FAQs

Where will we be? The CAMP Site Selection Committee chose New Orleans and the Hotel Fontenot (a Kimpton property) based on feedback from members urging a balance between an urban setting allowing easier travel with access to a get-away-from-it-all vibe. The committee also took into account the venue’s capacity, support for conferences, cost and central location.

When does CAMP take place? This year’s CAMP takes place in mid-September, allowing us to gather ahead of the 2024 election season and avoiding conflicts with holidays and other journalism conferences.

What happens at CAMP? This will be JAWS’ 39th CAMP. While the format and size have varied over the years, the goal has not: bringing women journalists from different specialties, beats, demographics and geographies together share with, learn from and empower each other. There will be structured presentations and workshops, planned social events and free time for unstructured relationship-building and city exploration. The current, rough agenda, is as follows:

• Sept. 12: Self-organized social activities for early arrivals

• Sept. 13: Afternoon workshops, cohort circles and Books & Browse event, evening welcome reception

• Sept. 14: Morning plenaries, afternoon breakout sessions, evening dinner reception with dance party

• Sept. 15: Morning member meeting and breakout sessions, lunch, optional afternoon field trips

• Sept. 16: Self-organized social activities for late departures

Will meals be provided? The Friday night reception will include light appetizers. Lunch will be provided on Saturday and Sunday. Dinner will be provided on Saturday evening. Breakfasts and other meals will be unstructured, allowing attendees to explore nearby eateries and spend time together away from the venue.

What about the weather? In mid-September, it is still warm in New Orleans, and rain showers are common. Because it is hurricane season throughout the Southeast, we strongly recommend booking flights directly with airlines to facilitate easier rebooking or cancellation in the event of a serious weather event. We’ll be watching the weather closely and will be ready to pivot to an alternative format in the worst-case scenario.

What is the CAMP refund policy? CAMP registration at the Day Rate, Super Saver and Early Bird rates is non-refundable and non-transferable. Regular and Last Minute CAMP registration can be transferred before September 5 upon written request to hello@jaws.org. 

Is conference sponsorship available? Yes! CAMP sponsors support programming and other CAMP activities, making it possible to keep the conference affordable for participants. To learn more, email us at hello@jaws.org.

* “Women” at JAWS includes anyone who self-identifies as a woman, or as a non-binary, gender-nonconforming or agender person.