Conferences - Investigative Reporters & Editors

Our national conferences are packed with panels, workshops and roundtables covering the latest developments in investigative and data journalism. The conferences have become known for the practical tips and story ideas shared by prize-winning members in quick-hit sessions. Sessions range from hands-on data training to panels on shoe-leather reporting techniques.

Conduct at our conferences and events, both online and in person, is guided by our code of conduct known as the IRE Principles. We are committed to ensuring all attendees have an enjoyable, safe experience.

Questions? Contact us at conference@ire.org.

Future Conference Dates & Locations

2025
NICAR: March 6-9 in Minneapolis, MN
IRE: June 19-22 in New Orleans, LA
AccessFest: October 9-11, online

2026
NICAR: March 5-8 in Indianapolis, IN
IRE: June 18-21 in Washington, D.C. (National Harbor)
AccessFest: October 2026, online

2027
NICAR: March 11-14 in Denver
IRE: June 24-27 in Phoenix, AZ
AccessFest: October 2027, online

2028
NICAR: March 9-12 in Detroit
IRE: June 22-25 in Indianapolis, IN
AccessFest: October 2028, online

2029
NICAR: March 8-11 in Baltimore
IRE: June 21-24 in Austin, TX

frequently asked Conference questions

2025 Conferences

IRE 2025

New Orleans | June 19-22, 2025

Join us for our annual investigative journalism conference where you'll get world-class professional development opportunities in all things investigative and data journalism. The conference will feature sessions on the most tried and tested investigative skills, story ideas for anyone and tons of chances to grow your network.

more information

IRE AccessFest 2025

Online | Oct. 9-11, 2025

Join us for our virtual-by-design conference. The conference will provide professional development opportunities that focus on diversity, belonging, equity and inclusion issues within the newsroom and in news coverage. AccessFest also will feature some of the best sessions from past NICAR and IRE Conferences including tried and true data skills and investigative techniques.

more info

NICAR 2026

Indianapolis | March 5-8, 2026

Join us for our annual data journalism conference where you'll have access to trainings on some of the most powerful tools a journalist can have in their kit. Sessions will also feature the most tried and tested data analysis techniques and investigative skills out there.

details coming soon

Past Conferences

NICAR 2025 — March 6-9, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota
AccessFest 2024 — October 17-19, 2024, online
IRE 2024 — June 20-23, 2024, in Anaheim, California
NICAR 2024 — March 7-10, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland
AccessFest 2023 — Oct. 12-14 2023, virtual
IRE 2023 — June 22-25, 2023, in Orlando, Florida
NICAR 2023 — March 2-5, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee
2022 DBEI Symposium — Oct. 2021, virtual
IRE 2022 — June 23-26, 2022, in Denver and online
NICAR 2022 — March 3-6, 2022, in Atlanta and online
2021 DBEI Symposium — Oct. 21-22, 2021, virtual (post-conference registration open)
IRE 2021 — June 14-18, 2021, virtual (post-conference registration open)
NICAR 2021 — March 3-5, 2021, virtual (post-conference registration open)
IRE 2020 — Sept. 21-25, virtual
NICAR 2020 — March 5-8, 2020 in New Orleans
IRE 2019 — June 12-16, 2019, in Houston
NICAR 2019 — March 6-10, 2019, in Newport Beach
IRE 2018 — June 14-17, 2018, in Orlando
NICAR 2018 — March 7-11, 2018, in Chicago
IRE 2017 — June 21-25, 2017, in Phoenix
NICAR 2017 — March 1-5, 2017, in Jacksonville
IRE 2016 — June 15-19, 2016, in New Orleans
NICAR 2016 — March 9-13, 2016, in Denver
IRE 2015 — June 3-7, 2015, in Philadelphia
NICAR 2015 — March 4-8, 2015, in Atlanta

To watch videos of recorded sessions at previous conferences, click here.