About The NMPW Conference
NMPW hosts a state conference every year in the spring. The conference is a perfect opportunity to network with media professionals across the state. Workshops are held and the organization announces the winners of the Zia Book Award, Communications Contest, Communicator of Achievement, and scholarships.
The 2026 NMPW Conference will be held Friday and Saturday, May 1-2 at Isleta Resort. The conference theme is “Resilient Communicators – Thriving in Challenging Times.” Program outline is below.
2026 Conference Program
Friday, May 1, 2026
- 5:00pm-6:30pm: [Seminar Room] Reception Speaker TBD – please wear your fascinator or fedora in celebration of the Kentucky Derby
Saturday, May 2, 2026
- 8:00am-10:00am [Seminar Room]: Breakfast
- 9:00am-10:00am [Seminar Room]: Panel – “New Models and Frameworks for Journalism” with Gwyneth Doland, UNM Communications Professor of Practice
- 10:15am-11:15am [Seminar Room]: Interview Panel – “First Amendment, Democracy and the Law” featuring Dede Feldman, former legislator and author; Eric Griego, policy analyst, Adjunct Professor at UNM, and former legislator; Diane Denish, Former NM Lt. Governor
- 11:30-1:00pm [Seminar Room]: Zia Award and Scholarship Lunch – Host: Dede Feldman
- 1:15pm-2:45pm [Seminar Room]: Workshop – “AI: Journalist Friend or Foe” conducted by Tom Tenorio, Systems Engineer at White Sands and Regina Griego
- 3pm-4pm [Sunrise Room]: NMPW Annual Meeting
- 5:30pm-8:30pm [Seminar Room]: Communications Banquet
- 5:30pm – Reception
- 6:00pm – Dinner
- 7:00pm – Speaker: U.S Representative Melanie Stansbury
- 7:30pm – Communicator of Achievement Award
- 7:45pm – Communication Contests Awards, Hosts: Catherine Lynch and Carolyn Carlson. The awards program will highlight winners from all of the categories from the NM Press Women Professional Contest
Registration Information: Pricing
Conference attendees can reserve a room at the Isleta Resort Hotel for the discounted rate of $159 per night by calling 505-724-3800 and giving the code NMP0526. All reservations must be made before April 16, 2026.
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Full registration*
Early bird until Dec 31, 2025 (members: $180/ nonmembers: $200)
Beginning Jan 1, 2026 (members: $210/ nonmembers: $230) -
Saturday only (includes breakfast, lunch, and banquet)
Early bird until Dec 31, 2025 (members: $160/ nonmembers: $180)
Beginning Jan 1, 2026 (members: $180/ nonmembers: $200) - Saturday lunch** (members: $60/ nonmembers: $70)
- Saturday banquet*** (members: $90/ nonmembers: $100)
- Banquet table for 8: $1,000
- Banquet half-table for 4: $500
NOTES:
*Full registration includes Friday reception and Saturday conference sessions, meals, and the banquet.
**Zia Book Awards and Scholarships will be awarded at the lunch.
***Communications Contest results and the 2026 Communicator of Achievement will be announced at the banquet.
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Quick ViewConference Full Registration (Early Bird Rate)
Price range: $180.00 through $200.00 -
Quick ViewSaturday Only (Early Bird Rate)
Price range: $160.00 through $180.00 -
Quick ViewSaturday Lunch
Price range: $60.00 through $70.00 -
Quick ViewSaturday Banquet
Price range: $90.00 through $100.00 -
Quick ViewConference Banquet Full Table
$1,000.00 -
Quick ViewConference Banquet Half Table
$500.00 -
Quick ViewConference Sponsorship
Price range: $500.00 through $2,000.00
Sponsorship Opportunities
Help NMPW conduct an outstanding conference! All sponsors will be acknowledged in the conference program.
We offer the following categories and benefits: