May 20, 2026 — New Orleans is primed to entertain and show its colorful culture for Latino journalists from around the United States and Puerto Rico who will convene at the New Orleans Marriott Hotel in July.
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists Conference & Expo will gather leading journalists and newsmakers on July 22-25 for an agenda packed with professional skills building and events that will capture the unique blend of cultures in New Orleans.
Established in 1984, NAHJ will pay tribute to the legacy of El Misisipi, the first Spanish-language newspaper in the United States founded in 1808. El Misisipi laid the foundation for journalists serving Latino communities, work they continue two centuries later.
NAHJ created a planning committee with local members to ensure that New Orleans people, places and institutions will be well represented at the NAHJ conference.
The Opening Ceremony and following reception on July 22 will be filled with local flavor.
The New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans will host a lively Opening Ceremony at the hotel before NAHJ members will take a short walk with a Second Line to a night of music and fun at the House of Blues.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, a former journalist and first Hispanic mayor, will address the conference attendees.
New Orleans history also will be highlighted on July 24 when Lede New Orleans will guide a group of NAHJ attendees to Preservation Hall and then Congo Square to learn about community-driven preservation before enjoying a live jazz performance.
Sponsorship and exhibit space at the NAHJ Expo are available.Â
Meet the planning committee working to capture the essence of vibrant New Orleans for visiting Latino journalists:
- Al Galindo, Entergy & Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
- Ana Gershanik, Writer & Community Activist
- AnaMaria Bech, VIVA NOLA Magazine
- Andres Fuentes, WVUE-TV
- Diego DÃaz, Telemundo 42
- Gregory Lee, Loyola University New Orleans
- Jennifer Larino, Lede New Orleans
- Lorena O’Neil, Contributing Writer
- Lucy Bustamante, Gray Media – FOX New Orleans
- Mabel Regalado Hernandez, Loyola University New Orleans
- Marisa RodrÃguez, Telemundo New Orleans
- Mayra Pineda, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana
- Mike Berenguer, Telemundo 42
- Ramon Antonio Vargas, The Guardian
- Rebecca Lopez, WFAA-TV & Hispanic Communicators DFW
- Will Sutton, The Times-Picayune l NOLA.com
For questions regarding sponsor opportunities and/or to purchase a booth, please contact: Diana Maltez, Director of Development, dmaltez@nahj.org or (866) 356-7239, Ext. 4
Learn more about the conference at nahjconference.org.
To register and attend, click here.
For a Press Pass, click here.
Register for the 2026 conference here.
To check out the conference exhibitors, click here.
