For 35 years, the Society of Environmental Journalists has convened the largest gathering of environmental, climate, energy, agriculture, water and public-health reporters in North America. SEJ’s annual conference brings together journalists, scientists, community leaders, policymakers, researchers and nonprofit partners to deepen understanding of environmental issues and strengthen the quality, accuracy and reach of environmental journalism.

ABOUT SEJ2026

Each conference offers:

  • 🧰 Training workshops in writing, data, audio, multimedia and investigative reporting

  • 👥 Panels and plenaries with leading experts, community voices, policymakers and award-winning journalists

  • 🌐 Networking across newsrooms, geographies and beats

  • 🚌 Immersive reporting tours to environmental hotspots, infrastructure sites, farms, laboratories, frontline communities, conservation areas and more

  • 📰 Opportunities to strengthen local and national environmental coverage

  • 🏆 Awards to celebrate the best of environmental journalism with news leaders

  • Sessions begin early and run throughout the day; field tours require advance registration and depart promptly; and networking opportunities continue into the evenings. Whether you’re joining for the first time or returning after many years, SEJ’s annual conference is designed to help you build skills, deepen your reporting and connect with colleagues across the field.

  • This year, SEJ is taking a flexible approach to lodging. Instead of offering a traditional hotel room block, we’re encouraging attendees to explore a wide range of accommodations that fit your budget, schedule and travel style. Chicago offers many excellent options near our UIC Forum conference venue — from major hotels to boutique stays and short-term rentals — giving you more freedom to choose what works best for you. 

    Hotels:

    Airbnb / Vrbo

    For short-term rental options, please refer to Airbnb or Vrbo and search the Near West Side / West Loop area of Chicago for locations nearest the UIC Forum, or near a Blue Line CTA station in The Loop, West Town or Logan Square for easy metro access.

  • Since 1990, SEJ has partnered with universities across the U.S. to host annual conferences that reflect regional environmental issues and national reporting needs. The 2026 conference marks SEJ’s 35th anniversary year.

    Recent Hosts:

  • SEJ’s conferences are organized by and for journalists. To ensure sessions remain journalist-centered:

    • Moderators of panels, plenaries, and tours are encouraged to remind attendees of the conference’s journalistic mission.

    • Members of SEJ and other professional journalism organizations will be given priority when asking questions.

    These guidelines support fairness, professionalism and productive dialogue across all conference sessions.

  • SEJ is committed to a respectful, inclusive conference environment. Attendees are expected to follow SEJ’s anti-harassment, health & safety and cancellation policies.

    View policies →

ABOUT UIC & CHICAGO

Skyline of Chicago downtown at sunset with gold-colored buildings and clouds, view from a UIC building with red sign in foreground.

Photo credit: UIC/Jim Young

As Chicago’s largest public research university — and one of the nation’s most diverse — the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) provides an ideal home for SEJ2026. UIC is a nationally recognized leader in:

  • Environmental and occupational health

  • Urban planning and sustainability

  • Climate and health equity research

  • Community-engaged scholarship

Chicago’s Great Lakes location offers unparalleled opportunities to explore intersections of climate change, water systems, agriculture, community health, industrial history and environmental justice.

From major research institutions to neighborhood-led environmental initiatives, the city offers rich terrain for reporting and learning.

ABOUT SEJ

The Society of Environmental Journalists is the only North American membership association dedicated to more and better coverage of environment-related issues. SEJ’s mission is to strengthen the quality, reach and viability of journalism across all media to advance public understanding of environmental issues.

Founded in 1990 by a small group of award-winning journalists, SEJ now includes more than 1,500 members working across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and more than 40 other countries. SEJ supports journalists through:

  • Training programs and workshops

  • Annual and regional conferences

  • Reporting toolkits and online resources

  • Awards and recognition programs

  • Advocacy for press freedom and transparency

  • A dynamic network of peer support and collaboration

Learn more about SEJ →

Donate to support SEJ and help journalists tell the world’s most important stories →