NLGJA 2026 National Convention

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 moment. Many intersex people have experienced deep medical trauma that makes sharing their stories difficult. Some intersex people don’t learn they are intersex until later in life, as Sara did. You’ll learn about what it means to be intersex. You’ll leave with resources that will make your journalism have a deeper impact, including organizations that can help you tell your story, how to find intersex sources and in which stories those voices should be heard.

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 money today. Across platforms and formats, the discussion will also highlight the enduring value of trusted journalism, human judgment and original reporting.

Moderated by Ben Steverman, Reporter, Money & People
Todd Gillespie, Finance Reporter
Nikki Waller, Managing Editor, Equality, Money & Management
Rakshita Saluja, Executive Editor, Digital
Jillian Ward, Executive Editor, Technology
Lynn Doan, Managing Editor, Technology

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 distinguish between agencies such as ICE, local police and the National Guard. Join the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF), trainers from the Journalist Assistance Network and our 2026 Safety Ambassador in San Francisco for a practical session on assessing and managing these risks. Safety and legal experts will share strategies on how to distinguish between law enforcement agencies, mitigating on-the-ground threats, top tips for covering protests and ICE actions. Attendees will leave with concrete, actionable strategies to maintain safety while reporting in volatile situations, ensuring they can document critical stories without compromising personal security.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.