You can’t plan a trip to New Orleans without some time for fun! Beignets, gumbo, Sazeracs and tasty mocktails. Second lines and custom Mardi Gras beads. Find it all in this year’s official (and unofficial) party, events and networking round-up. Note: this post will be updated until the conference opens, so keep checking back.
First things first: Most official ONA19 events are free and open to all registered attendees — but special this year, nearly all events on Wednesday, Sept. 11, are also free and open to non-registered attendees and other media professionals across the region.
Some events require RSVPs for drink tickets and invitations. Unofficial events around town and the two ONA19 hotels have availability as noted.
ONA19 official events and special programming
Wednesday, Sept. 11: Community Day
9:45 a.m.–5 p.m.: ONA Local Summit 2019. Free leadership workshop for people who build communities of innovators in news. RSVP required. ONA19 registration not required.
Noon–4:50 p.m.: ONA-U: Dedicated Workshop for Journalism Students and Young Professionals. All students and young professionals are welcome to join this free pre-ONA19 event, hosted and organized by Loyola University New Orleans — lunch, portfolio reviews and networking included. RSVP required. ONA19 registration not required.
12-5 p.m.: Media Law for Journalists Workshop. Free series of sessions with a focus on the First Amendment and the Trump Administration, Libel and Invasion of Privacy and Copyright and Digital Media. RSVP required. ONA19 registration not required.
12:30–5 p.m.: Teaching Solutions Journalism: A Pre-ONA19 Educators Workshop. This hands-on, half-day workshop for college-level journalism educators will equip you with a range of tools and approaches to teach solutions journalism to your students, plus a gourmet lunch! RSVP required. ONA19 registration not required.
1–5 p.m.: Sponsored Workshop: How Any Journalist Can Earn Trust. Find concrete ways everyone in your organization can work to demonstrate credibility and earn trust every day. RSVP required. ONA19 registration not required.
3:30–5 pm: Sponsored Conversation: The Science of Trust. Join this active and informative session to workshop tools to help local news strengthen public discourse. RSVP required. ONA19 registration not required.
3:30–5 pm: #TwitterForJournalists Workshop. Join Twitter’s News and Product teams for a workshop geared towards journalists. RSVP required. ONA19 registration not required.
5:30–8 p.m.: Sponsored Welcome Session and Reception: Building a Future for Local News. Join Knight Foundation for a reception and discussion with local news innovators on how they are providing inspiration and hope for the future of news. RSVP required. This event is open to all registered attendees ONA19, regardless of pass type, as well as guests with credentials for the NLA/APME News Leadership Conference.
7–8:30 p.m.: ONA New Orleans Welcome Party. A welcome mix-and-mingle for attendees of ONA19 and members of our local digital journalism meetup group, ONA New Orleans. Join the waitlist! ONA19 registration not required.
Thursday, Sept. 12
Noon–5 p.m.: Exhibits, Lounges + Midway Open. Plus, Muck Rack headshot lounge in the 5th floor foyer and special lounges for TEGNA, Facebook Journalism Project, Microsoft News, Google News Initiative, Knight Foundation and more throughout the hotel — please check the floor maps in the conference mobile app or pick up a print copy at the registration desk. Come for the swag, tools, tech, food and cocktails. Open to all ONA19 registered attendees.
Noon–1 p.m.: Luncheon: Risk, Reputation and Identity Politics in the Newsroom. By invitation only. If spots become available, RSVP opportunity will be posted to the session page. Must have an ONA19 full conference attendee badge.
6:30–8:30 p.m.: Opening Night Reception. Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd, a 15-minute walk from both ONA19 hotels. Must have an ONA19 attendee badge or special ticket to enter (no restricted badges without a ticket). Drinks, music and appetizers and plenty of Big Easy surprises (cue the brass band!).
Friday, Sept. 14
8–9:30 a.m.: Special Event: Wake-Up Yoga Class. Capacity for this event is limited and requires an RSVP. Mats and towels will be available or feel free to bring your own. Smoothies and breakfast drinks served after the yoga session. Must have an ONA19 full conference attendee badge.
8–9:30 a.m.: Diversity Mentorship Breakfast. This event is open only to participants who were chosen based on an application process that ended in August. Must have an ONA19 full conference attendee badge.
8:30–9:30 a.m.: Breakfast: Meet the RJI Fellows. By invitation only. If spots become available, RSVP opportunity will be posted to the session page. Must have an ONA19 full conference attendee badge.
8:30-9:30: Breakfast: Local News Leaders. Invitation-only; can request to join. Must have an ONA19 full conference attendee badge.
10 a.m.–5 p.m.: Exhibits, Lounges + Midway Open. Plus, Muck Rack headshot lounge in the 5th floor foyer and special lounges for TEGNA, Facebook Journalism Project, Microsoft News, Google News Initiative, Knight Foundation and more throughout the hotel — please check the floor maps in the conference mobile app or pick up a print copy at the registration desk. Come for the swag, tools, tech, food and cocktails. Open to all ONA19 registered attendees.
10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Journalism 360 Immersive Storytelling Festival. This festival will feature both the opportunity to experience groundbreaking immersive news content and learn from the filmmakers and journalists about the decisions that went into each project. RSVP not required.
12:30–1:30 p.m.: Luncheon: How New Methods of Engagement can Create a Diverse Journalism Ecosystem that Represents All Communities. By invitation only. If spots become available, RSVP opportunity will be posted to the session page. Must have an ONA19 full conference attendee badge.
12:30–1:30 p.m.: Luncheon: Social News Gathering During the 2020 Election Cycle. By invitation only. If spots become available, RSVP opportunity will be posted to the session page. Must have an ONA19 full conference attendee badge.
1–2 p.m.: Luncheon: The Future of Journalism: Understanding Young Audiences. By invitation only. If spots become available, RSVP opportunity will be posted to the session page. Must have an ONA19 full conference attendee badge.
2:30–3:30 p.m.: Midway Speakeasy. Alley Lounge in the Napoleon Ballroom, 3rd Floor, Sheraton. Open to all ONA19 registered attendees; limited drink tickets (and specialty cocktails) so show up early and explore the Midway!
5–8 p.m.: Variety of New Orleans Walking Tours. Paid activity. Explore the host city with your fellow attendees to learn about music, architecture, the city’s unrestful spirits and more.
5:30–7 p.m.: Drinks With First Draft: Together, Now. RSVP is required for a drink ticket, but any attendee with a full conference attendee badge is welcome to join.
5:30–6:30 p.m.: ONA-U Student & Early Career Reception. RSVP is required for a drink ticket, but any attendee with a full conference attendee badge is welcome to join.
5:30–6:30 p.m.: Women’s Leadership Accelerator Reception. By invitation only. If spots become available, RSVP opportunity will be posted to the session page. Must have an ONA19 full conference attendee badge.
5:30–7:30 p.m.: Reception: The Knight Science Journalism Fellowship at MIT. Palace Cafe, 605 Canal St. (Across the street from the Sheraton). Open to ONA19 full conference badge holders, limited space. RSVP here.
Saturday, Sept. 14
10 a.m.–2 p.m.: Exhibits, Lounges + Midway Open. Special lounges for TEGNA, Facebook Journalism Project, Microsoft News, Google News Initiative, Knight Foundation and more throughout the hotel — please check the floor maps in the conference mobile app or pick up a print copy at the registration desk. Come for the swag, tools, tech, food and cocktails. Open to all ONA19 registered attendees.
1–8 p.m.: Variety of New Orleans Walking Tours. Paid activity. Explore the host city with your fellow attendees to learn about music, architecture, the city’s unrestful spirits and more.
3–4 p.m.: Sponsored Workshop: Breaking Down Revenue Growth: User Engagement and Subscription Management. Open to all attendees with full conference badge. RSVP for chance to win $500.
5–6:30 p.m.: Diversity and Inclusion Reception. RSVP is required for a drink ticket, but any attendee with a full conference attendee badge is welcome to join.
7–10 p.m.: Online Journalism Awards Banquet + Ceremony. Tickets required. Purchase via the ONA19 registration platform.
Unofficial events on site and around town
The following events are being hosted by our partners and sponsors around New Orleans, and many are open to ONA19 attendees with any badge level. This listing will be updated as more information becomes available.
Thursday, Sept. 12
12-5 p.m.: Exhibit Floor/Midway Space in Napoleon Ballroom, 3rd Floor
- International Women’s Media Foundation is hosting one-to-one digital security consultations to address threats female journalists face. Visit them at booth #208 in the Napoleon Ballroom for advice and to gather best practices tailored to your assignments. Sign up here.
- Get your hands on the latest innovations to power your reporting and newsroom flow at the Microsoft Innovations Lounge (Gallier Room, 4th floor). Everyone’s welcome, but priority is given to RSVPs, so reserve your slot at aka.ms/MicrosoftONA19!
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Free trial Wall Street Journal subscription gift cards in Wall Street Journal Lounge 2a and learn about wsj.jobs, exciting innovations with WSJ’s new Apple TV app and a family of Amazon Alexa skills WSJ is using to reach audiences on smart speakers.
- Ask Us Anything about News SEO, Trisolute News Dashboard, booth 406: For a full schedule, check the News Dashboard Facebook page.
- Fellows, alumni and partners of the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University will talk about their latest work to advance innovation and leadership in journalism. If you’re interested in applying for a JSK Fellowship, there will also be opportunities to talk with the leaders of the program. Details: http://bit.ly/JSKatONA19demos
- Viafoura and MPP Global will be running an interactive game at Booth #409 called “Be The Troll,” where attendees can test our intelligent moderation system to win a prize.
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1:30-2:30 p.m.: Meet Newsletters Editor Cory Schouten in Wall Street Journal for “The Scoop on Newsletters:”
- How we’re approaching newsletters as digital columns.
- How we’re using voice to drive trust and habit.
- The features that surprise and delight
- How we’re using strategies for development, launch of new email products
- When to sunset: Portfolio pruning for newsletters
- Elevating reader reader voices in newsletters
- 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Happy Hour with Reddit + Taboola. Taboola booth, 300. Featuring Abita beer flight tastings plus a custom Reddit themed boozy beignets (limited quantity).
6 p.m.: All ONA19 attendees are welcome to join the International Women’s Media Foundation for a drink at the Ugly Dog Saloon & BBQ, 401 Andrew Higgins Blvd. 10-15 minute walk to the Sheraton.
8–11 p.m.: SmartNews presents: An Evening With Judy Woodruff. Crescent City Brewhouse, 527 Decatur St. An evening of cocktails, food, and conversation at the French Quarter’s first microbrewery. We’ll be live-streaming the Democratic debate, followed by a speech from award-winning journalist Judy Woodruff. RSVP required.
Friday, Sept. 13
8 a.m–noon: Focus groups with Media Trust Project. Reporters and editors at small, mid-sized, metro or state-wide news organizations, niche publications or alternative/ethnic media as part of research about how to build trust with audiences. $50 Amazon gift card for participants. Contact: robinson4@wisc.edu.
10–5 p.m.: Exhibit Floor/Midway Space in Napoleon Ballroom, 3rd Floor
- The International Women’s Media Foundation is hosting one-to-one digital security consultations geared to the threats female journalists face. Visit them at booth #208 in the Napoleon Ballroom for advice and to gather best practices tailored to your assignments. Sign up here.
- Get your hands on the latest innovations to power your reporting and newsroom flow at the Microsoft Innovations Lounge (Gallier Room, 4th floor). Everyone’s welcome, but priority is given to RSVPs, so reserve your slot at aka.ms/MicrosoftONA19!
- Free trial Wall Street Journal subscription gift cards in Wall Street Journal Lounge 2a and learn about wsj.jobs, exciting innovations with WSJ’s new Apple TV app and a family of Amazon Alexa skills WSJ is using to reach audiences on smart speakers.
- Ask Us Anything about News SEO, Trisolute News Dashboard, booth 406: For a full schedule, check the News Dashboard Facebook page.
- Fellows, alumni and partners of the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University will talk about their latest work to advance innovation and leadership in journalism. If you’re interested in applying for a JSK Fellowship, there will also be opportunities to talk with the leaders of the program. Details: http://bit.ly/JSKatONA19demos
- Viafoura and MPP Global will be running an interactive game at Booth #409 called “Be The Troll,” where attendees can test our intelligent moderation system to win a prize.
- 12:30-2:30 p.m.: CNN Newsource will host an talk on digital video tips (What makes a digital video “must-see”) at booth #401, led by Jacque Smith, CNN Digital Supervising Producer & ONA Women’s Leadership Accelerator Class of 2019. Drop-ins welcome.
- 12:45 – 1:15: Capt. Minnie Mouse available for photos in the Disney lounge, 6a
- 1:30-2:30 p.m: Meet Newsletters Editor Cory Schouten in Wall Street Journal Lounge 2a for “The Scoop on Newsletters.”
- 1:45-2:30: Capt. Minnie Mouse available for photos in the Disney lounge, 6a
- 3-5 p.m.: Taboola Beignet Bar. Taboola booth, 300. Come discover a new take on the New Orleans classic…boozy beignets! Custom infused beignets include Traditional, Rumchata, Strawberry Bourbon & Chocolate Bourbon (limited quantity)
- 3-3:30: Capt. Minnie Mouse available for photos in the Disney lounge, 6a
- 4-4:30: Capt. Minnie Mouse available for photos in the Disney lounge, 6a
1:30–3p.m.: Learn about mental health journalism and The Rosalynn Carter Fellowships. Palace Café (across the street from the Sheraton). RSVPs are now closed.
6–9 p.m.: Google Party. Riverview Room, 600 Decatur St. (10 minute walk from ONA19 hotels). RSVP required. Space is limited.
Saturday, Sept. 14
10–2 p.m.: Exhibit Floor/Midway Space in Napoleon Ballroom, 3rd Floor
- Free trial Wall Street Journal subscription gift cards in Wall Street Journal Lounge 2a and learn about wsj.jobs, exciting innovations with WSJ’s new Apple TV app and a family of Amazon Alexa skills WSJ is using to reach audiences on smart speakers.
- Get your hands on the latest innovations to power your reporting and newsroom flow at the Microsoft Innovations Lounge (Gallier Room, 4th floor). Everyone’s welcome, but priority is given to RSVPs, so reserve your slot at aka.ms/MicrosoftONA19!
- Visit the Disney booth in Napoleon (6a) and take a photo or have a lightsaber at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge