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Class session at the CSPA Spring Convention
Photo: Sirin Samman

CSPA Spring Convention

This national gathering of student editors and faculty advisers representing newspapers, websites, yearbooks, magazines, and broadcast media will be held at Columbia from March 18-20, 2026. The event will offer more than 240 sessions over three days of programming, a critique room, and workshops.

Delegates may choose from more than 240 sessions organized in seven sequences: newspaper, online media, yearbook, magazine, video/broadcasting, law and ethics, and advisers. All seven sequences will run simultaneously throughout the three days of the convention. 

CSPA will also offer an on-site critique service, special half-day workshops,  and a student swap shop, where students may meet to exchange ideas. 

The Columbia Scholastic Press Advisers Association (CSPAA) will meet on Friday morning. All advisers of member publications are invited to meet with the board.

Please note: Completed media release forms are required for each convention attendee.

2026 Spring Convention Dates
Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 20, 2026

Deadlines and Fees

  • If paid before February 6, 2026: $215 per person

  • If paid after February 6, 2026: $225 per person

No purchase orders will be accepted for early registration fees. 

CSPA Awards and Teacher of the Year 
Limited seating is available for the event honoring awardees on Thursday. While these events are free to attend, each adviser must reserve their seat in advance. We can only accommodate the first 180 people who have reservations. Please reserve your seat only if you are sure you will be able to attend.

Wednesday Workshops

CSPA will offer four half-day workshops on the first day of the Convention (Wednesday, March 18), running independently of the sessions offered on our daily schedule. Space is limited in each workshop, and pre-registration is required with a $35 fee per person.

  • Broadcast Journalism
  • Advanced Writing
  • Photography
  • Advisers Workshop


If students or advisers wish to register additional persons as part of an existing school delegation, they may do so, but may incur a late fee.

Registration event site will launch in early December.

You do not have to be a CSPA member to attend our events.

CSPA Awards Programs arrow-right

Learn more about the requirements to enter the Crown and Gold Key Awards competitions.

National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year arrow-right

This award program recognizes the exemplary work of high school educators who inspire and mentor their students.

Connect With Us

To learn more about the CSPA Annual Spring Convention at Columbia University, please contact cspa@columbia.edu for more information.

About Us

CSPA is an international student press association founded in 1925, whose goal is to unite student journalists and faculty advisers through educational conferences, events, and award programs.