Description
The Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) is accepting session program proposals through Feb. 20, 2026. In addition to breakout sessions, sponsors may propose an exclusive plenary session, which would be available to all attendees.
The Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront will be the venue for the 2026 Indigenous Media Conference, July 22-24 in Portland, OR on the traditional lands of the Multnomah, Wasco, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Chinook, Tualatin,Kalapuya, Molalla, and present-day Grande Ronde, Siletz, and Cowlitz.
Opening night reception will be held at The Redd on Salmon Street Wednesday, July 22 and the Indigenous Media Awards banquet will be Friday, July 24.
Conference registration will open in March 2026 with discounted early-bird rates for current members.
Requirements
IMC2026 Session Proposal Form - Deadline Feb. 20, 2026
The Indigenous Journalists Association is now accepting session proposals for the 2026 Indigenous Media Conference at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront, July 22-24, 2026.
IJA will facilitate conference programs for best practices in Indigenous media that provide training and workshops to support and enhance the knowledge and skills of journalists covering Indigenous communities.
To submit a conference proposal, please review the information below, agree to the terms and submit the form by the deadline, Feb. 20, 2026.
For branding and sponsorship opportunities, sponsored sessions or questions about the 2026 Indigenous Media Expo, contact Shirley LaCourse Jaramillo at: fdd@indigenousjournalists.org.
Program Proposals
IJA seeks program proposals that are informative, educational and training-based. The IJA Conference Planning Committee seeks sessions led by Indigenous journalists teaching in-depth skills and sharing new insights on covering Indigenous communities. Proposals that explore data of Indigenous populations are also encouraged.
Specific topic areas of interest include: Federal response, data reporting, newspaper layout, revenue and merchandise building, freelancing, A.I., burnout/mental health, digital security, social media, news consumption, pitching and press freedom in Indigenous communities. This is not an exhaustive list so if you have an idea that's not listed here we encourage you to submit a proposal for consideration.
How Proposals Are Reviewed
IJA volunteers and staff on the programming committee review program proposals based on originality, relevance, design, learning objectives, knowledge and experience/qualifications of trainers, and variety of programming overall. Thorough proposals with as much detailed information as possible will stand a better chance of being accepted. IJA may also consider proposals with regional focus for additional programming throughout the year.
IJA will determine the date and time that programs are presented. Producers whose sessions are accepted will have the opportunity to indicate preferred dates and times, but should prepare sessions that could be presented on any of the conference’s three days.
If you would like to join the conference planning committee, email Shirley LaCourse Jaramillo at fdd@indigenousjournalists.org.
Duties of Session Producer
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Please do not submit a session proposal if you cannot fulfill the following duties of producer. The producer does not have to be a speaker/presenter at the conference (but they can be). If your proposal is accepted, the person submitting the proposal (the producer) shall agree to the following:
— Serve as the liaison between IJA, event staff, volunteers and all session participants
— Select, notify and communicate with all speakers / presenters on the panel or workshop
— Report any changes in speaker lineup, availability or content to IJA immediately
— Execute the proposed session in coordination with all assigned deadlines
— Ensure all speakers are registered for the conference in accordance with the stated deadlines (see speaker expenses)
— Acknowledge that the failure to respond in a timely manner (3 business days) to IJA staff communications regarding the proposed program may result in the forfeiture or replacement of the session.
Speaker Expenses*
IJA is not able to provide honoraria for speakers / presenters at the conference. All speakers and presenters are responsible for covering all their travel and lodging reservations and expenses, in addition to all applicable conference registration fees. The only exception to the required registration fee is a speaker who is only attending their session. IJA will provide a session-only speaker registration at no cost, however, no meals or special events are included with this registration type.
