Tentative schedule | Spring 2026 JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention

Please note that this schedule overview subject to change. More details will be provided as the event approaches.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Full-day preconvention workshops

8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
JEA board meeting

8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. OR 1 to 5 p.m.
Half-day preconvention workshops

1 to 7 p.m.
Convention check-in & trade show open
(Desks for JEA National Student Media Contests and NSPA Best of Show open)

6 to 6:30 p.m.
First-time attendee orientation for advisers

7 to 9 p.m.
Opening ceremony & awards
Keynote speaker
NSPA Pacemaker finalists for Innovation, Literary Arts Magazine, Online and Yearbook

9 to 10 p.m.
Adviser kickoff reception

Hotel quiet hours 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Adviser lounge

7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Convention check-in

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Trade show

8 a.m.
JEA membership meeting

8 a.m.
Several JEA NSMC broadcast contests begin

8 to 10:30 a.m.
JEA NSMC contest desk open

8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Breakout sessions

9 and 10 a.m.
Break with a Pro

Noon
NSPA Best of Show deadline

6 p.m.
JEA NSMC judging and dinner

8 to 10 p.m.
Student entertainment

Hotel quiet hours 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

7:30 a.m. to noon
Adviser lounge

8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Breakout sessions

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Convention check-in

Hotel quiet hours 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.