Prize-Winning Writers, Top Editors Headline 2026 ASJA Virtual Conference April 20-22
February 19, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ASJA staff, asjaoffice@asja.org
(Feb. 19, 2026) – Jack El-Hai, author of the book that inspired the recent movie Nuremberg; Peter Shankman, bestselling author and founder of Source of Sources; publishing industry insider Jane Friedman; and digital expert Sree Sreenivasan are just some of the media luminaries appearing at the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) 2026 virtual conference, Freelancers’ Blueprint: Navigating a Shifting Landscape, April 20-22.
Attendees will hear from them and many other publishing experts, including editors from Travel + Leisure, Playboy, Noema Magazine, and InsideHook.
The 2026 ASJA conference and Client Connections 2026, April 23-24, ASJA’s signature members-only client networking event, both will be virtual events happening on the Airmeet online conference platform.
ASJA is the premier organization for professional independent writers, including freelance journalists, nonfiction book authors, and content marketing writers. See a complete conference schedule and get registration details here.
‘Pitch Slams’ for Freelance Journalists and Nonfiction Authors – And More
The 2026 conference features three days of keynotes, educational sessions, panel discussions, and special events.
Educational sessions correspond to independent writers’ three primary areas of interest: journalism, nonfiction books, and content marketing writing. Conferencegoers have the opportunity to attend two “pitch slams” where they can pitch story ideas and get instant feedback:
- A journalism pitch slam with editors at top freelance outlets.
- A book pitch slam with literary agents, including Marisa Corvisiero and Katharine Sands.
ASJA professional members can participate in Client Connections 2026, an opportunity to meet one-on-one with editors, agents, and other outlets that hire freelance writers. Clients that have already signed up for this signature ASJA networking event, often referred to as “speed dating for freelancers,” include AARP, Scientific American, Professor Media Group, The Transmitter, The Food Section, and a number of literary agents.
In addition to 36 information-packed sessions, attendees can use a virtual Writer’s Lounge to network. By popular demand, attendees will have more time between sessions – a full 25 minutes – to use the Writer’s Lounge to chat with fellow writers, and when possible, participate in post-presentation conversations with speakers. Breaks will also feature scheduled meetups and possibly even bonus mini-sessions. The Writer’s Lounge will be available 24/7 during conference dates to attendees who wish to arrange their own conversations.
Once again this year, ASJA is offering a limited number of scholarships to ensure that our events are affordable for writers from all backgrounds, including those who are most underrepresented in our society. Scholarship applications are open through March 1. Get more information and apply here.
ASJA 2026 Conference Details and Registration
Conference dates and times:
- Monday, April 20 – Wednesday April 22, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Eastern time
- Client Connections (for ASJA professional members only) April 23-24
ASJA member rates are $309 through 11:59 p.m. ET on April 5, and $329 from April 6 until the conference starts.
Non-member rates are $379 through 11:59 p.m. ET on April 5; $399 from April 6 until the conference starts.
Writers who meet ASJA membership eligibility criteria and apply to join the organization by 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, March 20, can register at the member rate. Those accepted as professional members can also sign up for Client Connections.
Find the full conference schedule and registration details here.
To stay up to speed with news about the 2025 in-person conference and other ASJA events, subscribe to the ASJA Weekly newsletter, read ASJA Confidential blog or follow ASJA on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
For more information about the ASJA 2025 conference or the organization, please contact ASJA staff, asjaoffice@asja.org.
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About ASJA
Since 1948, the American Society of Journalists and Authors has been North America’s premier organization of professional freelance nonfiction writers. ASJA members write books, journalism and content marketing and have met ASJA’s objective standards of professional achievement by publishing with national magazines, publishers and clients. As First Amendment and right-to-freelance advocates, ASJA stands up for writers’ rights and offers extensive networking and educational opportunities that benefit members and the freelance writing profession as a whole. ASJA believes in diversity and inclusion and actively works to attract members from all backgrounds and experience levels while continuing to emphasize excellence in nonfiction writing. Learn more at www.asja.org.