Let’s Get Deep at the
2026 STN National Convention

Get ready to go deeper than ever before at the 2026 STN Convention in Tampa, Florida! This year’s theme, Deep Dive, challenges students and educators to push past the surface and explore bold, meaningful storytelling across broadcast, film, and multimedia. With hands-on contests and inspiring sessions led by industry pros, this is the ultimate opportunity to grow your skills, connect with a creative community, and showcase your work on a national stage.

2025 WINNERS
PRACTICE PROMPTS
OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS

REGISTRATION

STEP #1

REGISTER
YOUR ATTENDEES

$175 PER PERSON
STUDENTS, TEACHERS & CHAPERONES

Be prepared to enter names, shirt sizes, and contests. Payments can be at time of registration or later. DO NOT REGISTER UNTIL YOU ARE READY! No cancellations or refunds are allowed after you have registered.

STEP #2

ASSIGN STUDENTS
TO CONTESTS

STUDENT REGISTRATION INCLUDES ONE CONTEST ENTRY ON SUNDAY OR MONDAY

The Crazy 8’s team contests are optional at $200/category. When not competing they are encouraged to attend pro sessions and workshops.

STEP #3

FINALIZE REGISTRATION BY JANUARY 16 AT 5PM

ALL REGISTRATION
DETAILS MUST BE COMPLETED BY THIS DEADLINE

Any unpaid balances must be paid onsite at check-in before attendees will be given credentials. A 3% fee will be added for all credit card transactions.

STRESS FREE TRAVEL START WITH

WORLDSTRIDES

We’re proud to partner exclusively with WorldStrides/Specialty Travel Programs to make your STN planning simple and worry-free.

Your dedicated contact, Savannah Leneker, knows the ins and outs of STN and is ready to help you organize travel for your students with ease. From booking to logistics, she’s here to take the stress off your plate so you can focus on the experience.

Email: savannah.leneker@worldstrides.com Phone: 951-966-8877

And the best part? WorldStrides gives back to STN, helping us continue our mission of empowering future storytellers. By booking through our exclusive partner, you’re not only making your trip easier, you’re also directly supporting future STN programs.

HOTEL OPTIONS

Rates do not include taxes and hotel fees. Room blocks will open the week of October 14, 2025.

Embassy Suites Downtown
$320/Night
513 S Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602

Hilton Downtown
$310/Night
211 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602

Marriott Water Street
$365/Night
505 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602

Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
$279/Night
200 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

Hyatt Place Downtown
$319/Night
325 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602

Westin Tampa Waterside
$339/Night
725 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602

FEATURE EVENTS

THE STN AMAZING RACE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27 | 6PM-8PM

Get ready for an exciting kickoff to the 2026 STN National Convention with The STN Amazing Race! On Friday before the convention officially begins, teams of teachers and students will race across Tampa, tackling creative challenges and testing their skills in an action-packed adventure. This high-energy competition is the perfect way to explore the city, bond with fellow STN attendees, and start the convention with a thrill.

OPENING CEREMONY

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 | 7PM-8PM

The STN National Convention kicks off with an electrifying Opening Ceremony, bringing everyone together to celebrate the start of an unforgettable event! Get inspired by our Student of the Year, Teacher of the Year, and exciting announcements as we set the stage for days of creativity, competition, and learning. Don’t miss this high-energy event that will get you pumped for everything STN has in store!

PRO SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS

SUNDAY, MARCH 1 & MONDAY, MARCH 2 | 9AM-4PM

STN’s Pro Sessions and Workshops bring in industry experts, filmmakers, journalists, and media professionals to share their knowledge and experience with students and teachers. These hands-on and interactive sessions cover everything from storytelling and editing techniques to career insights and industry trends. Get inspired, learn new skills, and take your craft to the next level!

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

SUNDAY, MARCH 1 | 7PM-9PM

Are you ready to see if your program is among the best in the country? The STN Excellence Awards recognize the top student broadcast and film programs that bring creativity, storytelling, and technical skill to the highest level. This is our chance to showcase your team’s hard work, dedication, and passion for student media. Whether it’s a compelling newscasts or cinematic masterpieces, the Excellence Awards are the ultimate benchmark of success.

STN CINEFEST

MONDAY, MARCH 2 | 6:30PM & 9PM (TWO SCREENINGS)

STN CineFest is an all-new celebration of student filmmaking, produced during the weekend of the convention, and screened at the historic Tampa Theatre. Films to be screened will be selections from Crazy Eights Action Short Film, Drama Short Film and Vertical Short Film, with special additions from the Music Video contest. Selections will be some of our favorite projects from the weekend, so reserve your tickets now to see if your film ends up on screen!

CRAZY EIGHTS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 | 8AM-6PM

Crazy 8’s is STN’s most intense and fast-paced competition, pushing teams to their creative and technical limits! In just eight hours, students must write, shoot, edit, and produce a complete project in Morning Show, Newsmagazine, Short Film, Documentary, and Podcast. Held on the first day of the STN National Convention, is a true test of teamwork, storytelling, and problem-solving under pressure.

GENERAL CONTESTS

SUNDAY, MARCH 1 & MONDAY, MARCH 2 | 8AM-6PM

STN’s General Contests put students’ storytelling, technical, and on-the-spot creativity to the test! With a wide variety of categories—from news and sports to short film and music video—contestants will have a set amount of time to create their best work, all while following STN rules and guidelines. Compete against the best student media teams in the country and see if you have what it takes to take home an STN award.

EXPO MARKETPLACE

SUNDAY, MARCH 1 & MONDAY, MARCH 2 | 10AM-4PM

The Expo Marketplace is your one-stop shop for the latest industry gear, software, and educational tools! Meet representatives from top media companies, explore cutting-edge technology, and discover resources to enhance your school’s broadcast or film program. Whether you’re looking for new equipment, industry connections, or college and career opportunities, the Expo is the place to be!

COLLEGE FAIR

MONDAY, MARCH 2 | 12PM-4PM

Thinking about your future in media? The STN College Fair gives students a unique opportunity to meet representatives from top colleges and universities with broadcast journalism, film, and media programs. Get your questions answered, explore different programs, and find the perfect fit for your next step in education and career!

CLOSING CEREMONY

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 | 9AM-11AM

The STN Closing Ceremony is where the best student work is recognized and celebrated! Join us as we honor the top contest winners, reflect on an incredible week, and wrap up the convention with unforgettable moments. Whether you take home an award or simply soak in the excitement, the Closing Ceremony is the perfect way to end your STN experience on a high note!

CONTESTS

CONTEST SCHEDULE
CONTEST DESCRIPTIONS
CONTEST PLANNERS

For the most accurate and detailed contest information, please refer to the official contest sheets provided above. These documents are your go-to resource and contain everything teachers and students need to know. While we may share reminders or highlights in other places, the contest sheets are always the final word. Keeping all details in one place helps prevent confusion and ensures everyone is working with the same information.