Convention dates and rates
Key dates & deadlines
These dates are subject to change.
Convention registration begins
Aug. 26
JEA National Student Media Contests registration opens and online prompts available, both on JEA website
Aug. 30
Session proposals due by 11:59 p.m. CDT
Sept. 2
CDT Convention hotel room reservations open to sponsors/exhibitors at noon CDT
Sept. 4
First-time convention grant application deadline at 11:59 p.m.
Sept. 16
Convention hotel room reservations open to attendees at noon CDT
Sept. 18
JEA Outreach Academy application deadline at 11:59 p.m. CDT
Sept. 28
Student scholarship application deadline at 11:59 p.m. CDT
Sept. 30
Student scholarships announced
Oct. 2
Early bird registration ends at 5 p.m. CDT (last day for discounted registration rates)
Oct. 20
NSMC registration and online submission deadline at 1 p.m. CDT
Oct. 23
Online convention registration closes at 11:59 p.m. CDT, which includes any convention extras
Oct. 28
Convention hotel room block closes at 4 p.m. CDT
Registration rates
Online registration will open Aug. 26 and close Oct. 30. If you miss the online registration deadline, you will be able to register on-site. Please note the alternate registration dates and process for the JEA National Student Media Contests.
$145
JEA or NSPA members early bird (on or before Oct. 2)
$165
JEA or NSPA members standard rate (after Oct. 2)
$195
Nonmembers early bird (on or before Oct. 2)
$215
Nonmembers standard rate (after Oct. 2)
Hotel information & rates
To take full advantage of the convention, delegates are encouraged to stay at the Orlando World Center Marriott, the sanctioned and officially designated JEA/NSPA convention hotel. Hotel reservations within the event room block are first come, first available. Neither the hotel nor convention officials can guarantee availability.
8701 World Center Drive
Orlando, Florida 32821
Check-in time: 4:00 p.m.
Check-out time: 11:00 a.m.
$233.24 per room, per night, single/double/triple/quad occupancy (this rate includes the nightly resort fee and all applicable taxes.)
When you register for the convention, you’ll receive an email link for hotel registration once the hotel block is open on Sept. 16.
Costs of attending
In addition to the registration fees and hotel costs, attendees planning for the convention will have other costs to consider, depending on your location and what type of experience you are planning for, you might plan for the following costs:
Convention extras
JEA National Student Media Contest entry fees
$30 per student
Break With a Pro career event
$20 per student
NSPA Best of Show entry fee
$30 per entry
NSPA on-site media critique
$30 per critique for NSPA members, $45 for non-members
JEA National Journalism Quiz Bowl entry fee
$50 per team of four
Adobe certification testing
$80 per exam, $50 per practice test (optional), $60 per laptop rental (optional and limited, bring-your-own-device preferred)
Convention apparel and merchandise
Varies by convention, generally $30 or less
Preconvention workshop fee
$55 (half-day) or $75 (full-day) per attendee
Adviser recognition luncheon ticket
$60 per adviser
Getting to and around Orlando
Airfare
$300 national average
Meal per diem
$75 per day average (could be less or more depending on the individual)
Airport transportation
The convention hotel does not provide airport shuttle services. School groups should plan to take Uber/Lyft or hire a private shuttle service.
Distance from convention venue:
Orlando International Airport: 17 miles
Kissimmee Gateway Airport: 10 miles
Daytona Beach International Airport: 70 miles
Convention venue parking
Overnight guests: $21.30 per day for self-park, $58.58 per day for valet
Bus parking may be available for overnight guests: Please call the Orlando World Center Marriott at 407-238-8560 to inquire about bus parking.
These rates are for parking at the Orlando World Center Marriott, where all convention events will take place. Please note parking can only be guaranteed for overnight guests. Please contact the hotel directly with any questions, including bus parking inquiries.
Also consider
- Entertainment and sightseeing
- Public transportation and Uber/Lyft/taxi rides
- Souvenirs and shopping
- Tips and gratuities for drivers/housekeeping/restaurants
Please remember, this is not meant to be an exhaustive list, nor will all of these items apply to every attendee.
Orlando World Center Marriott resort fee inclusions
Room rates are subject to a resort fee in effect at the time of check-in. Resort fee rate and inclusions subject to change. This required charge is for resort amenities and currently includes the following:
- Daily unlimited access (within pool hours) to Falls Pool Oasis
- Daily admission to River Falls Water Park for up to 4 guests
- Daily scheduled shuttle service to Disney Parks and Disney Springs for up to 4 guests
- Enhanced in-room wireless internet for up to 6 devices
- Guest access to resort fitness center, open 24/7
River Falls Water Park features 3 multi-rider waterslides and a 575-foot tube lazy river by way of a zero-entry lagoon. Thrill seekers must be 48” tall barefoot to enjoy waterslides throughout the resort.