NESS SEO Giveback Program
NESS GIVEBACK 2026
40 opportunities to join NESS.
A career setback or the cost of attending should not stop someone from learning, connecting, and discovering what is next. This year, NESS is setting aside 40 tickets for SEO professionals between roles and the next generation of journalists.
20 tickets
100% FREE
For SEO professionals recently affected by layoffs who have not yet found their next full-time role.
20 tickets
50% OFF
For currently enrolled journalism students interested in News SEO and audience growth.
Why NESS Giveback?
NESS was built around the idea that News SEO gets better when the community learns from one another.
For someone between roles, that can mean learning a new area of SEO, meeting people working inside newsrooms, and discovering opportunities they may not have considered before.
For journalism students, it is an opportunity to understand how search, Google Discover, AI, audience development, and other digital disciplines are becoming part of modern journalism.
3 Daysof learning and discussion
100%virtual, join from anywhere
20+industry speakers
3,000+attendees over the past 5 years
Who should apply?
Recently laid-off SEO professionals
You were recently affected by a layoff and have not yet started your next full-time role. You do not need previous News SEO experience. If you want to explore News SEO, audience growth, and the publisher ecosystem, we would like to hear from you.
Journalism
students
You are currently enrolled in a journalism program and want to understand how publishers build audiences through search, Discover, AI, and other digital channels.
How it works
1
Complete the short application.
It should take about two minutes.
It should take about two minutes.
2
Our team reviews your application.
Applications are reviewed individually and tickets are limited.
Applications are reviewed individually and tickets are limited.
3
We contact you with the result.
Selected applicants receive either a complimentary NESS ticket or a 50% student discount.
Selected applicants receive either a complimentary NESS ticket or a 50% student discount.
Questions
Do I need News SEO experience?
No. The free-ticket program is open to SEO professionals interested in learning more about News SEO, audience growth, Google Discover, and the publisher ecosystem.
Who qualifies for a free ticket?
The free-ticket allocation is intended for SEO professionals who were recently affected by a layoff and have not yet started another full-time role.
Who qualifies for the journalism student discount?
The 50% discount is for students who are currently enrolled in a journalism program and want to learn more about News SEO, audience development, search, Discover, and AI.
Do I need a school email address?
If you are applying as a journalism student, please use your school email if you have one. It can make verification easier, but it is not required if your school does not provide one.
Is NESS virtual?
Yes. NESS 2026 is a fully virtual conference, so you can attend from anywhere.
Does applying guarantee a ticket?
No. Tickets are limited to 20 in each Giveback category and applications are reviewed individually.
When will I hear back?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You will receive an email confirmation immediately after applying, and our team will follow up regarding the status of your application.
How will my information be used?
Your information will only be used to review your NESS Giveback application and contact you about its status.
Know someone who could benefit?
Please share this page with them. One introduction could help someone discover a new skill, a new community, or their next opportunity.
Early Bird
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