INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM CONVENTION
The IHSPA convention is held annually on the Franklin College campus, and it features educational programming related to all activities within scholastic journalism for more than 500 students and advisers. The day features a keynote presentation that is followed by the recognition of the Hoosier Star, Rowena Harvey contest, and Ella Sengenberger Adviser of the Year award winners. The remaining portion of the event program is filled with a wide variety of breakout sessions specifically designed to address relevant topics in student media. Lunch is available for those who wish to purchase it. Any businesses or organizations wishing to participate should complete the exhibitor/sponsor form and submit it before end of the day Jan. 23.
2027 EVENT INFORMATION:
WHEN & WHERE
• Friday, Jan. 29 @ Franklin College
REGISTRATION
• $15 per student
• Free for advisers
• Student meal ticket (optional): $12
• Deadline: Jan. 23
PROGRAM SCHEDULE (all times ET)
• 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. — registration table open
• 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. — session 1
• 9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. — keynote presentation & awards
• 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — session 2
• 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. — session 3
• 1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. — session 4
LUNCH TIMES (all times ET)
Students (pre-registration required)
• 11:40 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. — assigned group 1
• 12:35 p.m. to 1:10 p.m. — assigned group 2
Advisers (free, registration not needed)
• 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. — adviser meeting luncheon
Ready to go register? Click here to register before the Jan. 23 deadline!
Need a hotel? Click here to see options near Franklin College!
Want to present a session? Click here to submit your proposal before the Dec. 15 deadline!
ADVISER RETREAT
Join journalism educators from across Indiana for a collaborative retreat at The Mill in downtown Bloomington. Set inside the beautifully restored Showers Brothers furniture factory, The Mill offers an inspiring blend of historic character, modern technology, and innovative energy — an ideal setting for reimagining the future of scholastic journalism.
This retreat will bring together high school journalism advisers, media educators, and student media leaders for professional development focused on storytelling, newsroom leadership, multimedia reporting, AI and media ethics, audience engagement, and the evolving landscape of student journalism. Participants will take part in interactive workshops, collaborative discussions, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen journalism programs and build connections across the state.
Located in Bloomington’s vibrant Trades District near Indiana University, The Mill provides flexible meeting spaces, breakout rooms, and state-of-the-art presentation capabilities, all within walking distance of restaurants, coffee shops, and downtown amenities. The creative, entrepreneurial atmosphere of the venue reflects the mission of preparing students for modern media environments while supporting educators as leaders in civic storytelling and media literacy.
Whether you advise newspaper, yearbook, broadcast, or digital media, this retreat offers an opportunity to connect, recharge, and explore new ideas with fellow journalism educators from across Indiana.
2026 EVENT INFORMATION
WHEN & WHERE
• Saturday, Aug. 8 — The Mill, Downtown Bloomington
• Retreat Program 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET
REGISTRATION
• FREE
• Continental breakfast and lunch included
• Register before Monday, Aug. 3
• CEU documentation available
• Aug. 7 lodging options: https://bit.ly/4v6Es6V
RETREAT AGENDA (subject to change)
• Student media and diploma changes
• Creating a journalism internship program
• Using AI in the newsroom
• Cultivating a successful sports media program
• Answering the evergreen question: How do we pay for this?
• Publication and course material swaps
• Journalism educator roundtables
Ready to register? Click here to sign up today!
STUDENT LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
2026 EVENT INFORMATION
The leadership workshop gives student journalists an opportunity to strengthen the skills they need to lead successful school media programs. Through hands-on learning, collaboration and conversations with other student leaders, participants can develop stronger skills in communication, teamwork, decision-making and editorial leadership. These experiences can help students become more confident editors and staff leaders while preparing them to take greater ownership of their publications.
Students return with ideas they can share with their staffs, helping create stronger teams, better publications and a more positive culture in the newsroom. Leadership training also gives students the chance to connect with peers who face many of the same challenges, building a network of support and inspiration.
WHEN & WHERE
• Thursday, Sept. 10
• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET
• Franklin College — Napolitan Student Center Branigin Room (#8 on map)
REGISTRATION
• FREE
• No more than 8 people per school (students may attend without adviser)
• Continental breakfast provided
• Registration due Friday, Sept. 4
• On-site registration not available
Ready to go register? Click here to register today!
All dates subject to change. Schools should process payment by using the fillable invoice. Check page frequently and IHSPA social media to ensure up-to-date information. Direct questions to ihspa@franklincollege.edu.
Last updated: May 20, 2026