Apr 15 - 18, 2026
SEJ2026 Annual Conference
University of Illinois Chicago
Presented by the Society of Environmental Journalists
We’re gathering this year on the shores of the Great Lakes for the Society of Environmental Journalists’ 35th annual conference. Hosted by the University of Illinois Chicago, SEJ2026 explores how climate, water, energy, food, agriculture and health intersect — and how journalists can illuminate the systems that sustain life on our planet. Join us to build community around our shared commitment to report fearlessly on a changing world.
Read the welcome letter from 2026 Conference Co-Chairs Lucia Priselac and Melina Walling →
HEALTH, HUMANITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE: The Systems that Sustain Us
SAVE THE DATE:
April 15 - 18, 2026
Join us for SEJ’s 35th annual conference — and our first-ever gathering in Chicago. Our host, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), is a leading public research university and national authority in environmental health, sustainability, urban planning and climate science.
Learn more about UIC's new Center for Climate and Health Equity →
SEJ2026 will bring together journalists, scientists, academics, students, policymakers and nonprofit leaders to explore urgent environmental, climate and health issues. We’re excited to convene in a city where environmental issues, scientific research and public-interest journalism intersect in meaningful ways for local communities and across the country.
WHO AND WHY SEJ2026
WHO ATTENDS?
The magic’s in the mix at SEJ. Our conferences bring together journalists, experts and the communities they cover. You’ll meet: reporters, editors, producers and freelancers across print, audio, video and digital; researchers, faculty, policy makers and solutions technologists across climate, science and health; local and Indigenous storytellers, nonprofit leaders and newsmakers: from next-generation advocates and students to governors and senators, from scientists to CEOs.
WHY THIS CONFERENCE?
SEJ’s annual conference blends practical training, on-the-ground reporting experiences and access to experts you can’t get anywhere else. Participants gain new story ideas, sharpen their skills and build lasting professional networks. Expect immersive field trips, data and investigative workshops and panels with scientists, community leaders, policymakers and award-winning journalists. Whether you’re a seasoned reporter or new to the beat, the conference strengthens your journalism and expands your understanding of the systems shaping our environment.
EXPANDED MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA
In November, 2025, SEJ updated its membership criteria to reflect today’s journalism landscape — including eligibility updates for some freelancers and nonprofit-newsroom staff. Freelance journalists who work part-time as storytellers for environmental nonprofits are now eligible to become associate members of SEJ, as long as journalism is their main occupation. Staffers for news outlets owned by environmental organizations may become active members if their publications are editorially independent.
PARTNER WITH SEJ
Connect with environmental and science journalists, and help expand equitable access to high-impact training and reporting opportunities through your conference sponsorship and funding support.
LEADING SPONSORS
Your hub for new speaker reveals, behind-the-scenes, past newsmaker highlights and memories celebrating 35 years of SEJ conferences
