ASJA Conference April 20-24, 2026 – Your Blueprint for Navigating the Future

Following ASJA’s pattern of alternating in-person and virtual conferences to best meet the needs of our diverse membership, we are pleased to announce the next annual conference will be held virtually April 20-22, 2026, followed by Client Connections April 23-24, 2026.

The theme of the conference is “The Freelancers’ Blueprint — Navigating a Shifting Landscape.”

Recent times have seen many changes in the publishing industry, but good writing is just as relevant as ever. Writers who continue to learn new skills and seek out new areas of opportunity are well-positioned to grow their businesses, even as the landscape continues to shift.

The compelling programming we’re putting together for the 2026 conference is your blueprint to figuring out how to navigate that landscape, whether you are new to freelancing or are more established in your career, and whether you work as an independent journalist, nonfiction author, content writer, or ghostwriter.

ASJA virtual gatherings have been praised for their accessibility, affordability, and convenience, while also offering important networking opportunities.

Professional members who attend have the opportunity to participate in an online version of ASJA’s signature Client Connections networking event, affectionately known as “speed dating for editors and writers.” 

Watch for information about early bird registration, which opens in December.

Seeking ASJA 2026 Conference Session Proposals

Do you have career-altering tips, new information about changes in the industry, or are you excited about an under-served niche that you want to share with other writers? Are you interested in using your skills to find experts on a new-to-you topic that you can learn about alongside other members?

ASJA is seeking proposals for sessions to inspire, motivate, and empower professional, independent non-fiction writers at our 2026 virtual conference. This three-day event will feature 50-minute sessions in three writing-related tracks: books, content marketing writing, and journalism. The 2026 virtual conference will emphasize insights from experts everywhere, interactive presentations, and making connections with editors and others who assign work to freelancers. To share your ideas, fill out this 2026 conference session proposal form.

To increase the likelihood the proposal for the session you want to run is accepted, keep the following in mind when filling out the form:

• Offer real value. Whether a session covers aspects of pitching, writing, time management, running a freelance business, or timely freelance issues or trends, attendees should leave with information or ideas they can act on immediately.

• Appeal to a diverse group. Proposals should take into consideration the breadth of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) for freelance writers, the subjects they cover, sources they talk to, and teams they collaborate with. We are likewise interested in proposals for sessions with editors or others who assign freelance work; speakers who are not ASJA members, and ASJA members who haven’t presented at an ASJA conference recently.

• Be specific. Explain what a session will cover, how the material will be presented (interactive workshop, small-group discussions, etc.), and how writers would benefit. Include names of all potential presenters, including yourself, and their area of expertise.

• Make it interactive, and fun! We are looking for expert-led sessions that make full use of online platforms’ interactive capabilities vs. presenting information in a standard panel format.

• Be willing to do much of the planning for the session.  You will have the support of the committee and track chair(s), but will be expected to solicit and confirm speakers and act as moderator or find another member to do so. (Feel free to talk through general ideas with other ASJA members or on the Facebook page to gauge interest and fine-tune your thoughts.)

The conference committee will review all proposals and develop programming that meets the needs of ASJA members and other professional freelance writers. The deadline for submitting session proposals is Oct. 15.

Stay abreast of upcoming news about the 2026 conference, as well as information on other ASJA events, educational programs, networking opportunities, and member benefits by subscribing to the ASJA Weekly newsletter, and reading the ASJA Confidential blog.

**

Kimberly Yavorski is a Philadelphia area freelance journalist, content marketing writer, and lifelong learner who will always say yes to time in the woods or on the water. She and Jennifer Billock are 2026 ASJA virtual conference co-chairs.