Sponsor Information Center

Thank you for your support of the Online News Association. We are excited to be working with you as we host ONA Insights.

This page is home for sponsor-related requests and information. ONA will regularly update the Sponsor Information Center with helpful guides and additional FAQs. We will flag updates over email and are happy to answer any questions in the meantime.

Important Dates

  • Sept. 1: General registration opens
  • Sept. 29: Deadline to book discounted lodging through the ONA Insights room block at the Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square at a rate of $179 per night for single- and double-occupancy rooms. Rate will rise to $240/night starting Sept. 30. Details here.
  • Sept. 30: Deadline for ALL requested promotional information, including sponsor logos and descriptions and any reception/meal/session descriptions + speakers. Though ONA strives to be as flexible and as supportive as possible, after that date, we will not have the capacity to perform any additional processing. Add to Calendar
  • Oct. 4: Sponsor deadline to register in-person representatives, using package-allotted, in-person passes. Any in-person sponsor passes unregistered on Oct. 5 will be released to general attendees, and those sponsor passes will become virtual passes. Add to Calendar
  • Oct. 7: Deadline for Pop-Up Video Session pre-records.
  • Oct. 11: Final day to confirm Insights sponsorship. Please note: Packages may be adjusted to accommodate logistical requirements. 
  • Oct. 13, 5:00 – 7:30 P.M.: Tabletop set-up opportunity
  • Oct. 14, 7:00 – 8:30 A.M.: Final opportunity to set-up tabletop before attendees register on-site
  • Oct. 14, 9:00 A.M. – Oct. 15, 5:30 P.M.: ONA Insights Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register people for the memberships and conference passes that are part of my ONA Insights package?
Sponsors will receive private correspondence to register for their memberships and ONA Insights passes through a dedicated portal.

Why is the deadline to register the in-person Insights passes 10 days before the event start date?
Given the limitations on attendance to safely accommodate all participants, we will be implementing a waiting list once general registration meets a specific threshold. By confirming how many passes from sponsor packages will be used to attend in-person, we may be able to open up space on the waiting list. Any unregistered in-person passes will be converted to virtual passes on Oct. 5.

What kind of passes do I have included with my package?
Please consult your individual sponsorship agreement for how many full or virtual-only passes your package provides. Full passes allow for in-person admission to ONA Insights in Philadelphia as well as access to any Insights content available virtually, both live and archived.

Can I invite additional staff or guests for ONA Insights?
If you have other staff that would like to attend ONA beyond your package-allotted tickets, they can register here. Once we have reached our cap of 250 total on-site attendees, we will close in-person registration. No unregistered individuals will be allowed entry to any Insights events, regardless of affiliation or reason, and we will not sell passes in person.

Will I have a booth?
Unless otherwise noted, ONA Insights sponsor packages include one (1) 6-foot tabletop space in Insights sponsor foyer, outside of main programming ballroom. If you prefer to not use your allotted tabletop space, please email Bill at bill@journalists.org to let him know.

What can I do with my tabletop space?
You may use the space as you choose: it can be hosted with staff available to talk to attendees or unhosted with information about how to connect with you. The best times to connect with attendees will be during the breaks and at the OJA reception, which will take place in that foyer area. Email Hanaa at hanaa@journalists.org to talk through best practices and your plans. Please note: No stand-alone backdrops or banners exceeding 4 feet in width or pipe-and-drape can be used.

What kinds of giveaways can I offer at my tabletop?
As a digital journalism organization, we have been moving away from paper wherever possible at our events, and encourage you to think about digital ways to promote your group, such as through a sign-up form or a QR code linking to more information, as opposed to having paper promotion, such as a postcard or flyer.

Additionally, to reduce touchpoints, consider opting to make a donation on behalf of the attendees to a local Philadelphia charity rather than offering swag. This year, ONA is supporting Project HOME’s Hub of Hope, a drop-in service center in Suburban Station that offers those experiencing homelessness a safe place to enjoy a warm cup of coffee, take a shower and wash laundry, connect to medical care and recovery services, and speak to peers or case managers to begin the process of finding a permanent home. You can donate to Project HOME here.

What snacks and drinks can I offer?
You are welcome to offer limited food and beverage options at your table, with the exception of coffee service, through the Sonesta. Please contact hanaa@journalists.org to be connected to the hotel.

Will tabletop spaces have access to electrical outlets?
Yes. Tables will be provided limited access to electricity by the Sonesta that will allow you to plug in a few items at a time (e.g., a laptop, monitor, and a phone). Depending on the location of your table, you may have to share a power strip with another table. You may not use your own extension cords or power strips. If sharing power is not something that works for your needs, please email hanaa@journalists.org to discuss options.

Will tabletop spaces have access to wifi?
Yes. The Sonesta will be providing free wifi to all attendees, including sponsors. Given that it is a shared resource, if being online is a critical part of your booth experience, please make sure you have an offline version that you can share if necessary until the connection is reestablished, or consider using a hotspot.

Can we rent a monitor? Can we bring our own?
Yes, and yes. If you would prefer to rent a monitor through the Sonesta, they have four that are available on a first-come first-served basis. The Sonesta’s AV pricing guide and ordering information is available here. You also have the option to bring your own monitor. (If you choose to do so and would like to have it donated to Project HOME, a local Philadelphia charity serving the unhoused population, after Insights, please email hanaa@journalists.org to arrange.)

What is the process for shipping packages to the hotel for Insights?
Sponsors may ship packages to arrive at the Sonesta Hotel starting Wednesday, Oct. 6, using the following address:

Sonesta Hotel
Attn: [YOUR NAME], ONA Conference Arrival 10/13/21
1800 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Sonesta will not charge to hold standard sized boxes and cases. The hotel staff will deliver all packages labeled with the above address to the exhibiting space on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 5:00 P.M.

When can we move in and move out?
SET UP: Wednesday, Oct. 13, 5:00 – 7:30 P.M. and Thursday, Oct. 14, 7:00 – 8:30 A.M. All set up must be complete prior to registration opening to attendees at 9:00 A.M. on Thursday.

BREAK DOWN: For anyone unable to stay through the end of Insights, we ask that you take down your tabletop during active sessions, rather than during breaks, meals, or receptions when attendees will be mingling in the exhibiting space. Please check the schedule to assess the best option for you.

Where will boxes and crates be stored during the conference?
There is limited storage space at the Sonesta for Exhibitors/Sponsors available on a first-come, first-served basis. Small boxes and materials can be kept under your table.

Will there be security?
The Sonesta will be locking the exhibiting area starting during the following times: Wednesday, October 13, 8:00 P.M. to Thursday, October 14, 6:45 A.M, and Thursday, October 14, 7:00 P.M. to Friday, October 15, 8:00 A.M. No one will be allowed access to the area during those hours other than hotel security staff. ONA and the Sonesta are not responsible for theft. Please use your best judgment for storing valuables, and consider bringing things of value to your personal room.

Do we have have access to the ONA Insights attendee list?
We will share an attendee list with event sponsors prior to the conference. The list contains only names and affiliations; we do not share contact information including email addresses or mailing information. We kindly request that you refrain from any pre-show mass mailings to this list.

Questions? Contact us — we’re happy to help!