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Annual Convention

2026 Annual Convention

Join us at OPA's 2026 Annual Convention on June 5-6 to celebrate Oklahoma newspapers and news media at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Norman. It's a great opportunity to connect with your peers, attend educational sessions, gather new revenue ideas, and pick up your contest awards!  Don't miss it! 

Registration will open in April 2026.
Early Bird Discount will be available until mid-May.

If you would like to sponsor the 2026 Convention please visit okpress.com/sponsors for more info then contact Lisa Sutliff.

See all the highlights from the
2025 Convention on Facebook!

DETAILS:

  • Dates: Friday, June 5 (begins around 3:30 p.m.) and Saturday, June 6 (all day). Saturday concludes with the Better Newspaper Contest Awards Banquet to celebrate Oklahoma newspapers and news media!
  • Who should attend: Publishers, editors, advertising managers, circulation managers, reporters, advertising representatives, all staff are welcome!

College Students and Educators may attend the Convention's educational SESSIONS at no cost. However, payment is required for any MEALS you'll attend. Registration is required for both sessions and meals; the promo code will be provided here when registration opens. 

VENUE/HOTEL INFORMATION:

Embassy Suites logo 

  • Embassy Suites Norman Hotel & Conference Center
    2501 Conference Dr, Norman, OK 73069 
  • Website: hilton.com
  • Rate: $132 per night for 1 king or 2 double beds (plus taxes/fees)
  • Breakfast & hotel reception tickets included in the $132 room rate!
  • Free parking & Free wifi
  • Reservation Deadline:  May 14, 2026
  • Reserve your room by Phone:  Call 1-800-EMBASSY (800-362-2779). Group name will be available in early 2026.
  • Reserve your room online: Group website will be available in early 2026


QUESTIONS:

Alexis Marshall

Registration & Silent Auction
(405) 499-0035
1-888-815-2672 (Okla.)

 

Email Alexis

Lisa Sutliff, CAE

Sessions, Events & Awards
(405) 499-0040
1-888-815-2672 (Okla.)

 

Email Lisa


SPONSORS:

A BIG THANK YOU to our fantastic 2025 sponsors!

Citizen potawatomi nation seal Citizen Potawatomi Nation represents more than 38,000 tribal members.  It offers more than 50 tribal government programs and commercial enterprises providing services to Potawatomi citizens and neighboring communities. With more than 2,200 employees, the CPN operates a variety of tribally owned commercial enterprises, including First National Bank and Trust Co. and the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort, host of OPA's 2023 Convention. The Hownikan is the official publication of the CPN and is an affiliate member of the OPA.
 
The Chickasaw Nation  The Chickasaw Nation is economically strong, culturally vibrant and full of energetic people dedicated to the preservation of family, community and heritage. Since the 1980s, its tribal government has focused on building an economically diverse base to generate funds to support programs and services to Indian people.   
   
Logo with lowercase E in italics, word type and services underneath
eType Services has helped more than 500 clients in more than 40 states thrive in the digital world. Its products and services are designed for small and medium-sized newspapers seeking to reach more readers — and increase revenue — through digital circulation. Our industry-leading e-Edition, web and mobile products can be up-and-running quickly and do not require additional staff or infrastructure. Plus, we offer unlimited technical support, no startup costs and low monthly fees. 
   
 AT&T logo with blue world graphic AT&T has been a leader in connecting people and businesses since Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone more than 145 years ago. It is leading the charge with nationwide fast, reliable and secure 5G coupled with growing, multi-gig fiber internet service. It is strengthening its network to enable everything from smarter homes and cities to high-quality remote healthcare, augmented and virtual reality and sophisticated new workplace collaboration tools.  
   
 Inasmuch Foundation Inasmuch Foundation champions journalism, education, human services, and community to improve the quality of life for Oklahomans. The Foundation seeks to build strong networks of journalists and journalism organizations to inform communities and create an engaged citizenry. It has funded the Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation's Internship Program since 2008.  
   
Hilliary
Hilliary Communications provides telephone service to more than 19,000 customers in 22 counties throughout Oklahoma & Texas. The company also offers IP television service and internet speeds up to 1 Gig. Hilliary Communications continuously researches the marketplace for innovations and strives to improve underdeveloped areas, offering services that exceed customer expectations.
   

Public Service Company of Oklahoma is a longstanding energy provider dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to the residents and businesses of Oklahoma. Headquartered in Tulsa, PSO is a subsidiary of American Electric Power, one of the largest electric utilities in the United States. With a rich history dating back to 1913, PSO has grown to serve over 575,000 customers in 232 cities and towns.
   

Ellis County Star is a weekly newspaper published since 2022 by Last Refuge Media in Arnett, Okla. It is led by Walter 'Dub' Wagnon and covers all of Ellis County with coverage of community people and events and holds government officials accountable.
   

BancFirst in Oklahoma offers valuable banking solutions including checking accounts, savings accounts, commercial loans, treasury services and much more. With roots dating to the Oklahoma Land Run of '89, BancFirst is Oklahoma’s largest state-chartered bank with the Federal Reserve as its primary federal regulator. Today, we have more than 50 locations throughout the state. Through exceptional service and our involvement in our community, BancFirst puts Oklahoma first. BancFirst is Loyal to Oklahoma and Loyal to you.
   

Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative Inc. (CVEC) is a nonprofit, member-owned utility cooperative that delivers essential electric service to over 25,000 accounts across East Central Oklahoma. CVEC launched CVEC Fiber, a state-of-the-art fiber network designed to bring fast, reliable internet to all member-owners, businesses, and municipalities within its service area.
   

Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association promotes the general welfare of the Oklahoma Indian Tribes with respect to the conduct of gaming enterprises in Indian Country. As a trade association, OIGA educates and disseminates information to the tribal, federal, and state governments and the general public on issues relating to tribal government gaming.
   

 

If you would like to sponsor the 2026 Convention please visit okpress.com/sponsors for more info then contact Lisa Sutliff.

 

2025 VENDORS:

ADVANTAGE NEWSPAPER CONSULTANTS

Advantage Newspaper Consultants delivers focused revenue solutions to media and newspaper companies. They are specialists at creating a sales event for you that will get your sales team excited while also learning sales tips and closing techniques from industry experts.  Learn more

ETYPE SERVICES

eType Services has helped more than 500 clients in more than 40 states thrive in the digital world. Its products and services are designed for small and medium-sized newspapers seeking to reach more readers — and increase revenue — through digital circulation. Our industry-leading e-Edition, web and mobile products can be up-and-running quickly and do not require additional staff or infrastructure. Plus, we offer unlimited technical support, no startup costs and low monthly fees.  Learn more

OKLAHOMA VOICE

Oklahoma Voice is a non-profit news outlet that provides objective reporting examining the intersection of policy, impact and power. It delivers nonpartisan coverage of how Oklahomans are affected by the decisions made in our state capital and beyond.  Learn more

OKLAHOMA WATCH

Oklahoma Watch is a non-profit organization that examines significant issues facing our state through investigative, fact-driven journalism. Their work engages all Oklahomans, amplifies the discussion of important issues and leads to change.  Learn more

 

To have a vendor's table at the 2026 Convention please visit okpress.com/sponsors for more info then contact Lisa Sutliff.

 

PICTURES:

View photos from previous conventions on our Facebook page!