NAJA calls for 2022 National Native Media Conference program proposals

Deadline for submitting proposals: Feb. 1, 2022

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Native American Journalists Association has postponed the 2021 National Native Media Conference until 2022. The decision to reschedule the annual conference was based on guidelines from the WHO, the CDC and tribal and state officials to ensure the safety of all.

The Native American Journalists Association is now accepting program proposals for the 2022 National Native Media Conference scheduled for Aug. 25-27, 2022 at the Hyatt Regency in Phoenix, Arizona. In partnership with the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, NAJA will facilitate conference program sessions about best practices in Indigenous media, training and workshops to support and enhance the knowledge and skills of journalists covering Indian Country.

The conference program will feature Indigenous media, journalism training, education and knowledge sharing across Indian Country to facilitate ideas, address evolving COVID-19 coverage and best practices in Indigenous media through training and workshops to support and enhance the knowledge and skills of journalists covering Turtle Island.

Contact NAJA to discuss opportunities for branding, sponsored content, a presence in the 2022 National Native Media Expo and more. An updated 2022 sponsorship guide will be available soon.

If you have an idea for a conference session and are interested in participating in the conference, review the information below, agree to the terms and submit your proposal form.

Conference Schedule

NAJA will determine the date and time that programs are presented. Producers whose programs are accepted will have the opportunity to indicate preferred dates and times, but should prepare programs that could be presented on any of the conference’s three days.

Types of Programs Sought

NAJA seeks program proposals that are informative, educational and training-based. The primary focus of the 2022 National Native Media Conference is to be an educational, skills-building, career-oriented conference. Conference planners seek sessions led by Indigenous journalists teaching in-depth skills and sharing new insights on media in Indian Country. Proposals that explore data of Native American populations are also encouraged.

How Programs Are Reviewed

NAJA volunteers and staff on the programming committee review program proposals based on originality, relevance, program design, learning objectives, knowledge and experience/qualifications of trainers, and variety of programming overall. Thorough proposals with as much detailed information as possible will stand a better chance of being accepted. NAJA may also consider proposals with regional focus for additional programming throughout the year.

If you would like to be involved in the selection process by joining the conference planning committee, please contact Chair Tristan Ahtone: tahtone@naja.com

Duties of Program Producer

Please do not submit a program proposal if you cannot fulfill the following duties of program producer. If accepted onto the conference program, the person submitting the proposal (the producer):
— Does not have to be a speaker/presenter at the conference (but they can be).
— Agrees to serve as the liaison between NAJA staff and volunteers and all session participants.
— Is responsible for selecting, notifying and communicating with all program speakers / presenters on the panel or workshop and immediately reporting any changes in speaker lineup to NAJA staff.
— Will be responsible for the execution of the session, in coordination with NAJA staff.
— Will work with NAJA staff to ensure all speakers associated with the session are registered for the conference by the deadlines given by staff (see speaker expenses below).
— Acknowledges that the failure to respond in a timely manner (3 business days) to NAJA program committee or staff communications regarding the proposed program may result in the forfeiture or replacement of the program.

Speaker Expenses

NAJA is not able to provide honoraria for presenters at the conference. Speakers are responsible for all their own travel and lodging expenses, in addition to applicable conference registration fees. The only exception to the registration fee is a speaker who is attending their program only. A one-day speaker registration is complimentary and no meals are included.

Review and Notification Process

After the proposal review process is complete, notifications will be sent via email for both accepted and declined proposals.

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