Opening Night
Hosted by
Custom cocktails and mocktails, and a few fun surprises to kick off the week.
AfterHours SLC — A Washington Speakeasy
Senior Leadership Conference & Family Owners · Washington, D.C.
The sessions end. The conversation doesn't. Two private evenings for SLC and Family Owners attendees, off the record and off the clock.
- Monday & Tuesday, Sept. 28–29
- Registered attendees only
- Lobby floor · find the secret entrance
The Conversation Continues
Where the day's best ideas get a second round.
SLC and Family Owners attendees are invited to AfterHours SLC, a private evening gathering built for relaxed conversation and real connection with industry peers.
No panels. No slides. Custom cocktails and mocktails, a room full of people who run local newspapers, and a few surprises each night.
Catch up with longtime colleagues. Meet the people you've only traded emails with. Talk shop with the ones who understand the job.
Two Nights, Two Hosts
Monday Night · Sept. 28
Tuesday Night · Sept. 29
Hosted by the companies that keep local newspapers running.
Make It Free hosts Monday night. Payway and TCN host Tuesday. Their support puts the drinks in your hand and the room at your disposal, so the day's conversations can keep going.
Closing Night
Hosted by
One more round before everyone heads home. Same room, new surprises.
A Washington Tradition
This town has always done its real work after hours.
Washington has a long history of reporters and public officials meeting after hours, away from the formal settings of newsrooms, hearing rooms and conference tables, to exchange ideas, compare notes and build relationships.
AfterHours SLC draws from that tradition: a private setting for conference attendees, with a speakeasy theme to set the mood.
No Agenda. No Password Required.
Just good company, and the people who get it.
It's simply an opportunity to catch up with longtime colleagues, meet new people and spend time with others who understand the opportunities and challenges facing local newspapers.
WhoRegistered Senior Leadership Conference and Family Owners Conference attendees
WhenMonday, Sept. 28 and Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026 · evenings following the conference program
WhereLobby floor of the conference hotel. Look for the secret entrance.
What's PouredCustom cocktails and mocktails, hosted by Make It Free (Monday) and Payway and TCN (Tuesday)
DressCome as you are. Speakeasy flair welcome, never required.
AfterHours SLC is hosted by
America's Newspapers · 2026 Senior Leadership Conference & Family Owners Conference · Washington, D.C. · September 27–30, 2026