SPJ Region 8 Conference (Journalism: Navigating New Landscapes)
About this Event
What is a journalist? The answer used to be simple. Not anymore.
Influencers are sometimes confused with reporters and increasingly, government officials and civic leaders are openly hostile to journalists, attempting to thwart news gathering and block access to information. It is a fraught time for the field and for the industry. Yet we persevere – and at this year’s conference we will explore how to go beyond standing our ground and shine a light on the world around us.
At the 2026 Region 8 conference you will hear from industry leaders, professionals from all media platforms, and expert observers. (See the full program , as it develops.) You will have the opportunity to meet with professionals at all levels of their career and to network with colleagues and friends. You will have the chance to personally congratulate the 2026 Mark of Excellence award winners, talented journalism students from throughout Texas and Oklahoma. We are also planning an optional group visit to Armand Bayou Nature Center, a nearby nature preserve, for the day after the conference.
Are you a journalism student or a veteran in the field? Freelancer or staff reporter? Whatever your professional or academic status is, you will benefit from attending. SPJ region 8 covers all of Texas and Oklahoma, although you don’t have to be from those states to attend. We encourage you to make plans to attend and register today at the links below.
Professionals, students and journalism supporters are welcome! Register today. before available slots fill!
Code of Conduct: Our conference is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity or religion. We will not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference without a refund at the discretion of the conference organizers.
Agenda
AI in the Newsroom
Info: This panel will review different ways news outlets are using artificial intelligence and the impact of AI in the changing media landscape. Panelists: Keaton Fox, News Director at ABC13/KTRK-TV in Houston; Prof. Serbino Sandifer-Walker, Texas Southern University Interim Assistant Dean and Academic Affairs/Journalism Professor; and Corey Greineisen, Managing Editor of Galveston Daily News. Moderated by Dwight Silverman, veteran journalist including a long stint as tech columnist for the Houston Chronicle.
Eye in the Texas Sky: Drones and Photojournalism in the Lone Star State
Info: This panel, moderated by Houston SPJ board member and freelance journalist Jim Magill, will examine Texas drone laws and federal regulations that impact the use of drones in photojournalism. Panelists: Elizabeth Conley, photojournalist with the Houston Chronicle; Alicia Calzada, attorney for the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), who represented the plaintiffs in a case challenging Texas’ drone law, claiming the law violated the First Amendment rights of photojournalists; and Alicia’s husband, Guillermo (Billy) Calzada, photojournalist with the San Antonio Express-News and one of the named plaintiffs in that suit.
Covering Immigration in Fraught Times
Info: In these challenging political times, how has the immigration beat changed? These panelists will discuss their experiences and their insights reporting on one of the most challenging subjects in the U.S. Today. Panelists: Sergio Martinez-Beltran of NPR; Arelis Hernandez of the Washington Post; and Gordon Quan, long-time Houston-area immigration attorney. This panel will be moderated by Gus Bova, Editor-in-Chief of Texas Observer magazine.
SPJ Campus Chapter Round Table
Info: This is an opportunity for campus chapter leaders and members to come together for a guided discussion of what works well in their chapter, what could be improved, and how their chapter matches their goals. Moderated by Sam Houston State University SPJ campus chapter president Madison Diaz.
Denied: How Officials Block Access to Information
Info: This panel will look at the challenges reporters may encounter gathering information and will explore potential solutions. Speakers: Dylan Baddour of Inside Climate News, Jaewon Jung of KPRC2, Joe Larson of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, and Stephen Simpson of the Texas Tribune. Moderated by investigative journalist and Greater Houston SPJ chapter president Sandy West.
38 Years of "Law & the Media"
Info: A look back at this almost 40-year-old annual program collaboratively organized by the Houston SPJ chapter and the Houston Bar Association. Speakers include Maggie Martin, Houston Bar Association’s Director of Marketing and Communications.
Community Ethnic Media
Info: This session will examine the development of local ethnic media outlets, the challenges in creating them and their benefits to the community. Moderated by Nakia Cooper, president of the Houston Association of Black Journalists. Speakers include Dr. Jerry Goodwin, president of the Oklahoma SPJ Pro chapter and associate professor at Tulsa Community College.
When You're a Print Reporter Making Social Media Videos
Info: Audience engagement, especially via social media, has become an important success indicator for media outlets. This panel will discuss how striving for stats and sharing the truth can co-exist and thrive.
Covering Politics and Elections
Info: You might call 2026 an interesting year to cover politics…This session’s panelists will share their experiences, concerns, and plans going into the midterms. Taylor Goldenstein, Enterprise and Investigative Reporter with the Texas Tribune, is a confirmed panelist. More to come shortly!
Reels and Resumes
Info: Geared towards both print and video journalists, this session will provide guidance on applying for a staff position with an outlet.
Road to the Centennial: Covering Route 66 With Purpose
Info: What does it take to produce an award-winning, long-term journalism, and a multimedia storytelling project? The TCC Connection was a recipient of a first-place award for community service from the Oklahoma Press Association for its Route 66 coverage. Go behind the scenes as newspaper editors and student reporters share how the staff researched, organized, and executed extensive coverage of the Mother Road leading up to its 2026 centennial. Attendees will learn strategies for enterprise reporting, historical research, audience engagement, and creating journalism with lasting community impact.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 35.00 to USD 75.00
