Midway

MW_logo_625An experimental space for journalism and technology and the conference playground, the Midway is the place for hands-on learning and experimentation with the most innovative tech and tools in digital journalism.

Our participants are hand-selected as the most exciting and original pioneers in the industry, and in this interactive space, they thrive by doing what they do best: experiment, test, discover, and make. Unlike traditional exhibition halls, the Midway is centered around collaboration, not presentation. This year, new features for participants include ad space in a special insert in the ONA13 conference program, and for select ideas, the opportunity to contribute to a track of programming — discussions, lightning talks, and more — devoted to the themes and ideas of the best and brightest in the Midway.

Fill out this form to get involved, and read below to learn more about the levels of participation.

OPEN-SOURCE/START-UP JOURNALISM INNOVATOR (Free or bartered admission)
ONA is committed to supporting innovation in the digital journalism space and wants to offer the opportunity for makers of free or low-funded tools to participate. Limited space is available at this level, application is required, and admission is on a rolling basis. Complete this form to apply as an open source, start-up or journalism innovator for free or bartered participation.

$500 NONPROFIT
Special rate for nonprofits: Test out, introduce, and build examples of your product or idea and engage face-to-face with innovative media leaders.

  • 8’ x 8’ space
  • Table
  • 2 Midway passes*
  • Name listed in social promotion
  • Logo (linked) and 60-word description on Sponsors page on conference website and in program

$2,000 THE SANDBOX
Test out, introduce, and build examples of your product or idea and engage face-to-face with innovative media leaders.

  • 8’ x 8’ space
  • Table
  • 2 Midway passes*
  • Name listed in social promotion
  • Logo (linked) and 60-word description on Sponsors page on conference website and in program

$4,000 SANDBOX SALON
Twice the space for a creative demonstration and face-to-face engagement.

  • 8’ x 16’ space
  • 2 tables
  • 2 Midway passes*
  • Name listed in social promotion
  • Logo (linked) and 60-word description on Sponsors page on conference website and in program

$7,500 HARDWARE HACK STATION
A new, highly sought-after build station will be a center for hands-on learning.

  • Logo representation on tables/furniture
  • 2 Midway passes*
  • 1 full conference pass
  • Name listed in social promotion
  • Logo (linked) and 60-word description on Sponsors page on conference website and in program

$10,000 BACKER, POWER & HACK TABLE
The Midway’s hottest spot, this powerstrip-laden open workspace is the center for the development of new ideas and where everyone from the conference plugs in.

  • Logo representation on tables
  • 2 Midway passes*
  • 2 full conference passes
  • Name listed in social promotion
  • Logo (linked) and 60-word description on Sponsors page on conference website and in program

$10,000 HOST, PHOTO/VIDEO/GIF BOOTH
Put your name on what promises to be the most fun and social new feature of the Midway.

  • Logo representation in backdrop or as watermark
  • 2 Midway passes*
  • 2 full conference passes
  • Name listed in social promotion
  • Logo (linked) and 60-word description on Sponsors page on conference website and in program

$12,500 HOST, GAMING LOUNGE
An entirely new lounge for news games, including gamer-friendly, comfortable seating.

  • Logo representation on large signage on exterior wall of gaming space
  • Logo representation on gaming screen(s)
  • Would serve as a social lounge (experience design by ONA/Midway staff)
  • 2 Midway passes*
  • 2 full conference passes
  • Name listed in social promotion
  • Logo (linked) and 60-word description on Sponsors page on conference website and in program

$15,000 MIDWAY CO-PATRON (Sold: The Knight Foundation)
$15,000 MIDWAY CO-PATRON
For the widest exposure, be a patron of ONA’s playground, the Midway, and get all the perks and brand exposure that come with VIP status, including primary representation on the over-sized, active screen in the space.

  • Brand representation wrapping the innovation video screen in the Midway
  • Logo on Midway swag (including buttons)
  • Logo on all Midway digital properties
  • 2 Midway passes*
  • 2 (part) or 3 (full) full conference passes
  • Name listed in social promotion
  • Logo (linked) and 60-word description on Sponsors page on conference website and in program

PACKAGE ADD-ONS ARE AVAILABLE
For instance, additional square footage, table(s), or ad space in the conference program guide; creative ad shared on Midway video screen or prop in photo/video/gif booth.

*Additional passes may be available. Midway passes do not include lunches or access to conference programming outside the Midway.

Interested in participating? Fill out this form.