Pack your bags for the City of Lakes! The Association of Health Care Journalists and the Center for Excellence in Health Care Journalism are thrilled to bring Health Journalism ’26 to Minneapolis from May 27–30. Expect four energizing days of immersive field trips, standout sessions, hands-on workshops and abundant opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the country.
“I’m excited that we’re returning to the middle of the country for our annual conference, after holding the last two in LA and New York,” said Gideon Gil, AHCJ board president. “This year, we’re starting the conference a day earlier, on a Wednesday, and ending on Saturday afternoon, to make it easier for attendees to stay through the last sessions before having to head home.”
At a moment when truth and accountability matter more than ever, we’ll bring together journalists, health care professionals, policymakers and industry experts for timely discussions. Be a part of the conversation (and pitch your ideas for sessions until Jan. 30, 2026) as we explore health care’s biggest challenges and examine emerging opportunities and solutions. As always, you’ll walk away with plenty of story ideas and new contacts.
This year’s conference will also feature the 22nd annual Awards for Excellence in Health Care Journalism, a celebration of the best work in health care reporting.
“AHCJ is committed to moving our conference around the U.S. to make it more accessible to our members,” said Kelsey Ryan, AHCJ executive director. “We’re excited to give a national lens to local places each year, and Minneapolis has a lot that everyone can learn from.”
Beyond the sessions, Minneapolis offers so much to see and do. Visit George Floyd Square at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, which will soon have a memorial. Listen to live music on First Avenue or wander through the legendary Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to Claes Oldenburg’s iconic “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sculpture. Dive into the city’s vibrant art scene at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Mill City Museum, the Weisman Art Museum and the Walker Art Center. And don’t forget to schedule a guided tour of Paisley Park, Prince’s former home and recording studio.
More details coming soon — but for now, save the dates, submit a session pitch and start making plans to be in Minneapolis!
Program At-a-Glance
Check back later for the full HJ26 program.
Conference Hotel
Minneapolis Marriott City Center
30 S 7th St
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 349-4000
Want to share a room with a fellow conference attendee? Fill out this form.
Hotel Directions and Parking
Located on 7th street between Nicollet and Hennepin Avenue, the Minneapolis Marriott City Center is near the Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP), Greyhound Bus Lines and the Metro Transit Light Rail Train (Nicollet Mall stop). Car rentals are available nearby at Hertz.
Onsite self-parking is available on weekdays for $26 per day and weekends at $15 per day, from 2 p.m. – 2 p.m. Valet parking is also available for $45 a day.
Flight Discounts
We expect to add additional airlines before the conference.
Health Journalism 2026 in Minneapolis is made possible with the generous support of our sponsors.
Want to partner with AHCJ, the Center for Excellence in Health Care Journalism and this group of sponsors to create a remarkable conference experience? Contact AHCJ’s development officer, Melody Morgan, at melody@healthjournalism.org.
Want to be an exhibitor at HJ26? Contact susan@healthjournalism.org for questions.
Endowing Sponsor
Local Hosts
Gold Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
