The Online News Association’s annual conference is the go-to destination to connect with the most creative ideas and leaders that are advancing innovation in digital news. Attendees’ feedback over nearly 25 years (yes, that many!) consistently report that the conference experience has made them more valuable to their teams.
It’s well worth the investment — and we’ve lowered the registration fees for ONA24 to gather as many community members as possible in Atlanta, this Sept. 18-21.
But we also know that sometimes, the decision isn’t up to you. Here are a few tips to show why you can’t afford to miss ONA24. And if you’re the boss who controls the training budgets, read more on why you should bring your team.
1. Preach all about the ONA way
- Forward-thinking sessions: We zone in on the tech trends you need to understand now, don’t shy away from the tough conversations on the industry’s challenges and always orient to what’s next — AKA, building actual solutions.
- Resources you’ll actually use: We collaborate with speakers and a volunteer Program Committee to make sure each session provides practical insights and actionable takeaways.
- Curated space to discover the latest tools: Exploring The Midway is an efficient way to try new technology or learn new ways to apply the ones you already use.
- The nudge to translate inspiration to action: LA NACION Data, MediaVax, Southern California News Group’s holiday pop-up newsletters — these are just a few of the initiatives and news products that were inspired by conversations at past ONA conferences.
- “The amazing combination of level-headedness and optimism”: Our attendees say it best. 🙂
2. Emphasize the specific skills you’d like to strengthen
The program will primarily focus on the intersections of journalism and emerging technology (including AI) and on best practices for leadership, career development and culture. We will also host additional experiences around audience development and metrics, revenue strategy and news product management. We’re accepting session pitches via the Suggestion Box through April 12, and will announce the ONA24 program in early June.
Plus, consider how you might share what you learn with other colleagues. For a few ideas, listen to the ONA18 session “Tips for Sharing When You Get Home.”
3. Highlight opportunities for networking, networking, networking
Building lasting connections with peers and industry leaders to collaborate with on similar challenges is absolutely invaluable. Whether you’re stuck on an analytics question, exploring new AI tools, or need advice as a first-time manager, you can tap into the ONA community for support long after the conference. Beyond people with similar roles and interests, also tell your boss how you’ll seek new perspectives!
Day 1 (Sept. 18) will include casual meet-and-greets with fellow attendees and an optional orientation for first-timers. New this year, we’re dedicating some afternoon session blocks on Days 2 and 3 (Sept. 19 and Sept. 20) to topic-based meetups. Check out the schedule overview.
Attending as a solo entrepreneur? You’ll find fellow innovators, journalism funders and potential collaborators to bring into your network. Plus, you’ll meet leaders from other journalism support organizations like ONA.
4. Find ways to reduce expenses
We get it – conferences and travel are not cheap. So we’ve got a few ideas for how you can keep costs down and still have a great experience.
- Join ONA and register early: Early Bird passes, available from March 21, are $350 for ONA members. (Non-member rates are $650, regardless of when you purchase)
- Stay at the host hotel: We’ve secured one of the lowest rates in the area for the ONA24 room block at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta.
- Take public transport: The hotel is connected to the ATL airport via MARTA, Atlanta’s public train system. Being able to get to and from the airport traffic-free in 20 minutes for $2.50 is an amazing alternative to pricey car rides.
- Explore the food court: The Hub at Peachtree Center is a three-level food court that also includes a CVS and post office. It’s directly adjacent to the Hyatt Regency and offers options for quick and affordable meals.
- Get creative with the Day Pass: One-day access to ONA24 is $175. Consider this option if you can’t commit to all four days.
- Don’t forget the group rate: We offer a discount of $25 off per ticket for teams of 10 or more attending together.
Beyond the conference
ONA offers programming all year to learn with like-minded peers and form deeper connections.
