79th EWA National Seminar
Download speaker presentations in the agenda below.
2026 EWA National Seminar in Baltimore
The 79th EWA National Seminar will follow seismic changes to education at the federal level, including huge staffing cuts in the U.S. Department of Education, the loss of federal funding for research at universities and an overhaul of the student loan system.
Meanwhile, schools, educators and students face ongoing challenges – from inequitable resources to declining enrollment – while navigating emerging trends, such as significant growth among workforce development programs and the use of artificial intelligence.
The Education Writers Association will use this unprecedented moment to help members understand how stakeholders are affected amid major shifts in federal oversight and funding while also providing training and offering solutions on how to best cover persistent education issues. Sessions focusing on journalism skills – from best FOIA request practices to effectively using archival material in coverage – will also be a key part of the conference.
The 2026 National Seminar will take place June 2-5 in Baltimore, Maryland. Leading policymakers, experts and others will share their perspectives with journalist, community, and student members on the most pressing education issues in the nation today. Gather at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, a downtown hotel near Oriole Park at Camden Yards and a commuter rail line. It’s also a 14-minute walk to waterfront views at Inner Harbor.
Scholarships will be awarded to qualified journalists and students. All members will get vital training and networking opportunities. Save the date for the 2026 event! Registration and scholarship applications will open soon.
Photo credit: SeanPavonePhoto/Bigstock
More Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the National Seminar be held?
All sessions will be held at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, 401 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201. Phone Number: +1 443-573-8700.
When does the National Seminar start and end?
Registration will open on June 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. Regular sessions are tentatively scheduled June 3-4, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on June 5, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. All times are in Eastern Daylight Time.
What meals are provided during the National Seminar?
Scheduled meals during the seminar will be provided at Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor. EWA does not reimburse for additional meals.
I have a disability or dietary restriction. Who do I inform?
Contact EWA with any concerns or questions. For dietary concerns, remember to provide this information during the registration process.
Will there be site visits during the National Seminar?
We hope so! Visits are still in development; check this National Seminar page for new details.
Can I park my car at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor?
Self-parking is available onsite at a rate of $36.00 per day. For more information, contact the hotel: +1 443-573-8700.
How can I apply for a scholarship?
You have to be a qualified journalist to be eligible for a scholarship. See here for the scholarship application process.
I’m a journalist who received a scholarship. What’s the reimbursement process?
For details on the process, see the Journalist Scholarship Steps.
What does my travel scholarship cover?
Scholarships can cover or reimburse your seminar registration fee, travel to Baltimore (e.g., airfare, train fare, or mileage), and hotel stay. For additional information, see Scholarship Terms & Conditions.
I can no longer attend the National Seminar. What should I do?
If you are no longer able to attend, let us know immediately. Refunds are available until April 10, 2026. There are no refunds after this date.
Scholarships are non-transferable. If you received a scholarship and cannot attend, we may be able to grant the funds to another journalist.
If for any reason you are no longer able to attend the conference, you will have up to 72 hours before the start date of the conference (May 29, 2026) to email EWA to cancel your attendance. Failure to cancel your attendance at least 72 hours before the start of the conference will preclude you from qualifying for any EWA scholarships for the next year (starting from the start date of this seminar), including the 2027 National Seminar.
Where is the conference hotel?
Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor
401 West Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone Number: +1 443-573-8700
Where do I reserve my hotel room?
If you are NOT a journalist member who has applied for or been approved for a scholarship that includes hotel coverage, book your hotel room using this link. We encourage you to book your hotel stay as soon as possible.
If you are a journalist member who has applied for or been approved for a scholarship that includes hotel coverage, please keep an eye on your email inbox for an update on your application and hotel booking instructions.
I went to make my hotel reservation, and the hotel asked me for a credit card. Is my card going to get charged today?
When a reservation is made, a deposit in the amount of one night’s room and tax is required. Each attendee must provide a credit card to confirm their reservation. The deposit is refundable up to three (3) days in advance of arrival.
You may review the hotel’s cancellation policy while placing and before confirming a reservation.
How do I get to the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor from the airport?
We recommend exploring Uber, Lyft, or an airport shuttle service as EWA will not provide dedicated transportation. Mass transportation options are also available, and there is a Metro stop near the hotel.
The seminar hotel is adjacent to Camden Station / Camden Yards, which is served by MARC commuter rail and Light RailLink.
I applied for and received a scholarship. Does this mean I’m registered?
Not yet! You still need to officially register. Follow the instructions provided in your scholarship award letter.
Is my registration transferable?
Registrations are non-transferable. Refunds are available until April 10, 2026.
Someone wants to attend a single session with me. Is that okay?
Due to space limitations, we can not allow drop-in attendees to any sessions. Anyone who wishes to attend sessions must register.
Can I register for only one day of the seminar?
Single-day registrations are not available.
Can I register and pay on-site?
No. All attendees must register and pay prior to the seminar’s start.
I registered, booked my flight, and reserved my hotel room. What else?
You’re all set! If you have any questions, let us know. Keep an eye on your email for exciting updates!
When will the schedule of events be available?
Soon! Keep checking this National Seminar page for the latest updates and news.
Can I get a list of National Seminar attendees?
EWA does not distribute membership or event attendance lists per our privacy policy. There will be opportunities for networking, and we encourage you to follow the National Seminar hashtag, #ewa26. Sponsors and attendees can check out the official conference mobile app to see those who publicly listed their profiles.
What is the dress code?
Business casual.
Where can attendees post information about their own gatherings or programs?
Attendees can submit information about gatherings or counter programming on the official event mobile app. Once the app is launched, attendees can post to the general feed.
How can my organization become a sponsor, exhibitor, or advertiser?
Our development director Rachel Wolin can help.
Where can I get more info on the EWA National Awards for Education Reporting?
Check out our 2025 EWA Awards page for more information. The Awards Winners page will be updated with the finalists in spring 2026, and the winners will be announced during the 2026 National Seminar.
How can I find out my membership status?
Check your membership status here.
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