Prize-Winning Writers, Top Editors Headline ASJA 2025 Conference Feb. 24-26 at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ASJA staff, asjaoffice@asja.org
New York, New York (Jan. 09, 2025) – Pulitzer Prize-winning feature writer Lane DeGregory, Mike Wilson, deputy editor of the New York Times’ the Great Read, Teen Vogue Editor in Chief Versha Sharma, true crime bestseller T.J. English, and senior editors from AARP the Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health, Elle.com, are just some of the media industry leaders appearing at the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) 2025 conference Feb. 24-26 in New York.
The ASJA conference, ASJA: Always in Fashion, NYC2025, and Client Connections 2025, ASJA’s signature members-only client networking event, take place at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood. ASJA is the premier national organization for professional independent writers, including freelance journalists, nonfiction book authors, and content marketing writers.
The theme for this year’s conference, ASJA: Always in Fashion NYC 2025, is in keeping with the event’s location on the FIT campus. FIT is a major sponsor of the 2025 conference, and several FIT journalism and communications faculty will speak at the event:
- Emil Wilbekin, assistant professor, founder of Native Son, and former editor in chief at Vibe and editor at large at Essence
- FIT professors Larry Tung and Elena Romero will lead a session called “Telling Stories in Pictures,” a discussion of documentary and multimedia journalism.
Members of other writers groups can get a 10% discount off the nonmember conference registration rate of $659 through Feb. 14, and $759 from Feb 15 until the conference starts. When registering, use the code ASJA25GRP. See a complete conference schedule and get registration details here.
Writers who meet ASJA membership eligibility criteria and apply to join the organization by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Friday, Jan. 31, can register at the member rate. During ASJA’s annual membership drive, the organization is waiving application and initiation fees, a savings of $75. The promo code is 2024FALLDRIVE.
ASJA 2025 Conference Features ‘Pitch Slams’ for Freelance Journalists, Nonfiction Authors, Content Writers
The 2025 conference features three days of keynotes, educational sessions, panel discussions, and special events.
Educational sessions correspond to independent writers’ three primary areas of interest: journalism, nonfiction books, and content marketing writing. Conferencegoers have the opportunity to attend “pitch slams” in all three genres:
- A journalism pitch slam with editors at top freelance outlets, including AARP, Cosmopolitan, and Men’s Health
- A book pitch slam with literary agents, including Trident Media Group, Neon Literary, and Rosenkranz Literary Agency
- A content marketing letter of introductions slam with editors or editorial directors at major content studios or agencies, including Fortune Brand Studio, KingFish, and Onward Publishing
At the conference, ASJA professional members can participate in Client Connections 2025, an opportunity to meet one-on-one with editors, agents, and other outlets that hire freelance writers. Some of the clients that have already signed up for this signature ASJA networking event, often referred to as “speed dating for freelancers,” are AARP, Smithsonian, Global Finance, Scientific American Custom Media, Fortune Brand Studio, Weill Cornell Medical Center, John Hopkins Magazine, Gotham Ghostwriters, Vassar Quarterly, Good RX, and CQ Researcher.
In addition, the event will feature breakfasts and lunches; a welcome cocktail reception with ASJA news and announcements; a networking mixer with invitations extended to clients participating in Client Connections; and no-host writer networking dinners organized by interest groups.
Conferencegoers can also take a free, docent-led tour of the FIT Museum, located on the FIT campus, with innovative, award-winning exhibits and a permanent collection of more than 50,000 garments and accessories dating from the 18th century.
Once again this year, ASJA will offer a limited number of scholarships to freelancers from historically underrepresented populations to cover the conference registration fee. Look for information about eligibility and how to apply coming soon.
ASJA 2025 Conference Details and Registration
Conference dates and times:
- Monday, Feb. 24, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. ET
- Tuesday, Feb. 25, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET
- Wednesday, Feb. 26, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET
Location: Fashion Institute of Technology, located at 227 W. 27th Street, New York City.
Hotel: ASJA has secured a discounted hotel room block just around the corner from FIT at the Hilton New York Fashion District, 152 W. 26th St. Available dates are Feb. 23-27. You will receive a booking site link with your registration confirmation.
Registration: Non-member rates are $649 through 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 14, and $759 from Feb. 15 until the conference starts. Members of other writers groups can get a 10% off nonmember rates with the code ASJA25GRP.
ASJA member rates are $559 through 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 14, and $659 from Feb. 15 until the conference starts.
The 2026 ASJA conference will be virtual and return to an in-person format in 2027. This means that ASJA: Always in Fashion, NYC 2025 is your only opportunity to attend an in-person national ASJA event for another two years. Make plans now to attend!
Find the full conference schedule and register at https://www.asja.org/2025-asja-conference.
To stay up to speed with news about the 2025 in-person conference and other ASJA events, subscribe to the ASJA Weekly newsletter, read ASJA Confidential blog or follow ASJA on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok.
For more information about the ASJA 2025 conference or the organization, please contact ASJA staff, asjaoffice@asja.org.
###
About ASJA
Since 1948, the American Society of Journalists and Authors has been the nation’s premier organization of professional freelance nonfiction writers. ASJA members write books, journalism and content marketing and have met ASJA’s objective standards of professional achievement by publishing with national magazines, publishers and clients. As First Amendment and right-to-freelance advocates, ASJA stands up for writers’ rights and offers extensive networking and educational opportunities that benefit members and the freelance writing profession as a whole. ASJA believes in diversity and inclusion and actively works to attract members from all backgrounds and experience levels while continuing to emphasize excellence in nonfiction writing. Learn more at www.asja.org.