Independent News Sustainability
SummiT
September 9–11, 2026
San Diego, CA
About the Summit
Building the future of sustainable independent news businesses
Hosted by LION Publishers, this event will bring together hundreds of local independent online news leaders and supporters to share knowledge, hard-won lessons, and actionable advice on running a sustainable news business while being in community with people who care deeply about strengthening the local news ecosystem.
JOIN US: Anyone interested in independent local news is welcome to attend the Summit. Tickets are available now.
WATCH: Discover why attendees joined us for the 2025 Independent News Sustainability Summit in St. Louis.
What To Expect
Sessions
Join us for expert-led presentations, interactive workshops, and engaging peer-to-peer discussions focused on our three pillars of sustainability.
Community Building
Connect with and learn from fellow independent news publishers and people committed to strengthening democracies via local news.
Recognition
Celebrate the best of independent news across the U.S. and Canada at our eighth annual LION Sustainability Awards Ceremony & Dinner.
Special Events
Enjoy after-hours learning and social events held in conjunction with our partners and sponsors.
Sign up for the LION weekly newsletter to receive updates about the 2026 Summit and LION Awards.
Join us for the Summit and LION Awards
You’re welcome to attend just the Summit, just the LION Awards, or both!
120 deeply discounted early-bird tickets are available for LION members; this promotion ends on April 30 or when we sell out, whichever comes first. Regular tickets are now offered on a sliding scale based on organization size and are open to everyone. A small batch of student tickets is also available.
We've answered some frequently asked questions here →
SUMMIT Early Bird RATE
$200
Lion Members Only
Summit Regular Rate
$375
Micro-Small Orgs
(Revenue < $500k)
$500
Medium–Large Orgs
(Revenue > $500k)
LION Awards Ceremony
$150
Summit and LION Awards tickets are sold separately
Questions about the 2026 Summit? We’re here to help.
Sessions
The Venue
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
1355 N Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA | DIRECTIONS →
The Summit and LION Awards will be held at the Wyndham San Diego Bayside, which is within walking distance of several attractions and offers stunning waterfront views.
We've reserved a limited number of rooms for event attendees and encourage you to book as soon as possible. Use the Wyndham's booking link below to receive the LION conference discount.
Sponsors
Our sponsors believe in the power of independent news, and we thank them for supporting news leaders’ continued learning and connection-building across our industry.
We strive to create sponsorship packages that meet your philanthropic and marketing needs. To learn more, contact LION’s development director, Shelly Hunter, at sponsorships@lionpublishers.com.
