Publishers, editors, reporters, and newsroom leaders from across New England will gather March 13–14 in Portsmouth, NH, for the 2026 New England Newspaper Convention & Trade Show at The Venue at Portwalk Place. The full convention program is now available, featuring a strong lineup of sessions and speakers focused on practical learning, collaboration, and the future of local journalism.
Important deadlines are approaching.
The Better Newspaper Competition Awards Banquet on Saturday evening is now sold out, but there is still time to secure seats for two of the convention’s signature events. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Dinner and the Yankee Quill Awards Luncheon are available until 2:00 pm today.
On Friday evening, March 13, NENPA will induct three distinguished leaders into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame: Jackie Majerus of Youth Journalism International (Auburn, ME), Steve Milone of North of Boston Media Group (North Andover, MA), and Lawrence “Poody” Walsh of the Eagle Times (Claremont, NH). The Hall of Fame honors individuals whose careers reflect extraordinary service to their newspapers, communities, and the journalism profession across New England.
The Yankee Quill Awards Luncheon on Saturday, March 14, will recognize four journalists for their exceptional contributions to journalism in the region: Wayne Braverman, Katherine McCabe of The Boston Globe, Judy Meyer of The Maine Monitor, and Rex Rhoades of the Sun Journal. The Academy of New England Journalists will also present a posthumous Yankee Quill Award to Nathan Hale, owner of The Boston Daily Advertiser, Boston’s first daily newspaper.
Registration to attend the learning sessions on Friday and Saturday closes at noon on Tuesday, March 10, and individual or group registration is required to participate in the sessions.
For those planning their stay in Portsmouth, rooms are still available at two hotels located just steps from the convention venue. To inquire about availability, contact Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown at (603) 430-3033 or Residence Inn by Marriott Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront at (603) 422-9200.
Review the full program, explore the sessions and speakers, connect with our generous sponsors, and finalize your plans to join colleagues from across the region for two days dedicated to the craft, impact, and future of local journalism.