ONA22 Sponsorship Opportunities

ONA22 will take place in Los Angeles and online Sept. 21-24, 2022. This hybrid global journalism festival offers interactive panels, workshops and networking events with some of the most innovative minds in digital news media, including audience and analytics professionals, news product, strategy and business executives and entrepreneurs.

This conference offers our funders, sponsors and supporters several opportunities to connect with the community both in person and virtually including:

  • Access to attendee profiles and ability to contact attendees
  • Being a part of the deeper discussion
  • Contribution to programming and sessions
  • Clear, focused networking times and options

Learn below about opportunities to support the digital media community while showcasing your group at ONA22 in September. Ready to have a conversation? Email Jessica Strelitz, Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer, at jessica@journalists.org.

See which organizations are supporting ONA22

Already a sponsor and have questions? See our FAQ.

Get to know the ONA Community

Our goal is to welcome 1,500 attendees in person to LA, and 300-400 virtually.

  • 42% of ONA21 attendees were in senior management positions
  • 70%+ were employed in the journalism space (15% in related technology and tools; 11% academic)
    • 38% management
    • 33% editing/reporting
    • 35% audience/engagement
    • 32% strategy
    • 25% leadership
    • 20% product
  • 12% reported being the primary decision maker in purchasing decisions and 37% reported having high or medium influence
  • 15% were based outside of the U.S
  • 50%+ reported they learned about 2 new technologies during ONA21
  • 40% planned to follow up with 1-3 contacts they made at the conference; 25% planned to follow up with 4-6

Top 4 reasons for attending ONA conference

  • Access new ideas
  • To learn practical tips for my day to day work
  • Meet other attendees
  • Discover new technology and tools

Top 10 types of exhibitors/sponsors attendees requested for future events

  • Training
  • Social media platforms
  • Data tools
  • Immersive storytelling tools + equipment
  • J-schools and fellowship opportunities
  • Content distribution platforms
  • CMS
  • Verification tools
  • Photos/Art
  • SEO

Open ONA22 Sponsorship Opportunities

Unless otherwise noted, additional benefits for all packages include:

  • A physical exhibiting space at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles on Thurs. Sept. 22 and Fri. Sept. 23 — tabletop space in the main exhibiting space (Jogging Track or the Hollywood Ballroom on the third floor) with shared electric access
  • Full conference passes allowing access to both the in-person event and the virtual experience, each including a one-year ONA membership
  • Virtual-only conference passes
  • Access to the ONA22’s online platform with ability to communicate directly with attendees and more.
  • Tiered level name/logo placement in conference email newsletters
  • Rotating digital ad on ONA22 virtual platform
  • Logo/name listed on ONA22 sponsor virtual promotion
  • Sponsor logo projected on the opening screen of all ONA22 general sessions, in person and virtual.
  • ONA Industry Directory Listing (one year past current expiration date)

Sponsored Sessions and Events: Speakers for any event at ONA22, whether in person or virtual-only, including sponsored sessions and meal events, must be registered for ONA22.

All conference sessions must uphold and further the educational, professional development, and diversity goals of ONA22, regardless of whether they are selected via the Suggestion Box or through Midway programming, or organized by ONA or sponsors.

Tabletop exhibiting schedule

  • Sept. 21: Set-up
  • Sept. 22: Day 1 Exhibiting, 10am-5pm
  • Sept. 23: Day 2 Exhibiting, 10am-5pm, with breakdown after closing

Maximum exposure every time 1,500+ conference attendees access the ONA22 private wireless network at the Westin Bonaventure. Includes dedicated signage throughout the ONA22 programming space and all in-person promotions. Sponsor receives 5 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 3 virtual passes.

A dedicated time and space to connect with ONA22 attendees and get valuable feedback about the products or services you are developing. Host up to 25 for a focus group in a private room at the Westin Bonaventure OR in the virtual ONA22 platform for up to one hour on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday of the conference. Sponsor is responsible for programming and stand-alone invitations. Sponsor receives branding on digital invitation to RSVP to attend the event. Sponsor must agree to clearly describe and host the event as a focus group, but is responsible for programming and any stand-alone invitations. Additional signage, giveaways or F&B are at the discretion of the Sponsor. Sponsor receives 2 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes. Notes: ONA cannot share attendee email addresses as part of attendee outreach. Focus Groups will not be listed on the official ONA22 schedule.

ONA, with support from our partners, will offer scholarships to ONA22. Scholarships awarded will be a mix of in-person and virtual opportunities, depending on applicant request.

Sponsor branding would be included on the primary scholarship information page and the specific pages for the scholarship(s) the sponsor is directly supporting, in addition to scholarship promotion. Access to reach out to applicants is included in this package. Partners can also select to sponsor more scholarships and/or combine scholarship support with another package, with benefits adjusted accordingly.

Sponsor receives 2 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes.

Looking for a more standard exhibiting package? ONA22 will offer stand-alone table-top exhibit spaces for face-to-face conversations with media leaders. Located in the Hollywood Ballroom and Jogging Track on the 3rd floor of the Westin. Additional details:

  • Table-top space includes one 6’x2’ table, two chairs and shared use of a 10 amp electric drop and power strip. No stand-alone backdrops or banners exceeding 5 feet in width, no pipe-and-drape.
  • All in-person spaces will also have a virtual booth space on the ONA22 website
  • Sponsor receives 2 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes
  • Additional signage, within space restrictions, or give-aways are at the discretion of the Sponsor. (Limited storage onsite is available, first come, first served.)
  • Sponsor is responsible for F&B and AV in their space, as approved by the hotel, and must discuss first with ONA

ONA has limited larger lounge space in the Registration foyer on the 2nd floor at the Westin. Please reach out to jessica@journalists.org for details and pricing.

The following opportunities are available with or without an ONA22 sponsor package. There are no additional benefits associated with the options below.

  • ONA22 On-site Job Board Listings: $200/each (printed and placed next to Registration).
  • ONA22 Newsletter — $800/issue (limited issues available)
  • ONA22 Conference Daily — $1,250 per ad/issue
  • ONA22 Premium Online Ad Space – SOLD OUT
  • ONA Weekly newsletter — $750/issue (discounts available)
  • Leaderboard Ads — SEPTEMBER SOLD OUT
  • Additional year-round opportunities available here

Closed ONA22 Sponsorship Opportunities

The Presenting Sponsor of ONA22 will be highlighted for their support in multiple ways:

  • Presenting Sponsor will co-host the ONA22 Welcome Event. This premium sponsorship includes all branding and promotion related to the event, as well as the opportunity to address attendees both live attending the Welcome Event at the Westin Bonaventure and virtually through a pre-recorded message. Heavy appetizers and beverages are included for the in-person reception, as well as space for on-site branding, activations and brief remarks. Additional hand-outs/give-aways are at the discretion of the sponsor.
  • Presenting Sponsor will have the option to conduct up to two standard-length sponsored sessions on Thursday and Friday of the conference. These sessions would be held live at the Westin Bonaventure and streamed for virtual viewing. ONA will actively work with Sponsor to ensure a quality experience for Sponsor, speakers and attendees. ONA would promote the session as an official event across our channels with your branding. Sponsors would have access to the streamed video after the event to share publicly, including on their own platform.

Additional benefits for this package also include:

  • Private lounge space in the Westin Bonaventure, or another open lounge space. Sponsor is responsible for specialty furniture, A/V and/or F&B; ONA will provide a list of vendors. Basic electric access is included.
  • 10 full conference passes, each including a one-year ONA membership
  • 10 virtual-only conference passes
  • Premium placement on ONA’s virtual Midway (alphabetical order), with ability to make connections with attendees/schedule appointments/host video meetings
  • Top level logo placement in conference email newsletters (opt-in audience ~15,000 )
  • 2 pre-ONA22 dedicated newsletter ads
  • Dedicated physical signage at Welcome Event, as well as logo/name listed on ONA22 sponsor physical signage and virtual promotion
  • Logo listed on all Welcome Event virtual announcements

Put your organization front and center during the networking event and ceremony highlighting digital journalism’s preeminent awards — the Online Journalism Awards. Sponsor has the opportunity for brief remarks (in-person or virtually) during the live ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 24. A reserved OJA table and event branding — both in person and virtually as part of the event stream — is included. Food and beverage for in-person ticketed attendees is also included as part of the in-person event.

Private lounge space in the Westin Bonaventure, or another open lounge space is also included. Sponsor is responsible for specialty furniture, A/V and/or F&B; ONA will provide a list of vendors. Basic electric access is included. Sponsor receives 5 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 3 virtual passes.

Support this key program, which brings select students to ONA22 to produce content for the ONA22 website under the personal guidance of professional mentors from across the country. Includes branding as part of the official announcement, news, selection process and all-digital presence, as well as on-site newsroom and opportunity to directly connect with the selected participants. Sponsor will also be branded as the Patron sponsor on the Student Newsroom website.

The Patron sponsorship also includes a private lounge space or other open lounge space in the Westin Bonaventure. Sponsor is responsible for specialty furniture, A/V and/or F&B; ONA will provide a list of vendors. Basic electric access is included. The Patron sponsor receives 5 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 3 virtual passes.

A destination with guaranteed foot traffic and appreciation! Provide coffee service in your lounge for conference attendees at the most popular spot at ONA22 – near registration and the California Ballroom on the 2nd floor of the hotel, Wednesday through Friday of the conference. Sponsor is responsible for all costs related to hotel coffee service, which is $100 per gallon plus hotel fees of 34.5%, for a recommended two (2) breaks per day of coffee and tea, paid directly to the hotel. A minimum of one coffee/tea service (estimated to be 50 gallons) per day is required as part of this sponsorship. Basic electric access is included with this space. Sponsor receives 5 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 3 virtual passes. Note: There is no additional exhibit space included in this sponsorship.

Support this key program, which brings select students to ONA22 to produce content for the ONA22 website under the personal guidance of professional mentors from across the country. Includes branding as part of the official announcement, news, selection process and all-digital presence, as well as on-site newsroom and opportunity to directly connect with the selected participants. Sponsor will also be branded as a Supporter on the Student Newsroom website.The Supporter sponsorship includes a Balcony Midway exhibitor space, with basic electric access.  The Supporter sponsor receives 3 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes.

Address this group of diverse conference-goers during this hour-long appetizer and ticketed bar networking event (includes 200 drink tickets) at the Westin Bonaventure. Sponsor also receives branding on the official schedule, digital invitation and all promotion of the event. Sponsor receives 4 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 3 virtual passes. Note: ONA cannot share attendee email addresses as part of attendee outreach.

Welcome up to 200 conference-goers during this L.A. themed hour-long, appetizer and ticketed bar networking event on Wednesday, Sept. 21, alongside the ONA Local – L.A. group. Sponsor also receives branding on the official schedule, digital invitation and all official promotion of the event. Light appetizers and one drink ticket per attendee is included, as well as wireless, A/V and space at the Westin Bonaventure, if held indoors. Sponsor receives 4 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 3 virtual passes. Note: ONA cannot share attendee email addresses as part of attendee outreach.

An annual favorite! Sponsor’s color logo + brief text on the back of ONA22 t-shirt offered to the 1,500+ in person attendees; ONA22 logo will be displayed on front. Sponsor receives 4 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 3 virtual passes.

Sponsor logo prominently displayed on badges and lanyards worn by the 1,500+ in person attendees for all four days of ONA22. Sponsor receives 4 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 3 virtual passes.

Dedicated branding, signage and hand-outs (provided by Sponsor) in one of the highest-trafficked area of the conference venue for all four days, with exposure to all 1,500+ in-person attendees. Registration is located in the California Ballroom Foyer, 2nd Floor. Sponsor receives 4 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 3 virtual passes. Note: This package doesn’t include exhibit space on the California Ballroom level; exhibit space will be in Hollywood Ballroom or adjacent jogging track.

Sponsor will conduct a 90-minute live sponsored training/workshop. ONA will actively work with Sponsor to ensure a quality experience for Sponsor, speakers and attendees. ONA would promote the session as an official event on the ONA22 schedule and across our channels with your branding. Sponsor receives 4 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes.

Sponsor will conduct a 60-minute in-person, livestreamed sponsored session designed to introduce new skills, tools and concepts to the onsite and online ONA22 audience. ONA will actively work with Sponsor to ensure a quality experience for Sponsor, speakers and attendees. ONA will promote the session as an official event on the ONA22 schedule and across our channels with your branding. Sponsor receives 3 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes.

Host this targeted networking reception for the 2022 Women’s Leadership Accelerator cohort, speakers, funders and attendees from past WLA programs, as well as other women in news leadership at ONA22, for 150 total guests. Benefits include year-round inclusion on all WLA signage, website logo/thanks, messaging logo/thanks and opportunity to include info/swag for reception participants at ONA22. Space at the Westin Bonaventure and all food and beverage is included (including 150 drink tickets), as well as branding on the invitation and listing on the official schedule. Sponsor receives 3 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes. Note: ONA cannot share attendee email addresses as part of attendee outreach.

Looking to spotlight your company while also bringing surprise and delight to our attendees? Petting puppies by a pool? A food truck fest nearby at lunchtime? A 0.25K through the jogging track? ONA will work with Sponsor to organize and host a concept at or near the Westin Bonaventure to enhance the attendee experience. Sponsor receives 3 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes. Notes: Sponsor concepts must be approved by ONA and necessary parties (such as, but not limited to, the Westin Bonaventure). Sponsor is responsible for all necessary costs associated with this joyful experience.

Make sure ONA22 attendees remain hydrated and refreshed — always important in L.A.! — and get a chance to relax in this dedicated lounge space in the Hollywood Ballroom foyer, outside of the Midway space on the third floor. Sponsor is responsible for any costs related to any branded water bottles, giveaways and food and beverage), specialty furniture and/or A/V; ONA will provide a list of options (hotel is responsible for all F&B). Basic electric access is included with this space. Sponsor receives 3 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes. Note: There is no additional exhibit space included in this sponsorship.

Attendees will have you to thank for being able to walk away from the show with a new headshot for their professional use as part of this dedicated lounge space in the Hollywood Ballroom foyer, outside of the Midway space on the third floor. Sponsor is responsible for any costs related to the headshot lounge set up (including lighting and photographer/digital capture), specialty furniture, A/V and/or F&B; ONA will provide a list of vendors. Basic electric access is included with this space. Includes designation on the official ONA22 map and promotion to on-site attendees. Sponsor receives 3 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes. Note: There is no additional exhibit space included in this sponsorship.

Looking to target audience development experts, product pros or broadcast powerhouses, or another specific group of professionals at ONA22? Address the exact group you are looking for during this hour-long, invitation-only appetizer and ticketed bar networking event for 100 guests on Wednesday, Sept. 21 or Friday, Sept. 23. Sponsor also receives branding on targeted digital invitation and all official promotion of this new ONA opportunity. Sponsor receives 3 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes. Note: ONA cannot share attendee email addresses as part of attendee outreach.

Private salon with space for 100+ people (standing reception and theater style). Space is located on the California Ballroom level, where registration is held. Sponsor is responsible for any A/V needs, specialty furniture or F&B. ONA will provide contacts for these services as needed. Sponsor receives 3 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes. Note: There is no additional exhibit space included in this sponsorship.

The only way to get your message onto ONA’s official social feeds during ONA22. Sponsor provides 10 Tweets, 1 message for LinkedIn and 1 message for the ONA Facebook group, which ONA will promote the week of Sept. 19, 2022. Sponsor receives 3 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes. Note: Deadline for content is Aug. 29.

Healthy opportunities to gather are always a top attendee request for ONA conferences! Welcome this group of up to 100 in-person attendees as they gather for this RSVP-only, 90-minute chair or mat yoga-and-networking session on the morning of Friday, Sept. 23. Sponsorship includes smoothies, juices and flavored waters. Sponsor also receives branding on digital invitation to apply to attend the event, and any official promotion of the event. Additional signage or giveaways are at the discretion of the Sponsor. Sponsor receives 3 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes. Note: ONA cannot share attendee email addresses as part of attendee outreach.

Host a group of 50 conference-goers during an hour-long, RSVP-required luncheon and private networking event on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday of the conference. Room space at the Westin Bonaventure, A/V and all luncheon costs for 50 guests and 5 staffers for 55 total seats are included in this package. Sponsor is responsible for programming and any stand-alone invitations. Sponsor also receives branding on digital invitation to apply to attend the event, and any official promotion of the event. Additional signage or giveaways are at the discretion of the Sponsor. Sponsor receives 3 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes. Note: ONA cannot share attendee email addresses as part of attendee outreach.

Address a group of 50 diverse conference-goers during this hour-long, invitation-only breakfast event and private networking event on Friday morning, Sept. 23. Sponsor also receives branding on digital invitation to apply for the event, and all official promotion of the event. Breakfast costs for 50 guests and up to 5 staffers are included in the sponsorship for a total of 55 seats. Sponsor is responsible for the application process. Additional signage or giveaways are at the discretion of the Sponsor. Sponsor receives 3 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes. Note: ONA cannot share attendee email addresses as part of attendee outreach.

Host a group of 50 conference-goers during an hour-long, RSVP-required breakfast and private networking event on Thursday, Sept. 22 or Friday, Sept. 23. Room space at the Westin Bonaventure, A/V and breakfast costs for 50 guests and up to 5 staffers are included in the sponsorship for a total of 55 seats. Sponsor is responsible for programming and any stand-alone invitations. Sponsor also receives branding on digital invitation to apply to attend the event, and any official promotion of the event. Additional signage or give-aways are at the discretion of the Sponsor. Sponsor receives 3 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes. Notes: ONA cannot share attendee email addresses as part of attendee outreach.

Host a group of 35 attendees during an hour-long, RSVP-required private networking event on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday of the conference. ONA will host the private event inside of the virtual conference platform, and deliver GrubHub vouchers for attendees to order food in advance of the event. (Sponsor has the option to invite non-ONA22 attendees; ONA can provide details.) Sponsor is responsible for programming. Sponsor will be listed on the official schedule and also receive branding on digital invitation for the event and all promotion of the event. Additional giveaways are at the discretion of the Sponsor. Sponsor receives 2 full ONA22 passes, each with a one-year ONA membership, and 2 virtual passes. Note: This event is virtual-only and does not include in-person booth space at the Westin.

This sponsorship is designed to support new or emerging companies and tools. Companies must be two years old or newer to qualify. Application and conversation are required. Accepted groups will receive a virtual exhibit space, one full conference pass with a one-year ONA membership, and one virtual conference pass.

The Start-Up Alley will be promoted as an official part of ONA22. ONA will work with accepted groups to create a short video (up to 5 minutes) about the start-up that will be featured in the official ONA22 blog post introducing the Start-Up Alley, which will be promoted in the conference newsletter (opt-in audience ~15,000) and on official social media.