What is FOIA Fest?
FOIA Fest is the Chicago Headline Club’s annual conference dedicated to public records, investigative reporting and government transparency.
The event brings together journalists, attorneys, editors, educators and public-records experts for practical training on using the Freedom of Information Act and other investigative tools. Sessions range from FOIA fundamentals to advanced reporting strategies, data, legal issues, source development and real-world investigations.
FOIA Fest is produced by the Chicago Headline Club, the Chicago chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Who should attend FOIA Fest?
FOIA Fest is designed for anyone interested in using public records to find information and hold institutions accountable.
That includes:
- Reporters and editors
- Freelance journalists
- Student journalists
- Data and investigative reporters
- Producers and visual journalists
- Journalism educators
- Community and nonprofit news organizations
- Members of the public interested in government transparency
You do not need to be an investigative reporter or FOIA expert to attend.
Is FOIA Fest appropriate for beginners?
Absolutely.
FOIA Fest traditionally includes programming for people who are new to public-records reporting as well as sessions for experienced journalists looking to sharpen their skills.
If you’ve never filed a FOIA request before, you’ll find opportunities to learn the fundamentals. If you’ve filed hundreds, you’ll find sessions exploring more advanced reporting, legal and investigative techniques.
What will I learn?
Programming changes each year, but FOIA Fest focuses on practical skills journalists can take back to their reporting.
Topics may include:
- How to write stronger public-records requests
- Illinois FOIA law and federal FOIA
- Finding records you didn’t know existed
- Responding to denials and exemptions
- Working with large datasets
- Investigating local, state and federal government
- Turning records into stories
- Developing accountability and investigative projects
- Working with attorneys and public-access experts
- Digital security and legal issues affecting journalists
- Reporting techniques that go beyond FOIA
Sessions typically include a mix of workshops, panels, case studies and conversations with journalists who have used public records in their own reporting.
Is FOIA Fest only about the Freedom of Information Act?
FOIA is at the heart of the conference, but FOIA Fest is really about accountability journalism.
Programming frequently explores other ways reporters can obtain information, analyze records, investigate institutions and develop stronger public-service journalism.
Does FOIA Fest focus only on Illinois?
No. Because FOIA Fest is based in Chicago, many sessions address the Illinois Freedom of Information Act and public-records issues facing journalists in Illinois.
But the conference also covers federal FOIA, investigative techniques and reporting strategies that journalists can use anywhere.
Who speaks at FOIA Fest?
Speakers typically include experienced investigative and data journalists, editors, attorneys, professors, public-records advocates and other experts.
Past programs have featured journalists from many of Chicago’s leading news organizations along with national reporters and experts in public-access law.
Can I attend FOIA Fest if I’m not a Chicago Headline Club member?
Yes.
FOIA Fest is open to members and nonmembers.
Chicago Headline Club members may receive special pricing or other benefits depending on the year’s event. Current registration information will always be included with that year’s FOIA Fest announcement.
Can I attend if I’m not a journalist?
Yes.
Although FOIA Fest is designed primarily as journalism training, public records belong to the public. People interested in government transparency, public information and accountability are welcome.
Is FOIA Fest in person or online?
The format can vary from year to year.
FOIA Fest has been held in person, virtually and in hybrid formats over its history. Check the current year’s event page for the location, schedule and participation options.
How long is FOIA Fest?
The schedule varies by year, but FOIA Fest typically offers multiple sessions and opportunities to learn from other journalists and public-records experts.
Consult the current year’s program for exact times and session details.
Will food be provided?
Food and refreshments vary depending on the venue and event schedule.
The current year’s registration page will explain what is included with admission.
What should I bring?
A laptop or notebook is helpful, especially for workshop-style sessions.
You may also want to bring:
- A FOIA request you’re working on
- A denial or response you have questions about
- An investigative story idea
- Questions about records you’re having trouble obtaining
Some years include opportunities to get individual advice from journalists, attorneys or public-records experts.
Can I get help with a specific FOIA problem?
Often, yes.
FOIA Fest has included opportunities such as a FOIA help desk, where attendees can seek one-on-one guidance about public-records questions. Availability and format may change from year to year, so check the current program for details.
Are FOIA Fest materials available afterward?
The Chicago Headline Club maintains FOIA Fest resource pages with tips, links and materials associated with the conference.
These resources are intended to keep the lessons of FOIA Fest useful long after the event ends.
You can also explore the Headline Club’s broader FOIA Guide, which includes public-records resources for Illinois and the Chicago area.
Does FOIA Fest offer scholarships or reduced-cost admission?
The Headline Club wants cost to be as little of a barrier as possible to journalists who want to attend.
Options may vary each year. If the registration cost would prevent you from attending, contact the Chicago Headline Club at chiheadlineclub@gmail.com to ask about available assistance. The club has specifically invited prospective attendees who cannot afford a ticket to contact organizers.
Are student journalists welcome?
Yes.
FOIA Fest is especially useful for student and early-career journalists because public-records skills can strengthen reporting on virtually any beat.
Students should check the current registration information for any student pricing or special opportunities.
Can my newsroom send several people?
Yes.
Newsrooms, journalism schools and other organizations are encouraged to use FOIA Fest as professional development for their staffs and students.
For questions about group participation, contact the Chicago Headline Club.
How can I become a FOIA Fest speaker?
Programming is developed by the Chicago Headline Club and its FOIA Fest organizers.
Journalists, attorneys and other experts interested in participating in a future FOIA Fest can contact chiheadlineclub@gmail.com with information about their expertise and potential session ideas.
Can I volunteer at FOIA Fest?
Yes. FOIA Fest relies heavily on the journalism community and Chicago Headline Club volunteers.
If you’d like to help with the conference, contact chiheadlineclub@gmail.com.
Can my organization sponsor FOIA Fest?
Sponsorship opportunities may be available.
Organizations interested in supporting FOIA Fest and the Chicago Headline Club’s public-records training should contact chiheadlineclub@gmail.com for current opportunities.
When is the next FOIA Fest?
FOIA Fest is held annually.
Dates, location, speakers, programming and registration information are announced by the Chicago Headline Club. Visit the Headline Club’s FOIA section and follow the Chicago Headline Club’s channels for the latest information.
