About ONA18

The Online News Association’s 2018 conference brings together some of the most innovative minds in digital media, including journalists, media executives, product teams, entrepreneurs, students and educators.

You’ll have the chance to network with our diverse and creative community, which ranges from experienced veterans at international news outlets to representatives from major tech companies to those just getting started in their media careers.

We’ll be at the beautiful new JW Marriott in downtown Austin, within walking distance to gorgeous parks, rollicking music venues, unique dining and fantastic historic sites.

In short, we offer three packed days of learning, as well as opportunities to connect with journalism’s best and brightest, in a fun and energetic environment. Need more information about the value of attending the conference? Check out more reasons why ONA18 is worth the investment.

For up-to-date information on hotel booking information, registration and opportunities to volunteer or speak at ONA18, please check out our opportunities page and sign up for our newsletter.


FAQs

General Questions

How do I download the conference app?

We are using Guidebook this year to power our conference app. Send yourself a link to download Guidebook here and use the passcode ONA18 to find us! In the app you’ll be able to build your own custom schedule; connect with attendees and sponsors; and find points of interest around the conference hotel.

What should I wear at ONA18?

Beyond common sense attire for a hotel setting, there’s no set dress code. Most attendees dress business casual, including jeans in many cases. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking through the large hotel space, as well as getting around in (a very walkable!) Austin.

People do tend to dress up more for the Online Journalism Awards ceremony, so if you’re attending that, you may want to consider this when packing. We’ve noticed guests tend to change into attire we’d call “business sharp” in honor of the prestigious evening, though this is not a requirement from ONA. It is NOT black tie or otherwise formal.

What wifi is available in the conference areas?

Wifi access is included with your conference registration. You will receive a password when you check in at the ONA18 registration desk. We’re investing in the infrastructure, including bringing in additional access points and planning for a variety of devices. That said, attendees are often trying to connect with multiple devices, so like any conference, we do experience latency / outages from time to time that we work quickly to resolve.

What wifi is available in my hotel room?

The JW Marriott offers complimentary wifi to guests staying at ONA’s discounted rate. If you book at our special rate before sellout, you’ll have wifi included in your room free of charge. This wifi is run separately from the conference wifi (i.e., you’ll likely be switching between JW Marriott wifi in your room and ONA wifi in conference areas).

Registration

Can I update my registration information?

Of course! You can update your own registration information in eshow, our registration platform, through your confirmation email. Make your changes by Sept. 7 for a correct badge to be printed. (After that date, we can assist you on site.)

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

It helps to have a printed confirmation, but we can also assist you in finding your reservation when you arrive at ONA18 at the registration desk.

Does my registration include an Online Journalism Awards ceremony ticket?

No. Attending the OJA ceremony, held Saturday, Sept. 15, requires a separate ticket. You can purchase a ticket at the same time as registration, or at any time until we sell out.

Does ONA give complimentary registration to media covering the event?

Since ONA is an event for journalists, we do not offer press passes. We do have many opportunities to get involved with our conference, offering more than 100 complimentary badges.

Other questions?

Contact registration@journalists.org.

If you are a member, and don’t see the member rates displayed, log into the members’ site to get your discounted registration.

If you are not a member, see what you could be saving with an ONA membership and consider joining today.

Code of Conduct

Staff, supporters, volunteers, attendees and speakers are expected to adhere to ONA’s Code of Conduct.

Registration, Transfer and Refund Policies

Group Registration

Groups of 10 or more registering together receive a $50 per ticket discount. Contact registration@journalists.org for more information.

Transfer Policy

Your registration is transferable. Please read the following carefully.

  • All transfers must be requested by Aug. 24, 2018. No transfers will be given after that date.
    Transfer requests made after July 31, 2018 will incur a $50 administrative fee. (There is no fee for student registration transfers.)
  • Registrations made at the ONA member rate may only be transferred to another ONA member. (A prospective attendee may join ONA before the transfer is completed.) Membership fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Log in to your Attendee Service Center with the credentials in your confirmation email to request a transfer. Click Request a Transfer in the left menu.

Refund Policy

Unable to attend the conference? We’ll do our best to support you. Please read the following carefully.

  • All refunds must be requested by Aug. 24, 2018. No refunds will be given after that date.
  • Refund requests made after July 31, 2018 will incur a $50 administrative fee. (There is no fee for student registrations.) The fee will be deducted from your refund amount.
  • Refunds will be made to the original form of payment. If that’s not possible, a refund check will be mailed after the conference.
  • Non-attendance of the conference does not constitute a cancellation.

Log in to your Attendee Service Center with the credentials in your confirmation to request a refund. Click Request a Refund in the left menu.

Sponsor Policy

Payment for sponsor/exhibitor/supporter/Midway packages must be made by Sept. 10, 2018, or ONA will not issue related conference credentials of any kind for ONA18.

Exhibitor/Attendee Housing Scam Notice

Please note: At past events, we’ve been notified that several exhibitors and conference attendees have received calls and/or emails from companies claiming to be an agent of, or associated with, ONA and offering discounted room rates. We do not have a relationship with any of these companies. All bookings should be made directly with our host hotel using the details above. You can read the full details about this issue here.