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

Get excited: ONA23 is happening Aug. 23–26 in Philadelphia and Sept. 28-29 online. Our host venue in August is the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown, close to some of Philadelphia’s best dining options and historic sites.

With community input, we are designing two types of programming. In August, ONA23: Philadelphia will focus on interactivity and conversational learning. For a more lean-back experience, ONA23: Onward on Sept. 28-29 will focus on sharing the biggest ideas in digital journalism, and will be designed specifically for online participants. Beyond the great conference sessions and networking events, our gathering in Philadelphia will conclude with the 2023 Online Journalism Awards Ceremony (#OJA23), a celebration of the world’s best work in digital journalism from the past year.

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.

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.