About this Event
Accountability reporting is a critical function of journalism — particularly as Chicago governmental bodies are less cooperative and as the Trump Administration, which has proven to be hostile towards the press, begins its second term.
On Saturday, March 22, FOIA Fest will explore what a second stint in the White House for Trump means to press freedoms and accountability and how that impacts journalists here in Chicago. The annual public records conference will include pressing conversations about the legal and security threats newsrooms and journalists are likely to face, as well as workshops, case studies and breakout sessions about the Freedom of Information Act, accountability reporting and other investigative techniques.
You’ll hear from some of the best reporters, lawyers, editors and producers working in Illinois, and you’ll learn alongside seasoned reporters, early career journalists and students studying the field.
This year, the Headline Club will also be offering programming under three tracks — FOIA 101, Advanced FOIA and Beyond FOIA.
FOIA Fest will be hosted at Medill at 303 E. Wacker Dr.. It will be a one-day in-person event. FOIA Fest typically sells out and space is limited — so make sure to get your tickets today!
Saturday, March 22, you’ll have the opportunity to join us in person for a full day of sessions touching on a range of topics from learning the fundamentals of the Freedom of Information Act and best practices to sharpening your investigative reporting skills.
A light breakfast, coffee and tea, and lunch will be provided. We’ll close out FOIA Fest with a happy hour — and we’ll announce the winners of our 2024 Watchdog Award and A-Mark Prize for Dogged Reporting.
If you have questions or are interested in volunteering as a speaker or event volunteer, or would like to attend but cannot afford a ticket, please email us at .
Become a Headline Club Member
FOIA Fest is one of many programs produced by the Chicago Headline Club, the local chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Become a Headline Club member to get more involved!
Become a member now!
2025 Program
In the coming weeks, we’ll release the full program and share more information with you. We’re excited to provide you with a series of workshops and panel conversations, as well as networking opportunities and a FOIA help desk, which will offer one-on-one support.
Lunch will be provided, thanks to Loevy and Loevy.
What is FOIA Fest?
As the Chicago Headline Club’s signature training event, FOIA Fest gives reporters, organizers and everyday people the tools they need to turn public records into impactful insights and investigations.
FOIA Fest brings together award-winning investigative journalists, attorneys and experts to host a wide range of interactive training sessions, panels and workshops.
While many sessions cover Freedom of Information Act specific to Illinois, they also dig into federal FOIA rules and real-world examples of how journalists turn public records into news and tools people can use.
After growing from a one-day to a three-day conference, FOIA Fest went virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, FOIA Fest moved to hybrid and this year, FOIA Fest will be a fully in person event. In order to keep information learned throughout the sessions accessible, sharing notable tips online.
Led by a volunteer board, the Chicago Headline Club has trained hundreds of journalists and members of the public through FOIA Fest.
COVID Precautions
Please stay home if you have been exposed to or are experiencing COVID symptoms.
Thank you to our sponsors
FOIA Fest is made possible by the support of the Loevy + Loevy, Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and the Chicago Headline Club Foundation. Please email our organizers to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.
Transit Instructions
Medill Chicago is easily accessible via CTA bus routes 134, 135, 136 and 20 and a short walk from the CTA’s State and Lake Station and Metra’s Millennium Station.
303 E. Wacker Dr. also had a parking garage.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Medill, 303 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, United States
USD 15.00 to USD 25.00
