JDay and CCIM Conference

JDAY+/CCIM+ Conference

Ball State’s 2026 journalism, media and communications conference for middle and high school students and teachers is set. Mark your calendars for this year’s conference: Friday, April 24, 2026!

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Learn from industry experts. Experience Ball State's campus.
Invest in your team.

2025 Conference Recap

Conference Sponsors

Special thanks to our sponsors who make it possible for us to bring in an amazing lineup of speakers, provide scholarships and supply other services and resources making this a premier educational conference!

2026 JDay+/CCIM+ Conference

Friday, April 24, 2026

Event FAQs

What is Jday+/CCIM+?

On Friday, April 24, 2026, CCIM Outreach will host our 71st annual JDay+ / CCIM+ Conference for middle and high school students and teachers. This historic conference provides learning and professional development opportunities across all journalism, media, technology and communications areas.

Why should I attend?

Students and teachers will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, college professors, and award-winning secondary media teachers in real time with our in-person and interactive workshop sessions. If you’re looking to improve your school’s student media programs, learn about communication careers, team build, or just get a better handle on your personal communication and technology skills, you have a lot to gain from attending this annual one-day conference!

Who's Invited?

If you’re a middle or high school student or teacher with an interest in digital media technology, communication, video/audio production, journalistic writing & reporting, media design, yearbook journalism, social media engagement, and other emerging communication fields, this event is for you!

What is the registration fee?

REGISTRATION for this one-day conference is $20 per student. Teachers and chaperones attend free with paid student attendees. Teachers are encouraged to register for this conference as a school field trip and pay by school credit card or P.O. However, parents/guardians may register and bring their student if their school is not attending or if they do not participate in a school program or class that is attending.

Can I receive financial assistance?

We have a limited number of scholarships available for school groups that demonstrate need. This will be reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The awarded amount will be credited toward the total school registration. To apply, please write a 1-2 page narrative explaining the financial challenges your school or students face and how a scholarship to attend this event would benefit your students. Email your narrative to ccimoutreach@bsu.edu and use “JDay+/CCIM+ Scholarship” in the subject line.

What about lunch?

Students are encouraged to bring their own sack lunch or purchase food in one of our campus dining facilities.

Are there events the night before?

While there's always something to do on campus, we're happy to help you make plans. Contact ccimoutreach@bsu.edu to discuss opportunities like touring our student media labs, state-of-the-art studios, and more.

Where can I stay overnight?

Ball State University Hotel
L.A. Pittenger Student Center
765-285-1555

Courtyard Muncie at Horizon Convention Center
601 S High St
Muncie, IN 47305
765-287-8550

Hampton Inn & Suites
4220 W Bethel Ave
Muncie, IN 47304
765-288-8500

Comfort Inn & Suites
3400 Marleon Dr
Muncie, IN 47304
765-313-7365

Holiday Inn Express & Suites
4201 W Bethel Ave
Muncie, IN 47304
765-289-4678

Fairfield Inn
4011 W Bethel Ave
Muncie, IN 47304
765-282-6666

2025 Keynote and Featured Speakers

Ryan Bitzegaio

Ryan Bitzegaio is a wide-ranging designer and creative leader. After graduating from Ball State, he stuck around the university for several years, helping to establish and run The Digital Corps.

Students accepting an award at the conference

Student Contests

Whether you’re skilled in writing, photography, design, video editing, broadcast news, or anything in between, we have a category for it! Click below to learn more about our annual student competition. Contest submission is closed. Next year’s contest will open Feb. 1, 2026.

Contest Information

Sponsorship, Advertising, Exhibiting

JDay+/CCIM+ on Friday, April 24, 2026, offers a variety of advertising, sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities for external companies to get involved. Click on the link below to learn more and apply!

Sponsor Registration

Contact Us

CCIM Outreach

2000 W. University Ave., Muncie, IN

Monday-Friday
8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

765-285-6007