The News Media Industry
Convenes in Washington.
For the first time, America's Newspapers and the News/Media Alliance are joining forces in the nation's capital — bringing together the industry's senior leaders, family owners, and advocates for four days of strategy, collaboration, and direct engagement on Capitol Hill.
Stronger Together. Stronger in Washington.
America's Newspapers and the News/Media Alliance are combining the strategic depth of the Senior Leadership Conference with the advocacy power of the Annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In — giving members of both organizations one expanded, integrated experience. Attendees retain access to the core elements of each event, with new opportunities for joint sessions and cross-industry connection.
Three Meetings — One Voice
Each gathering serves a defined audience and purpose. Members of both America's Newspapers and the News/Media Alliance are welcome to register for any meeting for which they meet attendance requirements. Hover over each card to learn more.
Family Owners Conference
America's Newspapers For Owners, Boards & Executive LeadershipBuilt for Ownership Groups, Boards & Executive Leadership
- Multi-paper and multi-generational ownership groups
- Senior executives and involved board members
- Family members in governance or long-term planning
- Succession, structure & strategy
- Valuation & growth in today's market
- Governance and operational innovation
Senior Leadership Conference
America's Newspapers For Senior-Level Decision-MakersThe Premier Gathering for Newspaper Executives
- Publishers, presidents and CEOs
- Senior-level decision-makers
- Executive teams shaping the future of local news
- Growth strategies and new business models
- Innovation, AI and product development
- Audience and revenue strategies
- Industry policy and the path forward
News/Media Alliance Fly-In
News/Media Alliance For Publishers & Industry AdvocatesDirect Advocacy on Capitol Hill
- Briefings on the legislative landscape
- Meetings with Members of Congress and staff
- Coordinated messaging on industry priorities
- Support Journalism Awards Dinner honoring lawmakers
- Publishers and senior leaders
- Industry advocates and government affairs leads
Why It Matters
"This joint event underscores the power of alignment among the news industry's leading associations. By uniting our Senior Leadership Conference with a coordinated advocacy effort in Washington, we are elevating our collective voice and reinforcing the essential role of trusted journalism at a critical time for our industry."
"At a time when the news media industry needs strong, integrated leadership more than ever, we're excited to be partnering with America's Newspapers to expand our Fly-In's reach. Our industry is stronger together, better united."
At a Glance
Times and program elements are tentative and subject to change. A full agenda will be released as the program is finalized.
News/Media Alliance & America's Newspapers
Fly-In sessions begin for participants
Open to SLC and Fly-In registrants
America's Newspapers & News/Media Alliance
All times Eastern. Schedule subject to change.
Everything You Need to Know.
A coordinated week of meetings combining four programs. Here's how it works, who should attend, and what to expect.
01Why are the two organizations holding a joint meeting?
The News Media Alliance Fly-In and Support Journalism Awards Dinner and the America's Newspapers Senior Leadership Conference were originally scheduled as separate events in Washington, D.C., in September. Recognizing the opportunity to bring together leaders from across the news media industry, the organizations decided to coordinate their meetings to encourage greater collaboration, stronger networking opportunities, and broader industry engagement.
02What type of meeting is this?
This collaborative event combines four programs into one coordinated week of meetings and events:
- The News Media Alliance Fly-In — legislative meetings with members of Congress and policymakers on issues affecting the news media industry.
- The News Media Alliance Support Journalism Awards Dinner — recognizing policymakers who have demonstrated leadership in support of journalism and local news.
- The America's Newspapers Family Owners Meeting — programming specifically designed for family-owned news organizations and ownership leadership.
- The America's Newspapers Senior Leadership Conference — executive-level programming focused on business strategy, operations, and industry trends.
03Who should attend?
The event is designed for publishers, owners, senior executives, and other leadership-level professionals from news media organizations.
04Can non-members attend?
No. Attendance is limited to members of either the News Media Alliance or America's Newspapers. Organizations interested in participating are encouraged to inquire about membership opportunities.
05When should attendees plan to arrive and depart?
The Family Owners Meeting begins at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, and concludes following lunch on Monday.
The News Media Alliance Support Journalism Awards Dinner will be held Monday evening, September 28.
The News Media Alliance Fly-In takes place Tuesday, September 29.
The America's Newspapers Senior Leadership Conference runs concurrently with portions of the Fly-In on Tuesday, September 29, and continues Wednesday morning, September 30, concluding at noon.
Attendees should plan travel based on the specific programs they intend to attend.
06Should I participate in the Fly-In or attend the Senior Leadership Conference on Tuesday?
Meeting directly with members of Congress and their staff is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate the importance of local journalism and advocate for the industry. Attendees are strongly encouraged to participate in the Fly-In if possible.
However, attendees who prefer not to participate in legislative meetings — or who have only one or two scheduled meetings on Capitol Hill — are welcome to attend their meetings and then return to participate in the Senior Leadership Conference programming Tuesday afternoon.
07If I register for one event, can I attend the other events?
Separate registrations are required for the Fly-In, the Family Owners Meeting, and the Senior Leadership Conference.
Registration for both the Fly-In and the Senior Leadership Conference includes access to the Monday evening reception and Support Journalism Awards Dinner.
The News Media Alliance is managing registration for the Fly-In, while America's Newspapers is managing registration for the Family Owners Meeting and Senior Leadership Conference.
08What is the recommended dress code?
Business attire is recommended for all meetings, legislative visits, receptions, and dinners.
09What topics will be covered during the conference?
Programming will focus on key issues shaping the news media industry, including artificial intelligence, business operations, industry innovation, public policy, and the evolving regulatory and legislative environment.
Additional speakers and a detailed agenda will be announced in advance of the meeting.
10What areas of the business will the meeting address?
Conference programming will primarily focus on the business and operational side of the news media industry, including leadership strategy, revenue and sustainability, technology, legal and regulatory developments, and industry advocacy.
11Will attendees hear directly from policymakers or regulators?
Yes. Wednesday's programming is expected to include presentations and discussions with policymakers and congressional leaders focused on issues impacting journalism and local news.
12What networking opportunities will be available?
The event includes several opportunities for networking and informal peer engagement, including:
- A Family Owners reception and dinner on Monday evening
- The Support Journalism Awards reception and dinner on Monday evening for Fly-In and Senior Leadership Conference attendees
- A networking reception Tuesday evening
- Informal after-hours gatherings Monday and Tuesday from 9 – 10:30 pm
13Where will the meetings be held?
All conference events will take place at the Washington Marriott Georgetown, 1221 22nd Street NW, Washington, D.C., except for legislative meetings, which will occur on Capitol Hill.
The closest airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, approximately 15 minutes from the hotel. Washington Dulles International Airport is also a convenient option, located approximately 45 minutes away depending on traffic.
14Are sponsorship opportunities available?
Yes. Organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Patty Slusher at [email protected].
In the Middle of Everything.
The Washington Marriott Georgetown sits in D.C.'s vibrant West End — between Foggy Bottom and Dupont Circle, with Georgetown a short walk west and downtown a short walk east. You're minutes from the Kennedy Center, the White House, and Embassy Row, and steps from Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro for everything beyond. Walking to dinner, catching the train to Capitol Hill, or grabbing a rideshare to Reagan National — you're connected to all of it.
- 0.3 miles to Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro
- Walking distance to Georgetown
- ~1 mile to the White House
- ~1 mile to the Kennedy Center
- ~2 miles to Capitol Hill / National Mall
- 5 miles to Reagan National (DCA)
Be Among the First to Know.
Get Updates on D.C. 2026
Tell us you're interested and we'll be in touch with full program details, registration links, and travel information as they're finalized.
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Sponsorships Available
Connect your brand with the news industry's most influential leaders. Contact Patty Slusher for sponsorship details and opportunities.