We are thrilled to announce that the Elevate: HBCU Digital Media Conference is returning for its second year, bigger, bolder, and more impactful. This year’s convening will take place March 31–April 1, 2026 in Washington, D.C., bringing together the next generation of emerging media professionals, journalists, and campus publishers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the nation.
A Gathering for the Future of Media
Elevate 2026 is designed to empower HBCU student journalists, broadcasters, and campus media leaders with the tools, insights, and connections to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. The two-day convening will feature:
• Panel Discussions with leading journalists, editors, and executives across newsrooms, broadcast, and digital media.
• Interactive Roundtables to explore challenges and opportunities shaping HBCU campus media today.
• Breakout Sessions & Workshops focused on practical skills, industry innovation, and career development.
• Networking Opportunities with peers, mentors, and top media professionals who are committed to building a stronger, more inclusive media future.
Expanding the Conversation
In positioning this year’s conference, we want to engage students at the emergence of media and platform demand, expanding beyond a traditional focus on news media into the broader realization of engagement. Elevate 2026 will open space for critical conversations around:
• Content Creation
• Streaming & Multimedia Publishing
• AI Innovation in Media
• Community Listening & Audience Connection
By bringing these threads together, Elevate 2026 will help participants understand not only how to create impactful journalism, but also how to build meaningful connections with audiences in ways that matter today and tomorrow.
Why Elevate Matters
As newsrooms and media platforms continue to shift, HBCU journalists and publishers play a vital role in shaping narratives, innovating in storytelling, and serving communities with trusted information. Elevate 2026 will spotlight the latest industry trends, best practices, and innovations, while also guiding students and young professionals in mapping their career trajectories for breakthrough opportunities.
Looking Ahead
Building on the success of our inaugural conference, Elevate 2026 will serve as a space of collaboration, inspiration, and vision. Together, we will continue to strengthen HBCU media ecosystems and ensure that the voices, stories, and leadership of Black student journalists are heard and valued.
We invite all HBCU students, campus publishers, faculty, and industry partners to join us in Washington, D.C. this February for this transformative experience.
Save the Date: March 31-April 1, 2026
More details including speaker announcements, and program highlights, will be shared in the coming months.