July 9, 2026 – More than a professional gathering, this year’s NAHJ Conference & Expo in New Orleans will be a platform for news with main stage sessions that tackle some of today’s most urgent issues, including immigration and elections.
The main stage sessions, which anchor a packed program of more than 100 learning sessions from July 22-25, will also address skills development, AI, multimedia reporting, Spanish-language reporting and broadcast journalism.
“Latino journalists are on the front lines of the American story. New Orleans, the birthplace of Spanish-language journalism in this country, is the right place to sharpen our tools and strengthen our community. These main stage sessions are where the beat goes on,” said NAHJ Executive Director Yaneth Guillén-Díaz.
Among the main stage sessions at #NAHJ26:
Wednesday, July 22
Immigration Raids, Deportations and Community Resistance: What Next?
8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. breakfast provided
- Federal authorities have deployed military tactics to detain and deport migrants nationwide. Congress allocated $70 billion to fund increased immigration enforcement through 2029. Enforcement has led to unrest in Latino communities and legal opposition. Controversial raids have swept up legal residents and sometimes end in violence, including fatalities. What should journalists anticipate next?
Latinas Leading Under Pressure
11:05 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
- The media industry faces tumultuous times and a changing array of challenges. Latinas leaders who have risen through the ranks play a crucial role as pioneers influencing the future of news and newsrooms. An all-star panel of Latinas will describe their path toward top leadership positions and offer advice to break through barriers despite the obstacles with vision, strength and resilience.
Nuestro Periodismo Bajo Ataque
12:25 p.m. to 1:55 p.m. lunch provided
Sponsored by EL PAÍS US
- Cincuenta años después de su fundación al servicio de la democracia en España, y con más de una década de presencia en América Latina, EL PAÍS US reafirma su compromiso con las comunidades hispanas y latinas en Estados Unidos, en un momento que evoca sus orígenes: el auge del autoritarismo y la urgente necesidad de un periodismo en español riguroso, global e independiente. Los periodistas latinos enfrentan peligros físicos en el campo, acceso limitado a la información pública, recortes de financiamiento y ataques directos contra las comunidades que cubren. ¿Cómo deben responder los periodistas para servir al interés público?
Esta sesión inaugural — la primera en la historia de NAHJ en comenzar en español — es a la vez una presentación editorial y una conversación sobre el estado del periodismo latino en Estados Unidos: qué estamos construyendo, para quién y por qué ahora. El debate reunirá la visión de EL PAÍS US con voces que redefinen el periodismo en español desde múltiples frentes: análisis político, reportería fronteriza, audio narrativo y comentario público.
Esta sesión se llevará a cabo en español y se ofrecerá interpretación simultánea al inglés.
- Fifty years after its founding in the service of democracy in Spain, and with more than a decade of presence in Latin America, EL PAÍS US strengthens its commitment to Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States at a moment that echoes its origins: the rise of authoritarianism and the urgent need for rigorous, global, independent Spanish-language journalism. Latino journalists face physical danger in the field, limited access to public information, funding cuts and targeting of the communities that they cover. How should journalists respond to serve the public interest?
This opening session — the first in NAHJ history to begin in Spanish — is both an editorial introduction and a conversation about the state of Latino journalism in the United States: what we are building, for whom, and why now. The discussion will bring together El PAIS’s vision with voices redefining Spanish-language journalism from multiple fronts: political analysis, border reporting, narrative audio, and public commentary.
This session will be conducted in Spanish. Simultaneous interpretation into English will be available.
Thursday, July 23
Investigating Power: Truth, Accountability and Impact
8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. breakfast provided
Sponsored by The New York Times and the San Antonio Express-News
- Investigative journalism is essential to a healthy democracy. It plays a critical role to hold people in power and institutions accountable, while ensuring the public has access to the complete truth, even when it is complex or uncomfortable. Journalists will discuss responsibilities behind public service news coverage, including groundbreaking reporting that unraveled the legacy of civil rights icon Cesar Chavez and led to the stunning fall of Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales.
Powering Your Brand and Expanding Your Portfolio
12:25 p.m. to 1:55 p.m. lunch provided
Sponsored by JPMorganChase
- Content creators are often journalists — and journalists are content creators. Grow your journalism portfolio by strengthening your brand, including exploring entrepreneurship and starting your own business. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale an existing venture, this luncheon discussion will feature insights from media entrepreneurs and small business and financial experts. Topics will include identifying market opportunities, balancing a side hustle with a full-time job and navigating barriers to growth.
An Evening With Cecilia Vega
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Cecilia Vega, the first Latina correspondent for CBS’ 60 Minutes and Excelencia’s inaugural National Latina Journalist of the Year, sits for an open conversation about her career and what it takes to produce powerful journalism during these challenging times. ABC News journalist and NAHJ Hall of Famer John Quiñones will interview Vega about her departure from CBS News and what is next.
Friday, July 24
El Mundial Effect: Storytelling, Strategy and the Power of Fútbol to Unite Us
Sponsored by NBCU Academy, Telemundo & NAHJ
8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. breakfast provided
- Five days after the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final, join NBCU Academy, Telemundo and NAHJ to gather for a celebratory breakfast looking back at one of the biggest global sporting events in history. This special morning conversation will explore how Telemundo brought the excitement, emotion, and cultural power of the World Cup to Spanish-language audiences across platforms — from historic ratings and digital engagement to the journalism, production, marketing and storytelling strategy behind the coverage.
Featuring leaders and voices from across NBCUniversal and Telemundo, the panel will reflect on the moments that moved audiences, the teams that made history, and the power of fútbol to connect communities across language, culture and borders. Attendees will also have the chance to enjoy special giveaways, including signed soccer balls from legendary World Cup announcer Andrés Cantor.
Is Voting Under Attack?
9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
- The recent U.S. Supreme Court landmark decision in Louisiana v. Callais ruled racial gerrymandering unconstitutional and empowered some states to redraw political boundaries. Critics say the Voting Rights Act is eroding and the proposed SAVE Act would threaten voter access, potentially disenfranchising the minority vote. How should journalists prepare for the November midterm elections?
Immigration in the Classroom: Educators Protecting Students in a Time of Fear
11:05 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
Sponsored by the National Education Association
- As federal courts consider immigration enforcement in sensitive locations such as schools, educators increasingly are entering the national immigration debate. For many students and families, questions about ICE enforcement, deportation and legal status no longer are abstract political issues. They shape whether students feel safe and show up to school. In this sponsored by National Education Association, panelists will explore how teachers, counselors, school leaders and advocates are responding in real time to protect students’ sense of safety, belonging and opportunity amid uncertainty with immigration policy and enforcement.
Preserving Equal Opportunity in Higher Education
2:40 p.m. to 4:10 p.m.
Sponsored by California State University
- Federal legislation and policies opposing diversity, equity and inclusion have reduced funding and programs at higher education institutions. The California State University System has stayed the course to preserve access, equity and opportunity at Hispanic-serving institutions. Speakers will describe how the California system is working to reduce systemic barriers, provide culturally sensitive student support and improve outcomes for Latino students.
The Bad Bunny Effect: Nuestra Cultura y Música On The World Stage
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- The world now knows Bad Bunny and Karol G. He riveted the globe with his Super Bowl halftime performance, and she headlined the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. They exemplify a growing number of Latino musicians who transcend geography and language to influence arts, culture and the economy worldwide. What drives the burgeoning Latino cultural phenomenon while also fueling backlash to music en español? These diverse artists also are speaking out for Latino causes amid turbulent political times.
Over 1,000 Latino journalists, media leaders, and students are expected to attend the conference July 22-25 at the New Orleans Marriott under the 2026 theme: “The Beat Goes On: Honoring Our Roots and the Future of Hispanic Journalism,” a theme with special meaning in New Orleans, the birthplace of Spanish-language journalism in the United States.
The Opening Ceremony, sponsored by the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans, will feature NAHJ leaders. Special events include the Hall of Fame Gala, Ñ Awards luncheon, Noche de Fiesta and more.
The conference will also feature activations from NAHJ Cares, our health and wellness initiative that supports members through resources such as yoga sessions, morning and evening walks/runs, and designated safe spaces to foster community care throughout the event.
Visit nahjconference.org to register.
If you have a question about sponsoring an NAHJ conference, please contact us via our contact form.
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About the National Association of Hispanic Journalists
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is the largest organization of Latino journalists in the United States and is dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanics in the news industry. Established in April 1984, NAHJ created a national voice and unified vision for all Hispanic journalists. The mission of NAHJ is to increase the number of Latinos in newsrooms and to work toward fair and accurate representation of Latinos in news media. NAHJ has more than 3,500 members, including working journalists, journalism students, other media-related professionals, and journalism educators. For more information, please visit NAHJ.org or follow us on Instagram @officialnahj.