RSVP or Sign Up for These Exclusive Events for Attendees Before Heading to Atlanta!
NABJ Authors Showcase & Bookstore
Don’t miss the chance to take advantage of the 2026 NABJ Authors Showcase & Bookstore, an informative and exciting offer at the NABJ Convention & Career Fair, Aug. 12-16, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.
Open to all attendees, no RSVP required.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
NABJ26 Opening Reception - Hosted by the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists | Sponsored by Regions
Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026
8:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Cost: $20
Kick off #NABJ26 in style! Take a stroll or catch the shuttle from the Atlanta Marriott Marquis to the newly expanded National Center for Civil and Human Rights for the NABJ Opening Reception hosted by the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists
Purchase tickets and register here.
Thursday, August 13, 2026
ABC News Storytellers Summit | Private Powered by ABC News
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026
10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The ABC News Storytellers Summit is a half day development workshop created by ABC News and the ABC Owned Television Stations designed to bring producers, writers, reporters and content creators together for a series of cutting-edge conversations and training sessions to take their storytelling to the next level. This workshop is led by ABC News journalists and executives from across all of our platforms and shows. Participants will walk away with first-hand knowledge around the skills that make ABC News the number one source for news and innovative ways to enhance their storytelling. Attendees must be registered for the #NABJ26. Producers, writers, reporters and content creators with (3) years of experience or more are encouraged to apply.
Appy for ABC News Storytellers here by August 7, 2026
NBCU Academy | Powered by NBCUniversal
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Join NBCU Academy for a dynamic day of learning, connection, and career development at the NABJ Convention. Designed for emerging and experienced journalists alike, this full-day experience features interactive workshops, candid conversations with NBCU News Group leaders, and hands-on opportunities to sharpen your skills across platforms. From navigating today’s evolving job market to mastering vertical video and refining your storytelling, attendees will gain practical tools to grow and adapt in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Appy for NBCU Academy here by July 23, 2026
CNN MasterCraft: Becoming a Digital Leader in the Age of AI | Powered by CNN
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026
1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Today's newsrooms are evolving rapidly, making strong leadership essential. This immersive workshop is designed for reporters, editors, newsroom managers, and coaches, this intensive workshop focuses on building the practical skills required to lead in a rapidly changing newsroom. Led by CNN’s award-winning journalists, the experience centers around real newsroom challenges and equips you with actionable tools and frameworks which can be put into practice right away.
Appy for CNN Mastercraft here by August 7, 2026
Friday, August 14, 2026
The Hall of Fame Induction and Luncheon
Friday, Aug. 14, 2026
Noon - 2 p.m.
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
NABJ will induct seven journalists and communicators into its Hall of Fame, as attendees connect over a delicious lunch and hear from our dynamic emcees and NABJ leaders. Each year, NABJ pays homage to legendary Black journalists, authors, educators, and activists who have made outstanding contributions to both their industry and the worldwide Black community over the course of their careers.
Purchase tickets and register here.
Purchase tickets as a registered guest here.
Healthy NABJ Meditation Sound Bath | Presented by the NABJ Wellness Task Force
Friday, Aug. 14, 2026
8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Sign-Up Required | Limited availability
Join the NABJ Wellness Task Force at 8 p.m. on Friday, August 14 for an evening of therapeutic and meditative experiences where attendees will be "bathed" in sound waves. Meditation leader Leah Frazier of Leah Heals will take us on an unforgettable journey to mental clarity and focus. For REGISTERED CONVENTION ATTENDEES only. Limited seats available. Yoga mats will be provided. ***Please be mindful that this event, although it is free, usually sells out. NO SHOWS prevent access to those who truly want to attend. If you sign up, please show up! ***
Register for the Sound Bath here.
NABJ Sports Task Force Scholarship Jam
Aug. 14-15, 2026
Time: 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Location: Coca-Cola Roxy
800 Battery Ave. SE
#500
Atlanta, GA 30339
The Annual Sports Task Force Scholarship Jam is a special fundraising event. Come out and enjoy music and dancing for a good cause. Proceeds from the party go to benefit NABJ’s Sports Task Force Scholarship Fund, which provides college scholarships to help aspiring journalists; proceeds also support general funds for NABJ and the Sports Task Force.
Disclaimers: Must be 21+. Please arrive at the event as early as possible to guarantee entrance. There could be capacity issues if you arrive very late. No refunds.
Purchase tickets here.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
RUN. WALK. CONNECT. AT THE NABJ 5K
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
7:30 a.m.
Westside Beltline | Atlanta, GA
All fitness levels are welcome.
Start your morning with wellness, fellowship, and community during the 2026 NABJ Convention & Career Fair in Atlanta!
Join NABJ members, journalists, media professionals, students, educators, family, friends, and supporters for the NABJ 5K Run/Walk.
Participants receive:
Finisher Medal
Commemorative Race Shirt
Professional Timing
Complimentary Shuttle Transportation from the Atlanta Marriott Marquis
A portion of proceeds supports NABJ's Journalism Student Projects (JSHOP).
Register tickets and register here.
Historic Atlanta Bus Tour: Civil Rights Journey - Hosted by the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
9 a.m. Buses depart from the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel – International Level – Courtland and Baker Street side
Cost: $35 - Includes lunch at Southern National Restaurant
This historic bus tour offers a front-row seat to the landmarks that sparked a global movement for justice.
Tickets Sold Out
Atlanta Arts & Entertainment Cultural Tour - Hosted by the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
9 a.m. Buses depart from the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel – International Level – Courtland and Baker Street side
Cost: $35 - Includes lunch at Southern National Restaurant
This tour offers a rolling, street-level view of the cultural economy Black creators built and exported to the world.
Tickets Sold Out
NABJ Visual Task Force Photo Auction
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
The Visual Task Force (VTF) has invited Black photographers and photography organizations to donate prints about the African American experience. The event is open to the general public. This auction is presented by VTF as an opportunity for photographers to showcase their images to a broader audience. Since its inception, proceeds from the popular event will go directly to the NABJ Scholarship Fund.
Open to all attendees, no RSVP required.
Salute to Excellence Awards Gala
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
The awards ceremony is the only event in the United States that honors exemplary coverage of the African diaspora and Black issues exclusively. The Salute to Excellence Awards Gala highlights the work of media organizations and individuals involved in print, broadcast and online journalism, marketing and communications. Hear from our emcees, leadership, and honorees, and enjoy an elegant meal, memorable sounds, and our traditional red carpet.
Purchase tickets and register here.
Purchase tickets as a registered guest here.
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Gospel Brunch
Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
An NABJ tradition, the Gospel Brunch is one of the convention highlights. Be uplifted while feasting on a special brunch buffet and enjoying inspiring entertainment as we close out an unforgettable Convention.
Purchase tickets and register here.
Purchase tickets as a registered guest here.
Please Note: Underage drinking is not permitted at NABJ events. In addition, all convention attendees are subject to the rules of the NABJ Code of Conduct.
Important Notice: Entry to each event is on a first-come, first-served basis. You may not be able to enter some sessions because of seating capacity. We strongly encourage you to arrive early. Otherwise, you may be directed to