Apply to receive $650 in travel reimbursement to attend the Independent News Sustainability Summit in St. Louis

While we’ve worked hard to keep ticket prices for LION’s annual summit affordable, we understand that travel costs are still a barrier for many of our members. 

To help make it possible for more members to take advantage of the learning and community opportunities at the Summit, we’re offering $650 in travel reimbursement for a selected group of participants. 

This year, we will prioritize Micro tier organizations, speakers, and participants in peer groups led by our Community Ambassadors. If selected for a travel reimbursement, you will be able to submit up to $650 in expenses.

Our goal is to notify all attendees who are selected to receive a travel reimbursement by July 31 to ensure they have time to arrange flights and book hotels. Reimbursements will be paid on a rolling basis beginning in mid-September. Payment is contingent on checking in at the event and submitting a reimbursement request form with receipts no later than September 30. 

Reimbursable expenses may include:

• Roundtrip transportation (e.g., flights, train, or mileage if driving)
• Lodging accommodations
• Meals during travel
• Summit and Awards Ceremony ticket(s)

Receipts will be required for all reimbursements. Expenses must be directly related to travel for attending the Summit and Awards. If you have any questions about whether an expense qualifies, please reach out to reshmarothaki@lionpublishers.com before submitting.

Below are some additional FAQ:

• How will you select recipients?
  • We will evaluate all applications when the deadline closes. Priority groups include Micro tier organizations, speakers, and participants in members of the peer groups led by our Community Ambassadors. 
• What if we want to send multiple people from our team to the Summit?
  • You can request support for  one person per organization. Please coordinate who will submit the application or we will randomly select one person from each organization. 
• Do I need to fill out this form if I’m a LION Award finalist?
  • No. As a LION Award finalist, your organization automatically qualifies for a travel reimbursement. You will only need to submit your request form and receipts after the Summit.
• Do I need to submit a W8 or W9?
  • No. This year we are piloting an expense reimbursement process rather than issuing a stipend.

If you have additional questions, please email elainediaz@lionpublishers.com.