SPJ Megaregional Conference Louisville April 10 and 11

 

View this email in your browser Join us for the NEVER SILENT: SPJ 4+5+12 Megaregional Conference, happening April 10-11, 2026, at the Radisson Hotel Louisville North in Clarksville, Indiana — just two miles from downtown Louisville and less than 10 miles from Louisville International Airport (SDF). 📍✈️ This dynamic, two-day event will bring together student and professional journalists, educators and communicators from across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, western Pennsylvania and West Virginia for learning, collaboration and connection. 📰🤝 WHAT TO EXPECT 🎉 Opening night poolside reception and movie screening Kick things off Friday evening with networking, prizes and heavy hors d’oeuvres in a relaxed setting at the indoor pool. ☕ Morning general session (with breakfast nibbles and caffeine) Censorship by Starvation: Resisting Government Efforts to Choke Off Access to Sources Hear from Brittany Hailer of The Marshall Project, Caroline Hendrie, SPJ executive director, and Anne Marie Tamburro, a media law attorney and SPJ press freedom counsel, on fighting back against restrictions that limit access and transparency. 🎤 Lunch keynote Still Here: Leading, Reporting and Believing in Journalism When It’s Hard Louisville Public Media President and CEO Kenya Young and reporter Justin Hicks share a candid, timely conversation about the future — and necessity — of journalism. 🧠 Breakout sessions include: – Get Out of Your Comfort Zone – The Fight to Restore Public Trust in Journalism – AI in the Newsroom: Promise, Practice and Pitfalls – Behind Bars: Why Covering Jails and Prisons Matters – State Public Policy Advocacy – Telling Your Story in an e-portfolio – Paper Chase: Public Documents You May Not Know About …and more 🏆 Mark of Excellence Awards We will wrap up Saturday with a celebration of the Region 4, 5 and 12 Mark of Excellence finalists and winners, honoring the best in student journalism.   Registration rates 🎟 https://region12conferencespj.wordpress.com $35 – SPJ students $40 – Non-SPJ students $50 – SPJ professionals $60 – Non-member professionals 🗞️ SPJ NEWS TEAM OPPORTUNITY (STUDENTS) Apply to be part of the SPJ News Team and help cover the conference. Selected students will report on sessions and events while gaining real-world experience. ⏰ Application deadline: Thursday, April 2, 2026, at noon CST 📣 Selected students will be notified by Monday, April 6 🏨 HOTEL INFORMATION Radisson Hotel Louisville North 505 Marriott Dr., Clarksville, IN (812) 283-4411 Book your room in our block for $110 per night plus tax before the April 5 cutoff. 🛏️ CALL TO ACTION 📅 Mark your calendar. 📢 Spread the word. 🔥 Be part of a conference that reflects the urgency and impact of journalism that refuses to be silent. Register now — we will see you in Louisville. ✨ For more information, contact your regional coordinator.   Silence serves power.  Journalism serves the public.