Over three days, we will explore topics including:

• Station Management and Sustainability

• FCC Updates and Applications

• Recording for Radio and Podcasts

• Production and Syndication

• Compliance and Governance

• Transmission and Radio Arts

• Cultural Preservation

• Disaster Preparedness

• Resilient Communications

Panels, presentations and workshops by:

Ken Freedman (WFMU), Sharon Scott (WXOX), Pete Tridish (Center for International Media Action), Ursula Ruedenberg (Pacifica), Stephanie Schubert (Pacifica), Virginia Todd (Radio Asheville), Spencer Graves (Media and Democracy), Paul Arndt (KLKT), Benn Kobb (KZSM), Govinda (Indigenous Environmental Network), Bvlbancha Liberation Radio and more to be announced… STAY TUNED! GRC 2026 Register Now!

LOCAL INFORMATION ABOUT PENSACOLA:

Transportation

The nearest airport is Pensacola International Airport (PNS), located about 5.5 miles (approximately a 15-minute drive) from the Voices of Pensacola conference venue.

Uber and Lyft are readily available at the airport, with typical fares being $18 - $25, depending on demand and time of day. Taxis and rental cars are also available at the airport.

A rental car is recommended if you plan to explore Pensacola Beach, Gulf Islands National Seashore, or other attractions before or after the conference. However, if you're staying downtown, you can comfortably attend conference sessions, evening events, restaurants, and nightlife on foot, with ride-share service available whenever you want to venture beyond downtown.

Lodging

The GrassRoots Radio Conference takes place in the heart of Historic Downtown Pensacola, with sessions centered at the Voices of Pensacola museum and nearby venues. Downtown is highly walkable, with restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, breweries, and nightlife just steps away. Each evening, WPNX will host special conference events—including live music, film screenings, and community gatherings—to complement the daytime program. If you need a break, Pensacola Beach is only about a 15-minute drive away, making it easy to catch a Gulf Coast sunset after the day's events.

Downtown Host Hotels

• Holiday Inn Express Pensacola Downtown — Less than a 5-minute walk to the Voices of Pensacola venue. Group rate: $249/night.

• Courtyard by Marriott Pensacola Downtown — Approximately 1 mile (20-minute walk) to the venue. Group rate: $169/night.

• Hilton Garden Inn Pensacola Downtown — Less than 1 mile (15-minute walk) to the venue. Group rate and reservation code coming soon.

Beach Hotels

If you'd like to combine the conference with a beach getaway, discounted group rates will also be available at:

• Paradise Inn Pensacola Beach — Conference group rate and reservation code coming soon.

• Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach — Conference group rate information coming soon.

Airport Area Hotels

All of these hotels provide complimentary airport shuttle service and are approximately 5.5 miles from the conference venue.

• Hyatt Place Pensacola Airport

• Hampton Inn Pensacola Airport (Cordova Mall Area)

• Staybridge Suites Pensacola Airport

Airbnb and VRBO rentals are also plentiful in Downtown, East Hill, and East Pensacola Heights.

We look forward to welcoming the grassroots radio community to Pensacola this fall.

Please check back for additional information and wpnx.org soon.