2026 ASJA Conference

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Virtual Conference: April 20-22, 2026 • Client Connections: April 23-24, 2026

The ASJA 2026 Virtual conference, Freelancers’ Blueprint: Navigating a Shifting Landscape will be held April 20-24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST.

All conference registrants will have access to all programming: keynote talks, 36 informative sessions (12 each in three tracks—books, content marketing writing, and journalism) plus opportunities for informal networking. Attendees who cannot attend live will have access to all recordings for a limited time.

ASJA professional members can choose to add on Client Connections, the organization’s signature networking event, where top-tier digital and print editors, content marketing agencies and literary agents meet with ASJA professional members looking to forge new working relationships and land freelance assignments. In 2026, both the conference and Client Connections will take place online, a format that allows the maximum number of ASJA members to participate. Registration for Client Connections 2026 will begin Dec. 1 and continue through April 12. More information can be found here.

Conference Registration Fees

The 2026 ASJA conference takes place virtually. Fees are as follows:

  • Extra Early Bird rate, available Dec. 1 to 15 (extended to Dec. 19): $199 for ASJA members only
  • Early Bird rate, available Dec. 20 to Feb. 15: $259 for members, and $329 for nonmembers
  • Regular rate, available Feb. 16 to April 5: $309 for members, and $379 for nonmembers
  • Late registration, available after April 6: $329 for members, and $399 for nonmembers
  • Client Connections: $79 bundled with 2026 conference registration, $139 Client Connections only

Members at all levels–including professional, associate or retired–must renew their membership for 2026 in order to be eligible for the extra early bird, early bird, or any other ASJA member rate.

Register here

Keynote Speakers

  • Jayde Powell, social media strategist and founder of The Em Dash Co.
  • Ilyce Glink, journalist, nationally-syndicated columnist, radio host, entrepreneur, and author of more than a dozen books on personal finance and real estate.
  • Tina Roth Eisenberg, founder and CEO of Creative Mornings breakfast lecture series and design salon for creatives

Learn more about each conference track   Read conference-related blog posts

Scholarships are available

ASJA will offer 12 scholarships that will cover the entire fee for the conference, two for ASJA members and 10 for nonmembers. Offering scholarships is one way that ASJA supports diversity, equity, access, and inclusion, ensuring that all writers—including those from marginalized groups—have the opportunity to benefit from the organization’s invaluable workshops and supportive professional networking. Beyond the sessions, scholarship recipients gain access to a community of established writers who become mentors, collaborators, and supporters of their work. This network is essential for writers building sustainable careers. Conference scholarship applications are due on February 20 and can be accessed here.

Become a member

Nonmembers who want to save on this year’s conference registration and register for Client Connections 2026 meetings with editors, content agencies, and literary agents can apply to become an ASJA professional member. If accepted, you could save up to $200 compared to nonmember rates. Apply to become a member here.

Subscribe to the ASJA Weekly newsletter and read the ASJA Confidential blog to keep up with conference news and updates about other ASJA events and benefits.

Conference Tracks

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Journalism Track

The journalism track focuses on practicality and inspiration. How we tell and consume news has always been a dynamic process, but this fact may be truer now than ever before. Sessions include expert advice on new tools and tricks of the trade, insider information on markets you may not have previously considered, advice on running your freelance business (or even starting your own local news operation), and a “how-to” on telling globally-resonant stories.

Learn more
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Content Marketing Writing Track

The content marketing writing track focuses on taking your content marketing writing business to the next level. Changing algorithms, increasing use of AI, and an unpredictable market all have changed the way businesses market their products and brands, which means freelancers need to pivot as well. Content marketing sessions will touch on such subjects as updating your website to compete with AI, breaking into new markets, subcontracting with other freelancers, and much more.

Learn more
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Books Track

The books track focuses on inside publishing tips, insight on writing about special topics, and practical advice you can instantly use to supercharge your career as an author, whether you’re a rookie, veteran, or somewhere in between. These workshops, panel discussions, and books pitch slam sessions will cover a variety of topics, including advice on supercharging your book page on Amazon; insight into writing about sports, food, or spirituality; and insider information on how an ASJA member’s book became a top Hollywood movie.

Learn more

Read ASJA Confidential to get the latest updates on the ASJA 2026 conference!

CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY:
Registrations are non-transferable. Refunds will be provided for requests made in writing to asjaoffice@asja.org no later than March 20, 2026. No refunds will be granted after that date.