NAHJ charts new territory with 2026 New Orleans conference
Even as National Association of Hispanic Journalists members kicked off celebrations this week in Chicago, many are already buzzing about next year’s conference location.
NAHJ will hold its annual 2026 conference and expo in New Orleans, which represents a break from past selections. Next year will also be the first time the organization in its 41-year history has hosted its conference in the city.
In the past, NAHJ has held conferences in cities with large Latino populations, such as Los Angeles, Miami and Las Vegas. Latinos make up only 8.6% of New Orleans’ population, according to a July 2024 U.S. Census Bureau report.
The organization also announced it will hold its 2027 conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the 2028 conference in Houston, Texas.
Executive Director Yaneth Guillen-Diaz said during a Tuesday news conference that selecting a host city involves an extensive evaluation that weighs financial costs and member impact.
The organization selected New Orleans because of a growing Latino community that’s small, but vibrant, she said. The city also is located somewhat-centrally and should be less costly for members, she said.
“Trying to have the conference in the middle of the country financially benefits the organization, its members and, especially, students,” Guillen-Diaz said.
Even within Louisiana, the announcement caught some by surprise.
NAHJ Louisiana chapter president Diane Schnell said NAHJ’s presence in New Orleans is still new. Her chapter started in December, but she’s excited to show off the city.
“When I first heard, I was shocked,” Schnell said.
Schnell said the New Orleans conference will also help unite Latino journalists in Louisiana who might feel isolated from the organization. While the Latino population has grown, Latino representation in local media remains sparse, she said.
Her chapter has less than 20 members, although Schnell wants to launch a student chapter at Loyola University New Orleans, Louisiana State University, and Southeastern Louisiana University.
During the news conference, NAHJ national president Dunia Elvir encouraged members to embrace the spirit of each host city.
“The more diverse, the more different (the conference) looks from the previous one, the better,” Elvir said. “As journalists we may want to go to the places that look the most different from where we are working at because that’s where we are gonna learn.”
For many NAHJ members, New Orleans holds promise as both a cultural and practical choice. Many are excited to explore the city, learn about the lively culture, and try the city’s famous cuisine.
“In New Orleans, there’s no shortage of things to do,” said Arizona radio journalist Al Macias, who has attended more than half a dozen conferences over his 20 years with NAHJ. “The conference is always the priority, but it’s great when the host city offers something to experience beyond the hotel.”
Still, some worry about the cost to members at a conference far away from higher concentrations of members.
Anthony Bautista, a California member attending his fourth conference since joining in 2022, said planning his trip to New Orleans will require more planning.
“I would say for most people, if it’s not local to them, it’s a lot harder,” Bautista said. “I couldn’t afford the full registration this year, and I was only able to come because the Sports Task Force offered free registration. Plane tickets and hotels are huge expenses.”
Araceli Ramirez is a recent journalism graduate from Columbia College Chicago. She is a freelance reporter in Chicago and has worked with local nonprofit The Alliance 98 and aspires to be a local news reporter. Reach her at byaraceliramirez [at] gmail [dot] com or on Instagram @byaraceliramirez.
