About ONA23

About ONA23

The Online News Association’s annual conference gathers the world’s most engaging minds in digital media for an unparalleled blend of learning, networking and inspiration. Dozens of workshops and interactive panels deliver best practices and the latest trends in five areas:

  • Audience development and metrics
  • Emerging technology
  • Innovative news storytelling
  • Leadership development
  • Revenue models, including content and product strategy

NEW THIS YEAR: Based on feedback from last year’s conference, we are splitting ONA23 into in-person and virtual events.

ONA23: Philadelphia will take place Aug. 23-26. It’s a dynamic event, and we’re widely known for having an energetic, inclusive and thoughtful community. We work to build connections between new and seasoned attendees. Keynotes and sponsored sessions will be live streamed and archived, but the primary focus will be on delivering the best possible in-person experience. A pass for ONA23: Philadelphia will also be valid for ONA23: Onward (more below). The Online Journalism Awards banquet will close out the event on Saturday, Aug. 26 with a separate ticket that you can purchase when you register.

ONA23: Onward is a new, virtual event Sept. 28-29 focused on relaxing and listening to timely conversations affecting newsrooms everywhere. By making this a separate event, we can focus on better-quality production and engagement with you. Passes for this event are included for those joining us at ONA23: Philadelphia, or can be purchased separately.

Who attends ONA’s annual conference

ONA’s conferences provide a platform to learn, connect and contribute to shaping the future of digital journalism. Attendees represent news outlets from across the globe, local news startups, technology companies, universities and the broader ecosystem of journalism support organizations.

Journalists

Technologists

Media executives

Entrepreneurs

Journalism funders

Changemakers

Educators

Students

History

The Online News Association was founded in 1999 as a forum for digital news pioneers to collaborate on common challenges and encourage the practice of the highest journalistic standards. The first ONA conference was held in December 2000.

For over 20 years, the learning, community building and ideas generated at ONA’s annual conference have transformed the industry. ONA has featured conversations with legendary broadcast journalist María Elena Salinas, Rappler CEO and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa, technologist An Xiao Mina, Define American founder Jose Antonio Vargas, investigative journalists Nikole Hannah-Jones and John Carreyrou, comedian Francesca Fiorentini, technology scholar danah boyd and many others. The conference inspired the launch of initiatives like LA NACION Data and MediaVax, and has showcased innovative projects such as Aftermath VR: Euromaidan, Election SOS and the FinCEN Files.

ONA’s conference has also provided training and mentorship to thousands of journalism students and early-career journalists, many of whom have gone on to establish meaningful and influential careers in the industry.

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Accessibility

Accessibility is a major consideration in all ONA programs and events. For ONA23, we’ve compiled information about what to expect in terms of accessibility on site and online. We will continue to update the page leading up to the conference as we learn more about our capabilities. We also engage with attendees individually about any requests during the registration process.

Code of Conduct

We aim to create a friendly, vibrant learning environment for all. Conference attendees, sponsors, vendors, speakers, volunteers, ONA staff and others participating in the event are expected to adhere to our Code of Conduct.

Beyond the conference

For regular updates about ONA programs year-round and resources to improve your journalism work, subscribe to the ONA Weekly newsletter.