CCN 2025 National Conference: The Impact of Student Reporting

Join us in Burlington Vermont from October 2-4, 2025

This fall, Center for Community News is hosting an in-person convening of the faculty and journalists who lead student reporting programs across the country. This will be the first ever deep dive into the impact and potential of university-led reporting. It's an opportunity to learn from your peers, share your hard-earned wisdom, and for all of us to identify best practices in a challenging journalism environment. 

This event will be held at the University of Vermont in Burlington, home of CCN. There's no cost to attend. 

More details to come! In the mean time, check our FAQ below (answers compiled by our crack conference team, Richard, Meg and Erin). 

Register Here (Google Form)

Preliminary Schedule

October 2: Evening Welcome Reception

October 3: Full Day Conference Schedule

October 4: Half-Day Program and Farewell Breakfast

Hotel Information

There is a hotel block available at Courtyard Burlington Harbor for $299.00 per night. The last day to book is Tuesday, September 02, 2025. Guests can book using the link below or by calling the hotel at (802) 864-4700, pressing ‘0’ at the menu for the front desk, and asking for the CCN National Conference room block 10/2-10/4.

Note: There are many other hotels in the area, if you prefer to stay elsewhere.

Book your group rate

FAQ

Transportation
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  • Your most direct option is to fly into Burlington International Airport (BTV), which is 2 miles from UVM and 3.5 miles from downtown Burlington. The Plattsburgh NY airport is just over an hour away.
  • There are also Amtrak stops in Burlington and nearby Essex Junction with routes from DC-NYC-MA and NYC-Albany.
  • You can take an Uber or call a local taxi from there.
  • For getting back and forth between the conference location and the primary hotel, we are exploring the possibility of providing a shuttle. More to come on that.

Lodging
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  • We have a block of rooms secured at the Courtyard Burlington Harbor for $299.00 per night. Use this link to book by September 2, 2025.
  • The Courtyard is 1.4 miles from the UVM Alumni House (our conference location). It’s an easy walk and we are exploring shuttle options.
  • Other nearby hotels include: Doubletree by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Best Western Plus Windjammer Inn (all in Burlington). Because this is foliage season, rates will be above average everywhere. 

Things to Do in Vermont
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  • Burlington Bike Path and waterfront hikes: Located right on the Burlington waterfront, the Burlington bike path or Greenway is a bustling path along the edge of Lake Champlain to walk, run, bike, skate  and roam. While you’re down there, check out ECHO, the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, or grab a maple creemee nearby.
  • Waterfront Cycling. If you need a bike, there are several options at that link to rent one nearby. The bike path is 8 flat, paved miles. Great for cyclists. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Richard is your expert on all bike things.
  • Shelburne Farms. Just a few miles south of Burlington, this stunning farm has history, fresh food, cheesemaking, hiking and more.
  • Shelburne Museum. This walkable museum is a mix of history, art, Americana and rolling greens.
  • Fall Festivals. Vermont is known for its Autumn events. Here are just a few scheduled for the weekend of October 4: Harvest Celebration at Billings Farm & Museum, Sheep & Wool Festival in Tunbridge, Harvest Fair in Ludlow, and Groton Fall Foliage Festival.
  • Explore downtown Burlington. There’s always live music, art exhibits, great food and seasonal events in downtown Burlington. Be sure to check out the Seven Days events calendar for a rundown of what’s happening.
  • More Hikes! For options outside of Burlington: Mt. Philo in Charlotte is a short, steep hike to the top of a nearby peak overlooking Lake Champlain. And if you want a real challenge, check out Mt. Mansfield or Camel’s Hump.
  • Picturesque Drives. If you’re looking for scenic Vermont towns, check out our state capitol Montpelier, Stowe, and the Northeast Kingdom.

Other Questions
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  • If you can't be there for the entire event, we are happy to have you for any portion of the conference that works for you.
  • For those who requested funding assistance on your registration form, we are exploring options and will be in touch in the coming months.
  • If you need to book another night at the conference hotel on Saturday, reach out to us directly.
  • If you want to plan a larger excursion in the area, we are happy to send along recommendations!