Registration is NOW OPEN for the OSMA State Convention at Kent State University on April 24-25, 2026. More information and registration links can be found on the State Convention page of the OSMA website.

Registration closes on April 3.  OSMA cannot accommodate for any changes in registration numbers made after that date due to catering deadlines.

Highlights for this year

This year’s Friday evening keynote speaker will be Cathy Kuhlmeier, one of three students involved in the 1988 US Supreme Court Landmark case Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier. Cathy’s firsthand experience with censorship of high school publications makes her uniquely equipped to speak with Ohio journalism students in 2026, many of whom are facing increasing censorship pressure from their administrators.

Also, new this year: we will be renting out space at Kent Lanes bowling alley after the Friday evening banquet. Plan to stick around after the banquet, stay overnight at an area hotel, and join us for Day 2 if possible!

Prices are tiered this year to accommodate for the different levels of participation:

$50/attendee: includes daytime sessions, catered awards banquet on Friday evening and all Saturday programming.

$60/attendee: includes all of the above plus Friday evening bowling at Kent Lanes

$30/attendee: includes Friday sessions only – no awards banquet, Friday evening bowling, or Saturday programming.

Advisers who are interested in presenting a session should fill out the Speaker Proposal Form by March 27.

For more information about the state convention, see the State Convention page of the OSMA website.