Important Update: New Dates for #NAHJ27 in Minneapolis

NAHJ Changes 2027 Annual Conference Dates

Dear NAHJ Members,

We want to share an important update about the 2027 NAHJ National Conference & Expo in Minneapolis.

After careful consideration, the NAHJ board of directors decided to move our 2027 conference from its previously scheduled dates of August 4-8 to August 30 to September 2, 2027.

We recognize that changing the conference dates affects our members, sponsors, exhibitors, recruiters, speakers and partners. The decision was not made lightly.

Why NAHJ Is Changing the Dates

When NAHJ signed its contract in December 2024 with the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, the staff took steps to avoid conflicts with national conferences of our fellow journalism associations.

Before committing to August 4–8, NAHJ confirmed with the National Association of Black Journalists leadership that its 2027 convention was scheduled for August 18–22, 2027. Based on that information, NAHJ proceeded with its Minneapolis agreement.

Earlier this summer, NABJ changed its 2027 convention to the same week as NAHJ's previously contracted conference.

NAHJ contacted NABJ leadership after learning of the date conflict and asked them to reconsider their new dates. After NABJ said they would not move their 2027 convention, NAHJ staff immediately began working with our conference management team and the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis to explore whether other dates were available.

Unfortunately, there was no option without challenges.

NAHJ and NABJ share many corporate sponsors, newsroom recruiters, exhibitors, media partners and members. Holding both national conferences the same week would force many of them to choose between the two organizations.

The NAHJ board and staff evaluated alternatives and listened to concerns from members, sponsors, and partners before deciding to move the conference in the best interest of our members and for the long-term strength of the organization.

We recognize that a conference later in the summer presents challenges of its own, particularly for student members, educators and academic partners. Those concerns were an important part of the board's deliberations and will continue to inform our planning.

The priority now is to make the transition as smooth as possible and to deliver the high-quality national conference that our members and partners expect from NAHJ.

Information about the conference schedule, registration, hotel accommodations, programming and other details will be communicated as arrangements are finalized.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of our NAHJ community as we navigate this unexpected change.

Questions & Answers

Why is NAHJ changing its 2027 conference dates from early August to late August?

NABJ changed its previously announced 2027 convention dates to the same week as NAHJ's previously contracted August 4–8 conference.

Because NAHJ and NABJ share many sponsors, recruiters, exhibitors, media partners and members, holding both conferences simultaneously would create significant challenges for attendees and industry partners.

After exploring alternatives, the NAHJ board determined that moving our conference was the best option to minimize the conflict and protect the strength of NAHJ's conference.

Did NAHJ explore other 2027 dates besides the end of August?

Yes. NAHJ worked with conference management teamand the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis to explore multiple alternative dates.

Each option presented different contractual, financial, hotel-capacity, attendance or operational challenges. After reviewing those alternatives, the board determined that the week of August 30–September 2 was most viable.

The hotel had no availability for our meeting space needs and sleeping room needs in June or July.

Did NAHJ explore options to keep its original August 4–8 dates?

Yes. Keeping our original dates was carefully considered.

However, keeping the same dates would directly compete with NABJ for many of the same sponsors, recruiters, exhibitors and attendees.

Did NAHJ ask NABJ to reconsider its new dates?

Yes. NAHJ contacted NABJ leadership after learning of the scheduling conflict and asked them to consider new dates. We explained the potential consequences for both organizations with sponsors, recruiters, exhibitors and members.

Did NAHJ consider holding a joint conference with NABJ?

NAHJ considered a range of possibilities as part of its discussions, including opportunities for collaboration.

NAHJ's focus is on securing and planning our 2027 National Conference & Expo and minimizing disruption for our members and partners. If future collaborations develop that benefit our members while protecting NAHJ's independence and financial interests, the board will evaluate them.

Will changing the dates affect NAHJ financially?

Any significant change to a contracted national conference has potential financial and operational implications.

NAHJ carefully considered those factors. The National Conference & Expo is NAHJ’s largest annual gathering and an important source of revenue supporting programs and services throughout the year. Avoiding direct competition for sponsors, exhibitors, recruiters and attendees was an important consideration.

NAHJ is working with its conference partners and the hotel to minimize the financial impact.

Will registration rates or hotel room rates change?

No. Registration rates and hotel room rates will remain the same.

Will the new dates affect the conference schedule or programming?

Some scheduling adjustments might be necessary as we finalize the new dates with the hotel.

Our goal remains to provide the full NAHJ conference experience, including professional development, career and recruiting opportunities, signature events, student programming and opportunities to connect with journalists and industry leaders from across the country.

Additional details will be announced as the program is developed.

How will NAHJ address the impact of the later dates on students and academic members?

This was one of the board's most significant concerns when considering the available options.

We recognize that late August and early September coincide with the beginning of the academic year for many students, professors and journalism programs. As conference planning moves forward, NAHJ will evaluate the schedule and programming with those members in mind to reduce barriers to their participation.

What should sponsors, exhibitors and recruiters do now?

NAHJ's team will communicate directly with our sponsors, exhibitors, recruiters and partners as conference arrangements are finalized.

Our goal is to provide as much notice as possible and to work individually with partners to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Does NAHJ plan to return to earlier summer dates for future conferences?

NAHJ understands the importance of traditional summer conference timing.

Circumstances surrounding 2027 are unusual. Contracts are in place for the 2028 conference June 14-17 in Houston and July 18-21 in Indianapolis in 2029.

What steps will NAHJ take to avoid future scheduling conflicts?

NAHJ has historically communicated with peer journalism organizations when planning future conference dates. We will continue to do so.

This unique, unforeseen change demonstrates the importance of a mutual understanding and consistent communication among journalism associations in planning future national conferences.

When will additional information be available?

NAHJ will communicate information to its members, sponsors, exhibitors, recruiters and partners as those details are confirmed.

Let's show up in Minneapolis in 2027 stronger than ever and demonstrate that an unexpected change in dates will not deter us from doing what NAHJ does best: bringing together our community for an exceptional conference filled with opportunities, connections, learning and celebration.

Minneapolis, here comes the NAHJ familia. We can't wait to see you there!

NAHJ board of directors and Executive Director Yaneth Guillen-Diaz

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