The 2026 AWSM Convention in Los Angeles is just days away and the schedule is set.

This year's event is co-sponsored by Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and our workshops will be hosted at the historic Herald Examiner Building, also known as the ASU California Center Broadway, in downtown Los Angeles.

Registration for the AWSM convention has closed, but members receive exclusive access to video replay of all our sessions. To join AWSM visit awsmonline.org/membership.

During our conference, AWSM will honor 2026 Pioneer Award winner Paola Boivin, 2026 Ann Miller Award winner Jenny Dial Creech, the 2026 AWSM student chapter of the year and our 2026 AWSM Scholars. We also will recognize recent past recipients of our top awards.

Please continue to watch AWSM social channels and check your email inbox for our newsletter updates as we announce new conference details and exciting opportunities for our members. If you have any questions about the convention, please email awsmboard@gmail.com.

Convention Schedule
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SUNDAY, AUG. 9
At Crypto.com Arena
4 p.m.
Be our guest at the Sparks vs. Valkyries game

MONDAY, AUG. 10
At ASU California Center in downtown L.A.
9 a.m.
Welcome from AWSM President Marisa Ingemi.
Coffee and pastries will be served courtesy of Joe and Lily Limón.
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10-11:30 a.m.
Surviving in sports media today: The sports media landscape has never been more challenging with fewer full time opportunities. Our panelists share strategies for launching a paid newsletter, pitching and writing a book and landing on-air opportunities.
Panelists include:
- New York Times bestselling author Mirin Fader
- Newsletter editor and publisher Marisa Ingemi
‍
11:30-12:15 p.m.
Break and networking

12:15-2 p.m.
The annual AWSM awards luncheon honoring our Pioneer and Service Award winners. Hosted by Christine Brennan, an award-winning USA Today Sports columnist and CNN and ABC commentator.

2-2:30 p.m.
Break for photos and networking.

2:30-4 p.m.
Press conference intel: Leaders in women's sports share their greatest challenges working with the media and hear from us about our jobs on gameday.
Featured speakers include:
- Ali Riley, New Zealand World Cup player and former Angel City captain
- Joshua Fischman, veteran women's sports communications manager
- Sabreena Merchant, women's basketball staff writer at The Athletic

7 p.m.
At Dodger Stadium
Be our guest at the Dodgers vs. Royals game.
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TUESDAY, AUG. 10
At ASU California Center in downtown L.A.
9 a.m.
Student chapter of the year and AWSM Scholars recognition followed by our Ask the Pros panel. Get advice on job hunting, negotiating a raise or job change within print/digital, TV spaces and more.
Breakfast and coffee will be served courtesy of the AWSM Founders.

10:15-10:30 a.m.
Networking break

10:30-12 p.m.
Tips and tricks to successful breaking news and investigative reporting. Leaders from The Athletic share insight into how they shape breaking news into in-depth stories.
Featured speakers include:
- Melody Gutierrez, senior writer on The Athletic's rapid investigations team
- Alex Andrejev, staff writer on The Athletic's rapid investigations team
- Jessica Lenchner, senior editor on The Athletic's daily desk

12:30-2 p.m. - Keynote speakers
Mina Kimes and remote guest Katie Nolan discuss their journeys in sports media, their Celebrity Jeopardy success and more. Lunch will be provided.
Moderated by AWSM board member Iliana Limón Romero, assistant managing editor for sports at the Los Angeles Times.

2-2:30 p.m.
Networking break

2:30-4 p.m.
Lessons in leadership: How do you learn to manage (and manage up) on the fly, often with more demands and fewer resources. Representatives from The Athletic, MLB.com and the Los Angeles Times share advice for navigating the office in a fast-changing media environment.

6 p.m.
AWSM closing party at Untamed Spirits