Sample Conference Day
Although the schedule changes every year, this reflects a typical schedule. The daily schedule is a mix of in-depth sessions, networking opportunities and field trips developed by Freedom Forum, with sightseeing at the U.S. Capitol, memorials and monuments coordinated by our longtime partner the Close Up Foundation.
| 7-8:30 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9-11:45 a.m. | Two morning sessions |
| Noon-1:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:45-4:30 p.m. | Field trip/panels |
| 4:30-5 p.m. | Free time |
| 5-7 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7-10 p.m. | D.C. site visits |
| 10-11 p.m. | Free time in hotel |
| 11 p.m. | Curfew |
| Special events during the 2026 conference | |
| June 23 | 2026 class dinner with Free Spirit alumni |
| June 25 | Freedom Forum’s Free Expression Awards dinner and ceremony with thought leaders, influencers, policymakers and journalists |
“Exploring the newsrooms of USA Today and The Wall Street Journal was incredibly inspiring, solidifying my passion for pursuing a career in journalism. This scholarship not only allowed me to gain new insight in the field of journalism but allowed me to create long lasting friendships with other scholars!”
Quinn Wherley, 2025 Free Spirit Scholar, Maine
