SEJ Annual Conferences

SEJ's annual conference brings together journalists, scientists, government officials, advocacy leaders and others to explore the many facets of environmental stories in order to improve the quality and accuracy of environmental reporting. Annual conferences are open to both SEJ members and those who are not members.

Each conference presents an opportunity to meet with other journalists, sit in on training writing and computer workshops, attend panel sessions where current issues are debated by experts, policy-makers and experienced reporters from all types of media. The annual conference also takes journalists out into the field, with full-day or half-day tours to environmental hotspots where issues may be explored on site with experts on hand to present sides and answer questions.

RFP: Hosts and Sponsors for SEJ Annual Conferences 2027 and 2028

The Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) is the premier North American organization for journalists who cover environment-related issues on all media platforms. SEJ’s Board of Directors is inviting inquiries, letters of intent and proposals from prospective hosts and sponsors for conference events in 2027 and 2028. Click here for the Request for Proposals.

SEJ2026: April 15-18, hosted at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

For SEJ members: SEJ2026 is on the horizon, and we’re inviting the SEJ community to help shape our 35th annual conference program with session proposals that reflect the urgent, diverse and innovative work across environmental journalism. Whether you propose a panel or mini-workshop, we want your voice, expertise, experiences and sources in the mix.

How to Submit

• Read our SEJ2026 Session Pitch Guide
• Review and complete the form by Nov. 30 extended to Dec. 14
• Suggest an All-Day Tour: If you know a site, community or story we should explore, we’d love to hear it. Submit a tour idea here.

We’re excited to see the insights and inspiration you’ll bring to Chicago for SEJ2026 (April 15-18, 2026)!

Have questions? Contact conference@sej.org.

Thank you to our conference co-chairs over the years!