2024 Independent News Sustainability Summit & LION Sustainability Awards

Hosted by LION Publishers, the Independent News Sustainability Summit will gather independent news publishers, industry experts, and supporters of independent news to share expert knowledge, hard-won lessons, and actionable advice on running a news business while being in community with people who care deeply about strengthening the local news ecosystem.

The Summit will feature:

• Keynotes from industry leaders
• Dozens of sessions on financial health, operational resilience, and journalistic impact –– LION’s pillars of sustainability
• Facilitated networking opportunities
• The sixth annual LION Sustainability Awards Ceremony & Dinner

The sixth annual LION Awards Ceremony & Dinner will be held on the evening of September 5, after the first full day of the Summit. You can attend just the Summit, just the LION Awards, or both! If you would like to attend both, you must purchase a Summit ticket and a LION Awards ticket.

Be sure to visit our website for more information about the Summit –– the FAQ page is brimming with information about travel, lodging, timing, and more. We’re also happy to answer any questions at [email protected].

We’ll host this year’s Independent News Sustainability Summit from September 5–7, 2024, at the Westin Chicago River North, 320 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL. All LION-planned events, including the LION Awards Ceremony & Dinner, will occur at the Westin Chicago River North.

We have reserved a hotel block at the Westin Chicago River North at a rate of $219/night. You may book your room using this link. If you run into any issues, please get in touch with Melissa Givens at [email protected].

Our COVID-19 Policy is informed by guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for Chicago, Illinois. If CDC recommendations change before or during our event, LION will notify registrants of that change.

We encourage attendees to wear masks if that makes them feel most comfortable. The Summit and LION Awards Ceremony & Dinner will be a mask-friendly environment, and negative comments or behavior toward attendees wearing masks will not be tolerated.

We encourage attendees to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. Proof of vaccination will not be required to attend the event.

We encourage attendees to self-test for COVID-19 before traveling to the Summit.

If attendees have tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms that prevent them from safely traveling to the event, we ask that you stay home and do not attend. LION will refund the cost of your ticket if you cannot attend due to COVID-19.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Westin Chicago River North, 320 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, United States