson’s Loeb Foundation; the Society for Advancing Business Editing... Read More →

Rakshita Saluja

Executive Editor and Global Head of Digital Audience, Bloomberg

Rakshita Saluja is Executive Editor and Global Head of Digital Audience at Bloomberg News. She is responsible for digital audience strategy for Bloomberg.com, the consumer app, newsletters, social platforms and video distribution.
Rakshita has been at Bloomberg for over a decade, working in several different roles across the newsroom. She joined in 2013 to run the Bloomberg.com frontpage and few years later was the Managing Editor for the Americas News Desk. In 2020, Rakshita launched Bloomberg Equality where... Read More →

Todd Gillespie

Finance Reporter, Bloomberg

Todd Gillespie is a finance reporter in New York, covering major US banks and the high-finance boutiques of Wall Street. He previously covered Europe’s energy sector from London.

Lynn Doan

Managing Editor of Enterprise Technology, Hardware and Global Cybersecurity, Bloomberg

Lynn Doan is managing editor of enterprise technology, hardware and global cybersecurity at Bloomberg News, where she oversees a group of reporters and editors covering everything from the AI data center boom to misinformation, surveillance and cyberattacks.

Lynn previously led Bloomberg's energy and commodities coverage and has spent two decades covering industries and markets. Lynn has written for publications including Businessweek, Bloomberg Markets magazine, the Los Angeles Times, the Hartford Courant and SNL Energy, now a division... Read More →

Ben Steverman

Bloomberg

Ben Steverman is a New York-based reporter on Bloomberg News' Money team. His weekend essays, feature stories and profiles frequently appear in outlets including Bloomberg Businessweek and Markets magazines, as well as the Big Take and Everybody's Business podcasts. During the 2023-2024... Read More →

Sponsors

Bloomberg

Thursday September 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Seacliff C

Breakout Session

11:00am PDT

Radical, Unreasonable Queer Hospitality Now

Thursday September 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Seacliff D

This roundtable invites journalists to leave their favorite tables and bar stools and join culinary professionals for real talk about what radical, unreasonable and queer hospitality looks like, past and present. Long before Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third place” in “The Great Good Place,” bars, restaurants and cafes were sites for “regular, voluntary, informal, and happily...
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Thursday September 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Seacliff D

Breakout Session

11:00am PDT

The Reality of Freelance Journalism Today

Thursday September 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Seacliff A

Independent journalists are on the rise. Even as AI and mass layoffs continue to reshape the news business, independents are building their own platforms from scratch on social media and through newsletters — and earning money while doing it. This session covers building sustainable business systems for freelancers and creator journalists, including how to determine fair rates, manage time,...
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Speakers

K Petrin

Data & graphics reporter, Civic News Company & Trans Journalists Association

Soleil Ho

Worker Owner, COYOTE Media Collective

Soleil Ho is a co-founder of COYOTE, a worker-owned digital alt weekly for the Bay Area.

Katherine Lewis

Founder and CEO, The Institute for Independent Journalists

Katherine Reynolds Lewis is the founder of the Institute for Independent Journalists, whose mission is the financial and emotional sustainability of freelancers of color, special projects editor on the science of love for Greater Good Magazine, and a columnist for Nieman Reports on... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Seacliff A

Breakout Session

12:00pm PDT

First Timers Brown Bag Meet-Up

Thursday September 10, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm PDT

Waterfront A

More networking opportunities. Grab your lunch at one of the nearby eateries and bring it back for a lunch hour filled with fun, sharing and networking!

Thursday September 10, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm PDT
Waterfront A

Networking

12:00pm PDT

Mentorship Program Brown Bag Meet-Up

Thursday September 10, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm PDT

Waterfront B

More networking opportunities. Grab your lunch at one of the nearby eateries and bring it back for a lunch hour filled with fun, sharing and networking!

Thursday September 10, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm PDT
Waterfront B

Networking

1:15pm PDT

View from the Top

Thursday September 10, 2026 1:15pm - 2:45pm PDT

Grand Ballroom A

The rules of the news business are being rewritten in real time. As AI transforms how people discover and consume news, and audiences are more fragmented than ever, media leaders are rethinking how to better connect with their readers and viewers and are often doing so with fewer resources and staff. Come to this session to stay ahead of the trends and to hear firsthand how some of the best...
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Speakers

Missy Spears

Executive Director, Queer Kentucky

Missy Spears (she/they) is the Executive Director of Queer Kentucky, a nationally recognized journalism outlet amplifying the voices and stories of LGBTQ+ individuals in a deeply red state. Under her leadership, Queer Kentucky has tripled its story output, expanded its impact into... Read More →

Claudio Cabrera

Vice President of Newsroom Strategy and Audience, The Athletic

Claudio Cabrera is a media executive and audience strategy leader at The Athletic, where he serves as Vice President of Newsroom Strategy and Audience. He works with editorial and growth teams to help increase readership, improve how journalism is distributed, and strengthen... Read More →

Stuart Boslow

Senior Director of Innovation and Product Development, TEGNA

Stuart is the Senior Director of Innovation and Product Development at TEGNA based in Houston, TX. Stuart grew up in the business as a producer, executive producer, Asst. News Director, and News Director where he worked with his various teams to reinvigorate our newscasts, focus storytelling... Read More →

Rakshita Saluja

Executive Editor and Global Head of Digital Audience, Bloomberg

Thursday September 10, 2026 1:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A

Plenary Session

1:15pm PDT

IRE Watchdog Workshop

Thursday September 10, 2026 1:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Waterfront CDE

Come join IRE for a three-hour session that will give you a solid foundation in investigative reporting and data journalism. You'll learn the basics of manipulating data with Google Sheets, as well as investigative reporting tools you can take to your own work, no matter your beat.

Speakers

Adam Rhodes

Managing Editor & Training Director, Investigative Reporters & Editors

Adam Rhodes is an award winning Latine journalist whose work primarily focuses on queer people and the criminal legal system. Their recent work has examined anti-LGBTQ+ bias in dozens of death penalty cases, HIV criminalization laws around the country, anti-trans disinformation, and... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 1:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Waterfront CDE

Bootcamp

2:30pm PDT

Coffee Break Cafe

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm PDT

Seacliff Foyer

Sponsors

Maynard Institute

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm PDT
Seacliff Foyer

Coffee Break

3:00pm PDT

Expanding the Frame: Including Trans and Gender-Expansive Communities in Your Coverage

Thursday September 10, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Seacliff B

Trans people and communities are at the center of a fierce political debate, legislative attacks and widespread misinformation. As coverage of trans communities influences both policy and public perception, accuracy and care in reporting are critical across beats and not only during moments of controversy. Informed by data and established standards for trans-inclusive coverage, this panel will...
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Speakers

K Petrin

Data & graphics reporter, Civic News Company & Trans Journalists Association

Drew Costley

Assistant Managing Editor, Verite News

Veteran journalist Drew Costley (she/her/hers or they/them/theirs) first joined Verite News to cover a variety of topics with a focus on health, climate and environmental inequity. Before coming to Verite, they reported on climate and environmental justice, health inequities, science... Read More →

Jireh Deng

Weekend Reporter, Oregon Public Broadcasting

Jireh Deng is an award-winning multimedia storyteller born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles.

They previously were a breaking news fellow at the Los Angeles Times. Most recently, they finished a fellowship at Business Insider’s economics team and a fellowship at LA Public Press through UC Berkeley’s California Local News Fellowship. This fall, they will be reporting for... Read More →

Lex McMenamin

Movement Building Reporter, The Guardian US

Lex McMenamin reports on protest movements and community organizing for the Guardian US, based in New York. Previously, they were the politics editor at Teen Vogue. They are an American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) and GLAAD Award nominee, and a member of the Trans Journalists... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Seacliff B

Breakout Session

3:00pm PDT

Navigating Risk: Practical Safety for LGBTQ+ Journalists covering ICE in the US

Thursday September 10, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Seacliff C

Reporting in the field increasingly exposes LGBTQ+ journalists to complex safety challenges — from covering ICE operations and protests to navigating surveillance tools and law enforcement encounters. The recent arrests of Black journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort have highlighted real and pressing concerns — from how reporters can safely navigate interactions with ICE, to how to...
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Speakers

Jennifer Nelson

Dir. of Pre-Publication Review, Journalist Support, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

Jennifer Nelson serves as the Reporters Committee’s director of pre-publication review & journalist support. She leads the organization’s pre-publication and pre-broadcast review practice, oversees the publication of and updates to its 200+ legal guides, supervises its legal hotline... Read More →

Tat Bellamy Walker

Program Coordinator, The International Women's Media Foundation

Tat Bellamy-Walker is a Program Coordinator at the International Women’s Media Foundation. Previously, they served as Program Manager of Digital Safety Training and Resources (Media) at PEN America. Before joining PEN America, Bellamy-Walker was a communities reporter at The Seattle... Read More →

Clara-Sophia Daly

Immigration Reporter, Mission Local

Clara-Sophia Daly is an award-winning journalist who covers immigration for Mission Local. Previously, she reported for the Miami Herald, where she covered education and worked on the investigative team. She graduated with honors from Skidmore College, where she studied International... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Seacliff C

Breakout Session

3:00pm PDT

Optimizing Your Résumé for AI

Thursday September 10, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Seacliff A

So you're looking for a job, and everyone is talking about the role that generative AI plays in the application process. This session will take job seekers behind the hiring curtain, with insights from a panel of recruiters and hiring managers, to answer the questions on many applicants' minds: How do I optimize my resume for an AI reader? When and how is it appropriate to use AI in the job search...
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Speakers

Jahna Berry

Chief Operating Officer, The Center for Investigative Reporting

Sonali Kohli

Senior Recruiter, URL Media

Thursday September 10, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Seacliff A

Breakout Session

3:00pm PDT

We Still Drive at 55: The Bay Area Reporter's More Than Half a Century

Thursday September 10, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Seacliff D

How did the Bay Area Reporter manage to become the longest continuously published LGBTQ+ newspaper in America? Find out in a panel session with the publisher, editors and freelance writers, who reveal how the paper has built foundations from its modest beginnings. With a strong tradition of representation, the nation’s oldest queer newspaper has adapted into the 21st century with innovation...
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Speakers

Michael Flanagan

Freelance Journalist, Bay Area Reporter

I have been working as an entertainment and history journalist for the Bay Area Reporter since 2011 and have received two journalism awards from the California News Publishers Association in 2023 and 2024. My areas of expertise are local history and music.

Cynthia Laird

News Editor, Bay Area Repporter

Cynthia Laird has been with the award-winning Bay Area Reporter, the country's oldest continuously publishing LGBTQ newspaper, for 30 years. She started at the paper in May 1996 as an assistant editor and became news editor in July 1999. Over that time, she has seen major changes... Read More →

Jim Provenzano

Arts Editor, Bay Area Reporter

Jim Provenzano is the Arts & Nightlife Editor for the Bay Area Reporter, where he has held various editorial positions since 1992, including the award-winning syndicated Sports Complex column (1996-2006).

He’s the author of seven novels – “Finding Tulsa,” “Now I’m Here,” the Lambda Literary Award-winning “Every Time I Think of You,” its sequel Message of Love (a Lambda Literary Award finalist), the novels “PINS,” “Monkey Suits,” “Cyclizen,” – the commissioned

... Read More →

Michael Yamashita

Publisher, Bay Area Reporter

Michael Yamashita served as general manager of the Bay Area Reporter from 1995 until 2017, when he became publisher. He is the first gay Asian-Pacific Islander owner-publisher of an LGBTQ newspaper. He serves on the board of directors of the California News Publisher Association... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Seacliff D

Breakout Session

4:15pm PDT

Diversity is More Than Staffing, It’s News Coverage: Ensuring More Missing People of Color Make the Headlines

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT

Seacliff C

This panel will explore the importance of diversity in news coverage, specifically in the context of missing people of color and missing queer people of color.

Speakers

Jonathan Franklin

National Correspondent, National Public Radio

Jonathan Franklin is a Washington, D.C.-based journalist whose reporting focuses on race, identity, justice and breaking news. Over the course of his career, he has covered a wide range of local and national stories, bringing audiences thoughtful, people-centered reporting that highlights... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Seacliff C

Breakout Session

4:15pm PDT

Inside Scoop: Building Sources Inside an Administration in Upheaval

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT

Seacliff D

When the federal government undergoes seismic shifts, critical stories can remain hidden behind a climate of uncertainty. For journalists, the challenge is twofold: breaking through the silence of a shell-shocked federal workforce and ensuring the safety of those who risk their livelihoods to speak. This session offers a deep dive into high-stakes sourcing during the sweeping policy changes of the...
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Speakers

K Petrin

Data & graphics reporter, Civic News Company & Trans Journalists Association

Martin Shelton

Deputy Director of Digital Security, Freedom of the Press Foundation

Martin is the deputy director, digital security, at Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF). As a member of the digital security team, Martin leads research into the security needs and concerns of journalists, including studies into how journalists and media organizations confront harassment... Read More →

Claire Savage

Reporter, The Associated Press

Claire Savage is a Chicago-based national reporter for the Associated Press's Business team covering issues impacting women in the workforce. Her reporting focuses on workplace discrimination, civil rights, gender equality in the workforce, and how policy affects working women and... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Seacliff D

Breakout Session

4:15pm PDT

Primary Sources First: How to Build Custom AI Tooling for Investigations

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT

Seacliff A

We’ve spent the last two years figuring out the best way to use AI for investigative reporting in ways that are scalable to the newsroom and easy-to-use for non technical reporters. This hand-drawn presentation will walk the audience through the design and testing of Cheatsheet, an AI tool built by The New York Times for investigative reporting. Instead of a "black box" chat interface, it is...
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Thursday September 10, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Seacliff A

Breakout Session

4:15pm PDT

PRSA Presents Connecting Comms and Journalism: Advancing Accurate Representation in Media

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT

Seacliff B

This panel explores how journalists and communication professionals can work together to foster accurate, inclusive and responsible representation of LGBTQ+ and other diverse communities. Through discussions on storytelling, media narratives and communication strategies, panelists will share best practices for amplifying diverse voices, combating misinformation and strengthening public...
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Speakers

Curtis Sparrer

Principal and Co-founder, Bospar PR

Curtis Sparrer is a principal and co-founder of Bospar PR, the PR agency of record for SF Pride. He has represented brands like PayPal, Tetris and the alien hunters of the SETI Institute. He is the president of the San Francisco Press Club and a member of the leadership team of AI... Read More →

Heide Harrell

Heide Harrell, M.A., APR, is Director of Communications for Central Arkansas Water, serving nearly 500,000 residents across eight counties. With more than 20 years of experience, she has held numerous leadership roles within PRSA, including Board member, Secretary, and Senior Counsel... Read More →

Matt Marcial

CEO, PRSA

Matt Marcial is a dynamic executive with a track record of driving growth and innovation for trade and professional membership associations. As CEO for PRSA, he works to support the professionals who shape how organizations communicate with the world. In addition to earning his MBA... Read More →

Sponsors

Public Relations Society of America

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Seacliff B

Breakout Session

5:30pm PDT

Fireside Chat

Thursday September 10, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT

Grand Ballroom A

Thursday September 10, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A

6:00pm PDT

Open Recovery Meeting

Thursday September 10, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

Waterfront A

Thursday September 10, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Waterfront A

7:00pm PDT

Opening Reception

Thursday September 10, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

Waterfront CDE

Thursday September 10, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Waterfront CDE

Reception

8:00am PDT

Quiet Room/Work Room

Friday September 11, 2026 8:00am - 8:00pm PDT

Golden Gate Room

Friday September 11, 2026 8:00am - 8:00pm PDT
Golden Gate Room

Work Room

8:30am PDT

Bi+ Morning Meet Up

Friday September 11, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am PDT

Waterfront A

Friday September 11, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am PDT
Waterfront A

Networking

8:30am PDT

Trans and Nonbinary Meet Up

Friday September 11, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am PDT

Waterfront B

Friday September 11, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am PDT
Waterfront B

Networking

9:00am PDT

Expo Kickoff & Café

Friday September 11, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Grand Ballroom B

Start the morning with a cup of coffee and visit the exhibitors early!

Sponsors

PhRMA

Friday September 11, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Grand Ballroom B

Coffee Break

9:00am PDT

Career & Community Expo

Friday September 11, 2026 9:00am - 4:30pm PDT

Grand Ballroom B

Stop by and visit our exhibitors! Make sure to bring your résumé because your next job may be waiting!

Friday September 11, 2026 9:00am - 4:30pm PDT
Grand Ballroom B

Expo

9:30am PDT

Finding the Real AI Story

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT

Seacliff D

Discover what makes an AI story worth telling and why most aren't. Not every AI story deserves a headline. Learn how journalists cut through the noise to find compelling stories about people, business and the real-world impact of emerging technology. Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their own story ideas and receive feedback on what makes them newsworthy.

Sponsors

The Wall Street Journal

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Seacliff D

Breakout Session

9:30am PDT

If We Built Queer Journalism Today, Would We Call It a Newsroom?

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT

Seacliff A

Queer journalism is no longer centered in traditional newsrooms. Activists, creators, freelancers, and community organizers are often the first — and most trusted — sources when news breaks. This session examines what journalism looks like when it operates outside legacy institutions, and what that shift means for credibility, accountability, trust and safety. We’ll explore when...
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Speakers

Evan Milward

Consultant & Host/Moderator, Evan Millward Consulting

Evan Millward is a storyteller, consultant, and community advocate, having spent a decade in local news in Greater Cincinnati. In that time, he helped launch the nationwide E.W. Scripps Pride employee resource group and led WCPO-TV's Pride efforts each year, highlighting and platforming... Read More →

Missy Spears

Executive Director, Queer Kentucky

Divya Karthikeyan

Editorial Manager, Queer Kentucky

Alex Cooper

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Seacliff A

Breakout Session

9:30am PDT

Reporting on Suicide: A Skill-Building Lab for Ethical Storytelling

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT

Seacliff C

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....
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Speakers

Christine Yu Moutier

Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Dr. Christine Yu Moutier has served as AFSP’s Chief Medical Officer since 2013 and is one of the nation’s leading voices on suicide prevention. She became involved with AFSP in 2006, co‑founding the San Diego chapter while simultaneously helping build UC San Diego’s pioneering... Read More →

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Seacliff C

Breakout Session

9:30am PDT

Ripped from the Headlines: A Fireside Chat with LGBTQ+ Documentary Filmmakers

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT

Seacliff B

It might be a news story that seems stranger than fiction or one that hits close to home. Queer and trans documentary filmmakers have been on the frontlines across America, diving deeper into the “ripped from the headlines” stories that feel too important to ignore. In this session, hear from industry leaders and documentary filmmakers who found inspiration from the news to craft films that...
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Speakers

Meg Shutzer

Senior Editor, Mission Local

Meg Shutzer is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, investigative reporter and senior editor at Mission Local, a nonprofit newsroom in San Francisco. Meg’s documentaries have screened on five continents and won numerous awards at film festivals. Their most recent investigation... Read More →

Hansen Bursic

Founder & Filmmaker, Hansen Bursic Film

Hansen Bursic is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, journalist, and the President of the NLGJA Los Angeles Chapter. He broke into nonfiction directing documentaries in Pennsylvania with local advocacy organizations helping battle some of the first explicitly anti-transgender... Read More →

LaTajh Weaver

Producer / Director, Freelance Filmmaker

LaTajh Simmons-Weaver is a screenwriter, director, and producer from Oakland, CA. They were named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s 25 New Faces of Independent Film.

Their work blends humor, imagination, and irony to explore overlooked stories within Black Queer dynamics. They have produced commissioned films for The Guardian, the Museum of African Diaspora, and the San Francisco Queer Arts Foundation. In 2025, Weaver had two films premiere... Read More →

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Seacliff B

Breakout Session

10:45am PDT

Triplett Series - The Road Ahead Has Many Paths: How Can Media Meet at the Intersections of Faith, Gender, Race and Class?

Friday September 11, 2026 10:45am - 12:15pm PDT

Grand Ballroom A

Our community — and our very democracy — are at a crossroads as we approach the midterm elections and two more years of the current administration. We have seen political discourse devolve and chip away at our rights in the courts and on Capitol Hill. We see faith weaponized, trust in our democracy eroding, vicious attacks on the fourth estate and misinformation floods our social platforms....
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Speakers

Kierra Johnson

Cathy Renna

Caitlyn Ryan

CAITLIN RYAN, PhD, ACSW, is a clinical social worker, educator and researcher who has worked on LGBTQ+ health and mental health for 50 years and whose work has shaped policy and practice for LGBTQ+ children, youth and families. Dr. Ryan was an organizer in the LGBTQ+ health movement... Read More →

Christopher Wiggins

Politics & News Editor, The Advocate

Christopher Wiggins is the politics and news editor at equalpride, where he leads and shapes coverage across The Advocate, Out, and Them. Based in Washington, D.C., he oversees national reporting on the White House, Congress, the Supreme Court, federal agencies, state governments... Read More →

Friday September 11, 2026 10:45am - 12:15pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A

Plenary Session

12:15pm PDT

QPOC Brownbag Meet-Up

Friday September 11, 2026 12:15pm - 1:30pm PDT

Waterfront A

More networking opportunities. Grab your lunch at one of the nearby eateries and bring it back for a lunch hour filled with fun, sharing and networking!

Friday September 11, 2026 12:15pm - 1:30pm PDT
Waterfront A

Networking

12:15pm PDT

Women's+ Brownbag Meet-Up

Friday September 11, 2026 12:15pm - 1:30pm PDT

Waterfront B

More networking opportunities. Grab your lunch at one of the nearby eateries and bring it back for a lunch hour filled with fun, sharing and networking!

Friday September 11, 2026 12:15pm - 1:30pm PDT
Waterfront B

Networking

1:45pm PDT

Leveling Up the Narrative: Journalists' Contributions to HIV Prevention and Care

Friday September 11, 2026 1:45pm - 3:15pm PDT

Grand Ballroom A

What does the next phase of the HIV response really require? Leadership from journalists like us to bring critical health news to the public, especially audiences who may not realize they are at risk. Panelists will dig into why a more holistic approach to prevention is key — one that brings together stakeholders from across and beyond the HIV space from journalists to doctors to patients to...
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Sponsors

Gilead Sciences

Friday September 11, 2026 1:45pm - 3:15pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A

Plenary Session

3:00pm PDT

Coffee Break Cafe

Friday September 11, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT

Seacliff Foyer

Sponsors

Maynard Institute

Friday September 11, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Seacliff Foyer

Coffee Break

3:30pm PDT

Deepfakes, Gender and Sexuality in the AI Era

Friday September 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

Seacliff A

Artificial intelligence has developed swiftly and with few guardrails, often pushing the boundaries of sexuality and consent. In January, Grok, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence chatbot, created and then publicly shared at least 1.8 million sexualized images of women in just nine days. Online, some users are falling in love with chatbots, while others are using them to generate the types of...
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Speakers

Sam Cole

Journalist, 404 Media

Sam Cole is a journalist and co-founder of the independent technology news outlet 404 Media. She was previously a senior editor for Motherboard, Vice's technology outlet, and has worked as a journalist for over a decade at outlets including Popular Science, Fast Company, and Al Jazeera... Read More →

Kathleen Massara

Senior Staff Editor, The New York Times

Kathleen (they/them) is a senior staff editor on the Culture desk at The New York Times. They were previously an editor on the Arts & Leisure section and on the home page. Before joining The Times, Kathleen was the managing editor of Artnet News, a senior editor on digital projects... Read More →

Kate Conger

Technology Reporter, New York Times

Kate Conger is a technology reporter at the New York Times and the co-author of "Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter." She has reported on business and power in Silicon Valley for more than a decade, writing about the political influence of billionaires, the use of artificial... Read More →

Tat Bellamy Walker

Program Coordinator, The International Women's Media Foundation

Friday September 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Seacliff A

Breakout Session

3:30pm PDT

LGBTQ+ Women in News

Friday September 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

Seacliff C

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...
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Friday September 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Seacliff C

Breakout Session

3:30pm PDT

Navigating a Career in Broadcast and Advocating for Yourself

Friday September 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

Seacliff B

Leading industry professionals will share their experiences and advice, empowering you to negotiate with your employer and address workplace concerns throughout your career. This panel, made up of SAG-AFTRA members currently working as media professionals will discuss their careers, give guidance and answer questions from the audience. This panel will cover: the media landscape and getting...
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Sponsors

SAG-AFTRA

Friday September 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Seacliff B

Breakout Session

3:30pm PDT

The Podcast Era: Audio & Video Storytelling, Queer Narratives and Holding Space

Friday September 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

Seacliff D

We are living in the podcast era where audio and video formats shape how stories are shared, experienced and trusted across platforms. From podcasts and video podcasts to YouTube and social video, these mediums have become essential tools for journalists, creators, and storytellers seeking deeper connection with audiences. This session takes a closer look at audio and video work through the lens...
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Speakers

PJ Brescia

Founder & CEO, BabyGay

PJ Brescia (they/them) is the founder & CEO of BabyGay™, a nonprofit and media platform dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals through the coming out journey via storytelling, advocacy, and togetherness. In partnership with community leaders, The Black Cat, and the Los Angeles... Read More →

Ryan Lu

Podcast host / content creator / pop star, e.mo.tions LLC

Ryan Lu is a content creator, podcast host, and rising pop star known for bold storytelling, unfiltered humor, and turning delusion into entertainment.

Friday September 11, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Seacliff D

Breakout Session

4:45pm PDT

A Tale of Two States: The Role of the Media in Informing Voters about Ballot Initiatives in the 2026 Midterm Elections

Friday September 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT

Seacliff D

With anti-trans ballot initiatives emerging as the latest front in the fight against LGBTQ+ rights — and millions of dollars flooding into misleading anti-trans advertising — what responsibility does the media have in ensuring voters are accurately informed about trans rights on the ballot this midterm election? Join leading strategists from Colorado and Missouri — two states facing ballot...
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Speakers

Anna Castro

Principal Narrative Strategist, Transgender Law Center

Anna Castro is Transgender Law Center’s Principal Narrative Strategist for the Trans Agenda for Liberation Narrative Lab. With fifteen years of experience designing and leading integrated advocacy campaigns in the voting and civic engagement, immigration, and transgender rights... Read More →

Sara Mar

Sara Mar (they/them) is the Senior Media Relations Manager at Transgender Law Center. In their role, Sara incorporates messaging research into media strategy to craft narratives for trans liberation and builds relationships with journalists to center trans voices, trans joy, and trans... Read More →

Nadine Bridges

Nadine Bridges (she/her) is a nationally recognized leader in equity, public health, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. As the first Black and female Executive Director of One Colorado, she has led the state’s leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization through some of the most challenging political... Read More →

Robert Fischer

Robert is a communications strategist with more than a decade of experience helping nonprofit organizations, advocacy campaigns, and mission-driven leaders tell stories that inspire action. A graduate of the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations... Read More →

Sponsors

Transgender Law Center

Friday September 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
Seacliff D

Breakout Session

4:45pm PDT

How CBS News Bay Area (KPIX) and CBS News 24/7 Are Reinventing Broadcast

Friday September 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT

Seacliff B

This panel examines how a local station’s virtual studio and a national streaming network now operate as one news model. CBS News Bay Area adopted AR/VR technology, with its anchors now contributing to CBS News 24/7, the network's national streaming service, blurring the line between a regional newsroom and a 24-hour national broadcast operation. Using one virtual studio for both local...
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Sponsors

CBS News and Stations

Friday September 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
Seacliff B

Breakout Session

4:45pm PDT

Leveling Up Your Reporting with IRE

Friday September 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT

Seacliff C

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.

Speakers

Adam Rhodes

Managing Editor & Training Director, Investigative Reporters & Editors

Friday September 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
Seacliff C

Breakout Session

4:45pm PDT

The Art of the Slow Burn: A Masterclass in Long-Form Pacing and Narrative Writing

Friday September 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT

Seacliff A

In an era of digital distraction, holding a reader’s interest across thousands of words requires a quiet superpower. The secret isn't just the strength of the reporting — it is in the rhythm of the delivery. This panel brings together narrative writers and editors who will dissect the mechanics of proper pacing. Want a meaty discussion about great writing? We will move beyond vague advice like...
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Speakers

Jeremy Fox

Terra King

Denny Nivens

Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton

Business Reporter, The Seattle Times

Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton is a business reporter at The Seattle Times. She previously covered immigration at The Denver Post after forging the newspaper's Denver neighborhoods beat and covering social inequities in business. She covers the Hawaiian diaspora for Ka Wai Ola, a Hawaiʻi-based... Read More →

Friday September 11, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
Seacliff A

Breakout Session

6:00pm PDT

Diversity Reception

Friday September 11, 2026 6:00pm - 7:30pm PDT

Waterfront CDE

Join us as NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists salutes the value of diversity, equity and inclusion in newsrooms and America as a whole. We honor our partners in diversity who share our dedication to fair and accurate coverage of our communities and bring us together.

Friday September 11, 2026 6:00pm - 7:30pm PDT
Waterfront CDE

Reception

7:30pm PDT

Spectrum Dinner

Friday September 11, 2026 7:30pm - 8:00pm PDT

TBA

Sponsors

CNN & TNT Sports

Friday September 11, 2026 7:30pm - 8:00pm PDT
TBA

Networking

8:00pm PDT

Night Out

Friday September 11, 2026 8:00pm - 10:00pm PDT

Sponsors

Queerty

Friday September 11, 2026 8:00pm - 10:00pm PDT

Reception

8:00am PDT

Book Club Morning Meet Up

Saturday September 12, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am PDT

Waterfront B

Saturday September 12, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am PDT
Waterfront B

Networking

8:00am PDT

QPOC Morning Meet Up

Saturday September 12, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am PDT

Waterfront A

Saturday September 12, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am PDT
Waterfront A

Networking

8:00am PDT

Quiet Room/Work Room

Saturday September 12, 2026 8:00am - 8:00pm PDT

Golden Gate Room

Saturday September 12, 2026 8:00am - 8:00pm PDT
Golden Gate Room

8:30am PDT

Morning Boost Coffee Break

Saturday September 12, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am PDT

Seacliff Foyer

Start the morning with a cup of coffee and visit the exhibitors early!

Sponsors

PhRMA

Saturday September 12, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am PDT
Seacliff Foyer

Coffee Break

9:00am PDT

From the Daily Beat to the Best-Seller: How to Turn Your Reporting Into a Book

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Seacliff A

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...
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Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Seacliff A

Breakout Session

9:00am PDT

How to Speak Red State

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Seacliff B

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...
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Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Seacliff B

Breakout Session

9:00am PDT

Lifting Up Diverse LGBTQ+ Media and Entertainment During Trump 2.0

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Seacliff C

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.

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Seacliff C

Breakout Session

10:00am PDT

Film Room

Saturday September 12, 2026 10:00am - 1:00pm PDT

Grand Ballroom C

Saturday September 12, 2026 10:00am - 1:00pm PDT
Grand Ballroom C

10:15am PDT

Beyond the Horserace: Covering The Real Stakes of the Midterms

Saturday September 12, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT

Grand Ballroom A

As we move toward critical midterm elections, the political stakes have never been higher especially for diverse communities like ours. How can journalists move beyond surface-level coverage to report on substantive issues, the erosion of rights and the real stakes for our democracy? Drawing on deep experience in investigative journalism, on-the-ground movement reporting, human-centered policy...
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Speakers

Levi Kalish

LGBTQ Rights Reporter, HuffPost

Levi Kalish is an award winning reporter covering politics, privacy and health issues. Most recently, they covered LGBTQ+ rights at HuffPost with a focus on the right-wing forces shaping anti-trans policy and the impact they have on LGBTQ+ communities and other marginalized groups... Read More →

Lex McMenamin

Movement Building Reporter, The Guardian US

Saturday September 12, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Grand Ballroom A

Plenary Session

11:45am PDT

Bi+ Brownbag Meet-Up

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT

Waterfront A

More networking opportunities. Grab your lunch at one of the nearby eateries and bring it back for a lunch hour filled with fun, sharing and networking!

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT
Waterfront A

Networking

11:45am PDT

Trans and Non-Binary Brownbag Meet-Up

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT

Waterfront B

More networking opportunities!

Come join us for light bites provided by the Trans Journalists Association!

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT
Waterfront B

Networking

1:00pm PDT

Here I Am World All of Me at Last: The Origin and Impact of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists

Saturday September 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT

Grand Ballroom A

Come see the first viewing of the NLGJA short documentary and hear from many of those featured in the film and documentary team telling the story of NLGJA's origin, impact and evolution to the present day. We will explore the brave founding of the first gay and lesbian journalists association igniting a 35-year movement for LGBTQ+ journalists to openly work inside mainstream newsrooms,...
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Saturday September 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A

Plenary Session

2:45pm PDT

KQED: Covering One Of the Queerest Places on Earth

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT

Seacliff A

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...
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Sponsors

KQED

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Seacliff A

Breakout Session

2:45pm PDT

Pitch-A-Thon

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT

Seacliff C

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.

Speakers

Eric Hegedüs

Over his decades-long newspaper career, Eric Hegedüs has thrived by juggling a wide range of skill sets. In June 2026, Eric left the newsroom of the New York Post after a 20-year, 10-month (but who’s counting?) stint there, bowing out as deputy lifestyle editor after roles as associate... Read More →

Pat Manning

Vice President, Collected Strategies

Patrick Manning joined Collected Strategies in January 2025 as a Vice President following a 14-year career in broadcast journalism. Most recently, he was a Senior Producer at CNBC covering retail, tech, and transportation. Additionally, he led in-depth coverage of the White House... Read More →

Cathy Renna

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Seacliff C

Breakout Session

2:45pm PDT

Rewriting the Lead(er): The New Rules of Media Management

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT

Seacliff D

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...
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Speakers

Aaron Waisler

Story Desk Editor, 1Alive News

Aaron Waisler has about 7 years of experience in the broadcast journalism field. Starting out in radio as a Traffic Reporter/Producer for radio stations across the southeast, he transitioned into television news, first in the small market of Baton Rouge, Louisiana as an assignment... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Seacliff D

Breakout Session

2:45pm PDT

What in the L? Reclaiming the Word “Lesbian”

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT

Seacliff B

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.

Speakers

Sunny Leerasanthanah

Director of Communications and Engagement, The Curve Foundation

Sunny Leerasanthanah is the Director of Communications and Engagement at The Curve Foundation, where they amplify the organization's mission to develop intergenerational programming for LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary people. Previously, Sunny worked at the arts and culture consulting... Read More →

Franco Stevens

Founder, The Curve Foundation

Franco Stevens (She/They) is a pioneering figure in queer women’s media, best known for founding Curve magazine, the world's most successful lesbian magazine. Created in 1991, Curve became a crucial space for raising lesbian visibility, connecting the LGBTQ+ community, and breaking... Read More →

Laila AnnMarie Stevens

Freelance Photojournalist, The Curve Foundation

Starting with The New York Times Metropolitan Section at just 20 years old, Stevens has since become a frequent contributor — first covering a Brooklyn protest titled "State of Emergency" for Trans Youth, and earning two International A1 covers and two Metropolitan A1 covers before... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Seacliff B

Breakout Session

2:45pm PDT

Film Room

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 5:00pm PDT

Grand Ballroom C

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:45pm - 5:00pm PDT
Grand Ballroom C

3:30pm PDT

Coffee Break Cafe

Saturday September 12, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT

Seacliff Foyer

Sponsors

Maynard Institute

Saturday September 12, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT
Seacliff Foyer

Coffee Break

4:00pm PDT

Content That Connects: The Social Playbook

Saturday September 12, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Seacliff C

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.

Speakers

Patrick Gomez

Editor-in-Chief, Entertainment Weekly

Patrick Gomez is Editor-in-Chief at Entertainment Weekly, a People Inc. brand. Formerly at People magazine and The A.V. Club, the Critics Choice member, is based in West Hollywood, Calif. and has appeared on 'Today,' 'Extra!,' 'Access Hollywood,' 'E! News,' 'CNN,' and 'Nightline... Read More →

Jack Irvin

Associate Editor, Music, PEOPLE

Jack Irvin is an Associate Music Editor at PEOPLE. In his current role, Jack covers and edits daily music news and features. He's interviewed both up-and-coming and established artists including Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Ashanti, Kesha, Cyndi Lauper, Zara Larsson, Carly Rae Jepsen... Read More →

Jonathan Borge

Deputy Editor & Head of Entertainment, InStyle

Jonathan Borge is the Deputy Editor & Head of Entertainment at InStyle, where he oversees social media, news strategy, and special projects such as the brand's Webby-winning unscripted vertical, The Intern.

Previously, he served as Deputy Editor at StyleCaster, Deputy Entertainment Editor at Elite Daily, founding Senior Editor at OprahDaily.com, and held staff positions at InStyle and Marie Claire, demonstrating a breadth of digital media and tech skills. His writing has also appeared across... Read More →

Cait Knoll

Vice President, Central Creative Video, People Inc.

Cait Knoll is the Vice President of Central Creative Video at People Inc., where she translates programming strategy into original video content across YouTube, social platforms, and brand partnerships. She specializes in launching new video IP, leading the development and execution... Read More →

Sponsors

People Inc.

Saturday September 12, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Seacliff C

Breakout Session

4:00pm PDT

Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics: Covering Queer Athletes

Saturday September 12, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Seacliff A

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...
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Speakers

Jim Buzinski

Co-Founder, Outsports

Jim Buzinski (he/him) is co-founder of Outsports.com and has been a journalist for more than 40 years, most recently at the Los Angeles Times. Before co-founding Outsports.com in 1999, Buzinski was a reporter and editor. He began his career at the Centre Daily Times in State College... Read More →

Chris Bull

Editorial Director, Q Digital

Cyd Ziegler

Saturday September 12, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Seacliff A

Breakout Session

4:00pm PDT

The Future of Queer & Trans Media

Saturday September 12, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Seacliff B

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...
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Speakers

Salgu Wissmath

Photojournalist, PressOn Freedomways Fellow

Salgu Wissmath (they/them) is a nonbinary Korean American documentary photographer based in San Antonio, TX and Sacramento, CA. Their photo essays and videos explore the intersections of mental health, queer identity, and faith from a conceptual documentary approach. They specialize... Read More →

Soleil Ho

Worker Owner, COYOTE Media Collective

Soleil Ho is a co-founder of COYOTE, a worker-owned digital alt weekly for the Bay Area.

Kit O'Connell

Freelance Journalist

Kit O'Connell is a freelance journalist from Austin, Texas who focuses on the LGBTQ+ community and their rights. As the former digital editor of the Texas Observer, their work was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award and a National Magazine Award. They currently create Big & Bright... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Seacliff B

Breakout Session

5:15pm PDT

Convention CONNECTions: A Showcase of Student Work

Saturday September 12, 2026 5:15pm - 6:15pm PDT

Grand Ballroom A

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...
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Sponsors

Kellogg Foundation

Versant

Saturday September 12, 2026 5:15pm - 6:15pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A

Breakout Session

6:30pm PDT

Open Recovery Meeting

Saturday September 12, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT

Waterfront A

Saturday September 12, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Waterfront A

7:30pm PDT

Closing Reception

Saturday September 12, 2026 7:30pm - 9:30pm PDT

Full Grand Ballroom

Saturday September 12, 2026 7:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Full Grand Ballroom

Reception