Thursday, July 10th, 9:30am–4:15pm CDT

Chicago Hilton | Boulevard ABC

Step inside the newsroom with NBCU Academy. We’re offering a one-day, invite-only experience packed with practical skills and powerful conversations with award-winning journalists at NBC News, NBCU Local, Telemundo, CNBC and MSNBC. Learn through immersive workshops on writing, interviewing and storytelling for TV, streaming and digital — all with real-time feedback. Participants will also have exclusive access to the HelloHive team, who will offer advice on your resume. If you’re curious, driven and ready to grow — this is where your next level begins.

Who should apply? 

Our workshops are designed for attendees who are: 

• Registered with NAHJ to attend their 2025 conference in Chicago
• Strongly interested in writing, editing and producing 
• On-air talent looking to move into a new market 
• Skilled journalists interested in new media 

What should I expect? 

Conversations with NBC News, NBC News NOW, Noticias Telemundo, NBCUniversal Local, MSNBC and CNBC professionals to identify the most effective tools to improve your journalism skills.   

NBCU Academy in Conversation with Tom Llamas: Leading the Next News Era  

Thursday, July 10th, 9:30-10:15am CDT
Chicago Hilton | Boulevard ABC

Tom Llamas has made broadcast history as the first anchor to lead both “NBC Nightly News” and a live streaming newscast back-to-back. As he takes the helm of NBC’s flagship evening news program while continuing to anchor “Top Story with Tom Llamas” on NBC News NOW, he reflects on his journey as a journalist, what it takes to deliver trusted news across platforms and why it’s more important than ever to meet viewers where they are. 

Speakers:

• Morgan Radford, “NBC News Daily” Co-Anchor & NBC News Correspondent 
• Tom Llamas, “NBC Nightly News” Anchor & Managing Editor & “Top Story” Anchor, NBC News NOW 

The Art of the Interview: Asking Questions That Matter

Thursday, July 10th, 10:30am-12:00pm CDT
Chicago Hilton | Boulevard ABC

Great interviews are built on thoughtful questions, sharp instincts, and genuine curiosity. In this interactive session, you’ll learn the art of asking better questions — from setting the tone to knowing when to stay silent. Through real-world examples and guided discussions, you’ll gain practical tools to build trust, spark emotion or unlock a headline. We’ll cover techniques for approaching interviews with public officials, experts and people impacted by breaking or tragic events. Whether reporting for on-air, print or digital platforms, this session will help you grow not just as a journalist, but as a better communicator, listener and storyteller.  

Speakers:

• Ana Cabrera, Anchor, MSNBC’s “Ana Cabrera Reports” 
• Additional speakers to come  

CNBC Presents: What Every Journalist Needs to Know About Personal Finance  

Thursday, July 10th, 12:45-1:45pm CDT
Chicago Hilton | Boulevard ABC

When you’re chasing deadlines or covering the latest market moves, your own finances can end up on the back burner. Knowing how to manage your money is just as important as knowing how to cover the story. Join Sharon Epperson, CNBC’s senior personal finance correspondent, for a candid and practical conversation about what every journalist — no matter your beat or career stage — should know about personal finance. Whether you’re just starting out or leveling up in your career, this is your opportunity to gain the tools and confidence to take charge of your financial future. 

Speakers:

• Sharon Epperson, CNBC Senior Personal Finance Correspondent 
• Additional speakers to come 

NBCU Academy Script Doctor

Thursday, July 10th, 2:00-4:15pm CDT
Chicago Hilton | Boulevard ABC

Great journalism doesn’t live in just one format. Whether you’re turning a digital article into a broadcast script — or adapting an on-air story for digital — the power is in how you write and adapt. Hear from NBCU News Group journalists who’ve mastered storytelling across platforms, then get personalized feedback from our local news directors and NBC News Digital editors. Bring a printed or digital copy of either a script or article, in English or Spanish. Sign up in advance to reserve your one-on-one critique.  

Speakers:

• Janelle Rodriguez, NBC News Executive Vice President, Programming
• Gabe Gutierrez, NBC News Senior White House Correspondent
• Nicole Acevedo, NBC Latino Reporter
• Ignacio Torres, “Top Story with Tom Llamas” Coordinating Producer