Independent News Sustainability Summit

September 9–11, 2026 • San Diego, CA

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2026 Summit and LION Awards

Open call for speakers, facilitators: Share your expertise at the 2026 Independent News Sustainability Summit

By Natalie Van Hoozer | March 9, 2026

How to get involved and make the most of LION’s annual in-person conference.

Apply to judge the 2026 LION Publishers Sustainability Awards

By Natalie Van Hoozer | March 2, 2026

If you’re interested in volunteering as a judge, fill out the interest form by March 20 at 5 p.m. PT.

Apply for a limited spot on LION’s 2026 Summit Host Committee

By Hayley Milloy | November 5, 2025

If you’re in the San Diego area and want to help us maximize the conference experience, apply by November 17.

Learn more about past LION events

Funders reveal what makes grant applications stand out

By Hayley Milloy | September 24, 2025

Standing-room-only session at the 2025 Summit revealed five tips from philanthropy officers who help decide the fate of funding proposals.

Three takeaways from our 2024 Independent News Sustainability Summit

By Hayley Milloy | September 18, 2024

At the sold-out annual event, publishers shared dozens of tips and tricks; here are three that caught our eye.

3 takeaways from the inaugural Independent News Sustainability Summit

By Ben DeJarnette | November 3, 2022

Why we’re still buzzing after our three days together in Austin.