SEJ’s 35th annual conference, hosted by University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and its new Center for Extreme Conditions and Health Excellence (CECHE), runs Wednesday, April 15 through Saturday, April 18, with workshops, tours, sessions and networking events designed to support environmental journalists at every career stage.
Over four days, journalists, faculty, students, scientists and subject-matter experts gather for workshops, reporting tours, panels, plenaries and networking events anchored in Chicago and the Great Lakes region.
The program opens Wednesday with hands-on training workshops and an evening Welcome Reception, hosted at the Shedd Aquarium. Thursday is devoted to immersive field tours across the region, followed by the Hospitality Reception and Exhibit Hall opening, and a screening of Ken Burns’ latest. Friday and Saturday feature concurrent sessions across key beats, plenaries, as well as the return of the SEJ Environmental Awards to our conference with a celebratory luncheon, and a freelancer-focused Pitch Slam with regional and national editors. More updates to come for special events, including more networking opportunities to connect with friends, colleagues and experts throughout the conference!
Please note: Events and timing are subject to change.
SCHEDULE
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SEJ2026, hosted by University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) runs from Wednesday, April 15, through Saturday, April 18, with the majority of programs at The Isadore & Sadie Dorin Forum.
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Workshops, tours and the closing party are not included with your conference pass. These are ticketed events that may be purchased as add-ons. A conference registration is required in order to purchase tickets for any of these activities.
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This year, SEJ is offering half-day and full-day pre-conference workshops on Wednesday, April 15, and all-day tours on Thursday, April 16. The conference will conclude with a closing party on Saturday, April 18.
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Workshops: $10–$75
Tours: $85
Closing Party: $60
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Tickets for Wednesday workshops and the Saturday closing party were released on February 13. Thursday tour tickets were released on March 13.
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Workshop and tour registrations are purchased as an add-on ticket when you register for the conference via Whova. If you’ve already registered and would like to add a ticket, please click the “Add to your order” button in your registration confirmation email (search for “SEJ2026 Registration: You're All Set!”).
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Saturday closing party tickets are purchased as an add-on when you register for the conference via Whova. If you’ve already registered and would like to add a ticket, please click the “Add to your order” button in your registration confirmation email (search for “SEJ2026 Registration: You're All Set!”).
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Yes, ticketed events typically sell out well before the conference begins. Attendees are encouraged to review the available offerings and purchase tickets soon after they are released.
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Wednesday: Opening Reception
Thursday: Exhibits, Hospitality Reception and a documentary film screening
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Friday kicks off plenaries and concurrent sessions shaped by SEJ members and presented by our partners — including The Uproot Project, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) and Solutions Journalism Network (SJN).
This year, we’re bringing back the SEJ Awards to the conference and look forward to celebrating winners and finalists at the Awards Luncheon. Attendees can also sign up for Beat Dinners as they become available in Whova.
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Concurrent sessions will continue into Saturday, followed by a lunch plenary. Afternoon programming includes the Authors Program and mini-tours. SEJ2026 officially concludes with the closing party.