Convention
Thank you to all who attended the Association for Women in Sports Media's 2026 convention in Los Angeles from Aug. 9-11.
The event co-sponsored by Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the revitalized Los Angeles Herald-Examiner Building was without doubt our most beautiful and hi-tech convention space to date. Our deepest thanks to ASU and its staff for their fantastic support.
"The 2026 AWSM convention was an invigorating and inspiring experience," AWSM vice president for fundraising and conventions Iliana Limón Romero said. "It was a joy to see our members ask insightful questions during workshops and form new connections throughout our three days together in Los Angeles. We are grateful to all of our sponsors who made this gathering possible, and we are striving to build on this success as we plan our historic 40th anniversary convention next year."
During our awards luncheon, we honored 2026 Pioneer Award winner Paola Boivin, 2026 Ann Miller Award winner Jenny Dial Creech and 2026 AWSM student chapter of the year, the University of Wisconsin, as well as our 2026 AWSM Scholars. We also recognized 2024 Pioneer Award winner Helene Elliott. Veteran member Ann Miller was on hand to present the service award to Creech. The luncheon was sponsored by the Billie Jean King Foundation.
Panels across the two days included how to successfully break news and pursue investigations and how to survive in today's challenging sports media environment. Keynote speakers and Celebrity Jeopardy stars Mina Kimes and Katie Nolan paired for an informative and funny look at their soaring careers.
Creech announced that she was establishing AWSM's eighth student scholar award in honor of Nolan, who had donated her Celebrity Jeopardy winnings to AWSM.
The convention included a Sparks-Valkyries game at Crypto.com Arena and Tarak Skubal's first game at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers won 6-5 and most members took home a Max Muncy bobblehead.
In addition to ASU and the Billie Jean King Foundation, AWSM thanks the Los Angeles Times, The Athletic and MLB.com for their sponsorships. We also received invaluable individual donations from Martin Doerfler, Kristin Huckshorn, Iliana Limón Romero and Aaron Romero, Joe and Lily Limón, Jenny Dial Creech, Helene Elliott, Michele Himmelberg, Johnette Howard, Marisa Ingemi, Andrea Kremer, Christina Long, Ann Miller and Meredith Perri.
AWSM's board is now planning our 40th anniversary convention in 2027. If you have recommendations or are interested in sponsoring the convention, please email awsmboard@gmail.com.
SUNDAY, AUG. 9
At Crypto.com Arena
4 p.m.
Be our guest at the Sparks vs. Valkyries game
MONDAY, AUG. 10
At ASU California Center in downtown L.A.
9 a.m.
Welcome from AWSM President Marisa Ingemi.
Coffee and pastries will be served courtesy of Joe and Lily Limón.
10-11:30 a.m.
Surviving in sports media today: The sports media landscape has never been more challenging with fewer full time opportunities. Our panelists share strategies for launching a paid newsletter, pitching and writing a book and landing on-air opportunities.
Panelists include:
- New York Times bestselling author Mirin Fader
- Newsletter editor and publisher Marisa Ingemi
11:30-12:15 p.m.
Break and networking
12:15-2 p.m.
The annual AWSM awards luncheon honoring our Pioneer and Service Award winners. Hosted by Christine Brennan, an award-winning USA Today Sports columnist and CNN and ABC commentator.
2-2:30 p.m.
Break for photos and networking.
2:30-4 p.m.
Press conference intel: Leaders in women's sports share their greatest challenges working with the media and hear from us about our jobs on gameday.
Featured speakers include:
- Ali Riley, New Zealand World Cup player and former Angel City captain
- Joshua Fischman, veteran women's sports communications manager
- Sabreena Merchant, women's basketball staff writer at The Athletic
7 p.m.
At Dodger Stadium
Be our guest at the Dodgers vs. Royals game.
TUESDAY, AUG. 10
At ASU California Center in downtown L.A.
9 a.m.
Student chapter of the year and AWSM Scholars recognition followed by our Ask the Pros panel. Get advice on job hunting, negotiating a raise or job change within print/digital, TV spaces and more.
Breakfast and coffee will be served courtesy of the AWSM Founders.
10:15-10:30 a.m.
Networking break
10:30-12 p.m.
Tips and tricks to successful breaking news and investigative reporting. Leaders from The Athletic share insight into how they shape breaking news into in-depth stories.
Featured speakers include:
- Melody Gutierrez, senior writer on The Athletic's rapid investigations team
- Alex Andrejev, staff writer on The Athletic's rapid investigations team
- Jessica Lenchner, senior editor on The Athletic's daily desk
12:30-2 p.m. - Keynote speakers
Mina Kimes and remote guest Katie Nolan discuss their journeys in sports media, their Celebrity Jeopardy success and more. Lunch will be provided.
Moderated by AWSM board member Iliana Limón Romero, assistant managing editor for sports at the Los Angeles Times.
2-2:30 p.m.
Networking break
2:30-4 p.m.
Lessons in leadership: How do you learn to manage (and manage up) on the fly, often with more demands and fewer resources. Representatives from The Athletic, MLB.com and the Los Angeles Times share advice for navigating the office in a fast-changing media environment.
6 p.m.
AWSM closing party at Untamed Spirits
For information about sponsoring the 2026 AWSM convention, please contact Iliana Limón Romero or the AWSM board.
