Gathering safely at a critical moment

As you make plans to join us in Chicago for ONA26 from March 30-April 1, we want to be clear about two things: This is a critical moment for press freedom, and your safety and well-being are paramount to us.

Our community has always come together in moments of uncertainty — to support each other, to share knowledge and to strengthen journalism. We believe it is more important than ever to gather, learn and stand in community, and we are taking our responsibility to do so safely very seriously.

We are in close, ongoing communication with our host hotel, the Hilton Chicago, and are monitoring local conditions closely. As part of that planning, we will have additional security measures and protections in place throughout ONA26.

As with each year’s annual conference, ONA has a comprehensive safety plan that accounts for a range of scenarios and contingencies, with the goal of ensuring a smooth, welcoming and safe experience for everyone attending the conference.

If you have questions or concerns, please review our FAQ or reach out to us directly at support@journalists.org. 

We look forward to welcoming you to Chicago next month, and to coming together at a moment when connection and collaboration matter deeply.