U.S. Capitol Building, Washington DC

Support Journalism Awards Dinner
and Fly-In 2026

September 27–30, 2026
Washington, DC
Washington Marriott Georgetown
About the Event
News/Media Alliance Fly-In collage

Join fellow news and media leaders for the News/Media Alliance’s 2026 Support Journalism Awards Dinner and Fly-In, and make your voice heard. We’ll gather to celebrate Congressional champions of our industry, and then, guided by our expert lobbyists, you will meet with Members of Congress and their staff to reinforce the need for legislation to protect and support quality journalism.

Together, we can ensure a thriving future for our important industry.

Advanced registration is required for all fly-in events, and registration is open exclusively to members of the News/Media Alliance and America’s Newspapers.

Register for News/Media Alliance Events

All NMA events are free to attend. Travel and hotel accommodations are at the cost of the attendee (see note below about financial assistance).

America's Newspapers Senior Leadership Conference

The News/Media Alliance will be merging its Fly-In with the America’s Newspapers Senior Leadership Conference/Family Owners Conference, offering an enhanced, integrated experience to members of both organizations, one that will expand the reach and advocacy impact of their important work. NMA members have the opportunity to register for Senior Leadership Conference events at the member rate.

To learn more and register for the America’s Newspapers events, click the button below.

Register for America’s Newspapers Events
Agenda

News/Media Alliance-led events are in red.   America’s Newspapers-led events are in blue.

Sunday, September 27
1:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Family Owners Meeting
Monday, September 28
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Family Owners Meetings continued
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Early Fly-in Registration
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Support Journalism Awards & Chairman’s Dinner
Tuesday, September 29
7:30 – 8:00 a.m.
Fly-in Registration
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast and Hill Visit Briefing
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Capitol Hill Advocacy Visits
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Pit Stop Lounge at Invariant House provided by NMA PAC
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Senior Leadership Conference Sessions
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Joint Tuesday Evening Reception with America’s Newspapers
Wednesday, September 30
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Joint General Session with America’s Newspapers
12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
American Press Institute AI in Leadership Retreat
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Library of Congress Tour
Fly-In Preparations

The Alliance will:

  • Schedule all meetings with Members of Congress and their staff
  • Hold a virtual orientation and prepare you for what to expect and what to say
  • Provide you with an app where you’ll easily be able to access your meeting schedule, talking points, and other important details. You will receive details on how to access the app closer to the event.

The Alliance will schedule your Hill meetings according to a number of factors, including presence in a state or Congressional district and participation in an Alliance Working Group.

The News/Media Alliance PAC will be hosting a break space from 12:00–4:00 p.m. at the Invariant House, just around the corner from the Capitol. Fly-In attendees will be offered a convenient place to stop between meetings, grab drinks and snacks, and recharge.

Attendees walking outside Congress
Wednesday Joint General Session

On Wednesday, September 30, the News/Media Alliance and America’s Newspapers will be hosting a Joint General Session for attendees of NMA’s Fly-In and AN’s Conference. The general session will feature a number of engaging discussions about the state of the industry and how best to advocate for ourselves, including:

Inside Washington: A Conversation with Congress

  • — Featured Member of Congress to be announced soon

Global Perspectives on the Future of News Media

  • — Stig Ørskov, CEO, WAN-IFRA
  • — Paul Deegan, President & CEO, News Media Canada

Protecting Journalism: Copyright in a Changing Media Landscape

Making the Case for Journalism: Advocacy from the Statehouse to Capitol Hill

Additional speakers will be announced soon.

American Press Institute AI in Leadership Retreat
American Press Institute

Following Wednesday’s Joint General Session, the American Press Institute will bring together leaders serving local news communities — including newsroom leaders and leaders of local and state press associations — for a highly participatory, half-day retreat on leading through AI.

Together, we’ll explore how AI can help news organizations work better, build capacity and prepare for what’s ahead — and the leadership decisions necessary to turn those opportunities into thoughtful action. No established AI practice or policy is required; the Retreat is designed for leaders across levels of AI experience.

Register for the AI in Leadership Retreat
Library of Congress Tour
Library of Congress

Please join us as we head to the Library of Congress after the joint event on September 30th. The Library’s special collections department has offered to curate a private exhibition of historic newspapers, photographs, manuscripts, and archival collections, building off the special collection Our History in the Headlines: America’s Story in Newspapers that was displayed for America’s 250th Anniversary.

Staged in the historic Jefferson Building, the exhibit will feature historical prints spanning the nation from San Francisco Chronicle to Boston Globe, as well as displays focused on the digital landscape.

Register for the Library of Congress Tour
Venue
Washington Marriott Georgetown
1221 22nd Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
Hotel Room Block: A room block has been reserved at the Washington Marriott Georgetown at a discounted rate, with rooms at $299/night plus tax.

Book your room: https://book.passkey.com/e/51213237
Deadline for discounted rate: August 31st
Travel Stipend

The News/Media Alliance is offering a travel stipend for fly-in related expenses of up to $1,000 to those who are in need of financial assistance and wouldn’t be able to attend without it. For consideration to receive the stipend, individuals can apply for it when registering.

Once approved, in order to receive reimbursement for event-related travel expenses, participants must:

  • Stay within the designated room block at the Washington Marriott Georgetown
  • Attend all scheduled meetings and complete the Meeting Report Form in the Advocacy Associates app
  • Submit fly-in related travel expenses with receipts up to $1,000

Please contact rsvp@newsmediaalliance.org with any questions.

Media Inquiries:
Sam Quigley, Director, Communications — sam@newsmediaalliance.org

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