Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), a grassroots non-profit organization located at the Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia, in the United States of America, which is dedicated to improving the quality of investigative reporting, will host the fifth edition of AccessFest, its annual “virtual-by-design” investigative and data journalism conference, from October 8 to 10, 2026.
The conference will bring together journalists, editors, educators, and media professionals from around the world for three days of professional development, networking, and skills training.
Organised entirely online, AccessFest is designed to make high-quality journalism training more accessible to reporters regardless of their geographic location or financial resources.
The conference will focus on promoting diversity, belonging, equity, and inclusion in newsrooms and news coverage while equipping participants with practical investigative and data journalism skills.
According to IRE, this year’s programme will feature sessions examining equity and inclusion issues affecting the journalism profession, alongside some of the most popular presentations from previous IRE and National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting (NICAR) conferences.
Participants will also have the opportunity to strengthen their investigative reporting techniques and data journalism skills through practical training sessions.
IRE explained that the conference is intended to create an inclusive learning environment where journalists from diverse backgrounds can exchange ideas, build professional networks, and improve their capacity to produce impactful public-interest journalism.
In announcing the conference, it said: “AccessFest provides professional development opportunities that focus on diversity, belonging, equity and inclusion issues within the newsroom and in news coverage,” adding that the event will also showcase proven investigative methods and data reporting techniques that participants can immediately apply in their work.
Attendance at the conference is open to current IRE members, and organisers are encouraging journalists to renew or obtain membership before registering.
Fellowship opportunities are also being offered to help broaden participation and make the conference accessible to journalists who may otherwise be unable to attend.
Selected fellows will receive complimentary conference registration; a one-year IRE membership or renewal; access to year-round trainings, investigative reporting resources, premium reporting tool discounts, and access to a community of journalists.
IRE said AccessFest forms part of its broader programme of conferences and training events aimed at strengthening watchdog reporting, data journalism, and newsroom innovation.
Alongside its annual investigative journalism and NICAR conferences, AccessFest has become a key platform for advancing inclusive journalism practices and expanding access to professional development through virtual participation.
The organisers said the conference will be conducted under IRE’s code of conduct, known as the IRE Principles, which are intended to ensure a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all participants throughout the online event.
Questions about the conference should be directed to fellowships@ire.org.
