Journalism is constantly evolving, and journalism events are where that change becomes visible. From learning new tools to questioning power and purpose, this calendar maps the global events shaping journalism in 2026.
Find conferences by subject area
If journalism thrives on curiosity, collaboration, and constant reinvention, then journalism events are where that energy comes alive. Every year, journalists gather around the world to exchange tools, question norms, and imagine what comes next.
We mapped key journalism events globally, organized not by date or location, but by subject matter.
Aligned with the stages of a journalist’s professional journey — from learning and experimentation to leadership and reflection — this calendar reflects how journalism actually unfolds: purposeful, evolving, and rarely linear.
📌 How to use this calendar
This calendar is for you if you are:
- a journalist planning training, networking or inspiration beyond your newsroom
- a student or early-career reporter exploring where the field is heading
Use it to:
- match events to your role and interests
- identify communities worth investing time in
- plan learning across the year
🔖 Bookmark this page. We’ll revisit and update it throughout 2026.
Data, investigations & accountability journalism
For reporters, editors and researchers working on investigations, cross-border collaborations and public-interest journalism.
NICAR 2026 — Indianapolis, USA | March 5–8
The global reference point for data journalism, computational reporting and newsroom tools.
Data literacy is no longer a niche skill. NICAR consistently sets the standards for data journalism skills that increasingly shape investigative work worldwide.
Early bird registration closes on January 22.
Reva & David Logan Symposium on Investigative Reporting — Berkeley, USA | May 1-3
A high-level meeting point for investigative journalism, academia and editorial leadership.
This is where investigative journalism reflects on itself, its impact, ethics and future.
Dataharvest 2026 — Mechelen, Belgium | May 28–31
Europe’s flagship investigative journalism conference, built around collaboration and practical knowledge-sharing. This year, it will also host Climate Arena 2026.
Many cross-border investigations we admire start with conversations at Dataharvest.
Journalists can apply for participation grants until February 2, while those looking for deeper skill-building can join full-day masterclasses taking place before the conference.
ARIJ Annual Forum 2026 — To be announced
A cornerstone event for investigative journalists in the Arab world, with strong international participation and a focus on accountability reporting.
ARIJ plays a vital role in strengthening accountability journalism across regions under pressure.
Media innovation, strategy & the future of news
For newsroom leaders, product teams, audience strategists, and media executives navigating structural change.
INMA World Congress 2026 — Berlin, Germany | May 4–8
One of the most influential gatherings for news media leadership, focusing on audience growth, revenue models, newsroom transformation and strategy.
INMA events are especially valuable for understanding how innovation translates into sustainable practice.
IPI Media Innovation Festival — Vienna, Austria | May 6–7
Highly practical and workshop-oriented. Best for publishers and editors experimenting with AI, workflows, distribution and business development.
We value IPI’s emphasis on peer-to-peer learning and tangible newsroom experiments.
Sruthi Gottipati, Founder and CEO, Spot On
Emmanuel Chenze, CEO, Africa Uncensored
Alice Cappelle, Video Journalist, MDK Productions
Moderated by: Tessa Pang, Impact Editor, Lighthouse Reports
WAN-IFRA World News Media Congress — Marseille, France | June 1–3
A global forum addressing trust, freedom of the press, business sustainability and emerging risks for news organizations.
WAN-IFRA remains one of the few truly global spaces where journalism’s economic and democratic challenges meet.
INMA Media Innovation Week — Madrid, Spain | September 21–25
A deep dive into European best practices, combining conference sessions with newsroom and tech company visits. Perfect for decision-makers and innovation leads.
The mix of case studies and on-the-ground visits makes it especially useful for those responsible for turning strategy into action.
A preliminary conference agenda is already out. Check it here
b° future festival — Bonn, Germany | October 1–3
A forward-looking festival at the intersection of journalism, technology and democracy.
It’s perfect for anyone looking to understand the broader impact of technology, ethics, and innovation on the media landscape.
The programme is shaped via an open call for participation. Submissions close on April 30.
AI, technology & emerging tools
FOR journalists exploring how technology reshapes reporting, production, and distribution.
NAB Show 2026 — Las Vegas, USA | April 6–9
The world’s largest media technology expo. Ideal for those working at the intersection of journalism, broadcasting, video, and emerging production tools.
Overwhelming by design, but invaluable if you want to understand where media technology is heading.
Hacks/Hackers AI x Journalism Summit 2026 — Baltimore, USA | May 13-14
A space where journalists and technologists meet to question, test, and rethink AI in journalism.
It gives enough time to actually talk through what works, what doesn’t, and what still feels unresolved when it comes to AI.
Nordic AI in Media Summit — Copenhagen, Denmark | May 27–28
A focused space for understanding how AI is already transforming media — from automation and ethics to newsroom integration.
This summit stands out for treating AI as a journalistic responsibility, and not just a productivity tool.
Storytelling, video & podcasts
For journalists, creators and producers working with narrative formats beyond text.
The Podcast Show 2026 — London, UK | May 20–21
The global meeting point for the podcast industry, from independent creators to major platforms.
Podcasts remain one of journalism’s most resilient formats, and this event shows why.
Lowest rates apply through January 30.
ZEG Storytelling Festival — Tbilisi, Georgia | June 19–21
A vibrant festival celebrating narrative journalism, long-form storytelling and creative experimentation.
ZEG proves that powerful storytelling communities thrive beyond traditional media hubs.
An open call for pitches offers selected ideas a place in the official programme. Deadline: February 1
Global media, policy & democracy
For journalists engaging with geopolitics, policy, culture and the role of media in democratic societies.
International Journalism Festival — Perugia, Italy | April 15–18
Europe’s largest open journalism festival — free, diverse and ideal for journalists at all stages.
IJF is one of the few spaces where students, freelancers and editors truly mix on equal footing.
Alexandra Buccianti (Principal Global Programmes, Luminate)
Carlos Gaio (Chief Executive Officer, Media Defence)
Karen Hao (Journalist and Writer)
Fisayo Soyombo (Founder and Director, Foundation for Investigative Journalism)
Moderated by: Alexandra Buccianti
DW Global Media Forum — Bonn, Germany | June 23–24
Brings together media professionals, policymakers and civil society to discuss global challenges and press freedom.
A crucial bridge between media professionals and decision-makers.
Trust Conference | November 4–5
For journalists interested in human rights, democracy, sustainability and cross-sector dialogue.
Trust is not abstract. This conference focuses on policy, practice and impact.
Not every event is for everyone, and that’s the point. Be intentional about where you invest your time: look for learning depth, meaningful connections, and communities that align with your work.
We hope to see you somewhere along the way.
