Each year, the NFOIC convenes the Freedom of Information Summit. The FOI Summit features the exchange of ideas, experiences and discussions about the latest issues and trends around freedom of information laws, policies and practices at the state and local levels across the U.S. The summit delivers two days of panel discussions, presentations, and group interaction featuring experts, advocates and champions of transparency and open government. A great networking event for state affiliates and all members, included in the summit is the keynote luncheon highlighted by the induction of a worthy individual into the State Open Government Hall of Fame.
FOI Summits
2024
The 2024 Summit was held Nov. 14 on Zoom Events and was focused on AI and public records.
2023
The 2023 FOI Summit was held virtually, Oct. 3-5. Visit the Summit website for details.
2022
The 2022 FOI Summit was held virtually, Oct. 18-20.
2021
The 2021 FOI Summit was held virtually, Sept. 28-30.
2020
The 2020 FOI Summit was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven general sessions, four members-only educational panels, a hands-on training seminar from IRE and a virtual FOI research paper poster session were held over seven days between September 24th – October 1st.
2019
NFOIC and the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas announce the 2019 National FOI Summit convened in Dallas, Texas on April 12-13, 2019. The 2019 summit marked the 30th anniversary of NFOIC and the FOI summit. Visit NFOIC’s YouTube Channel to see summit sessions.
2018
The National Freedom of Information Coalition (here.
2017
Music City USA provided the backdrop for for the 2017 FOI Summit, Oct. 13-14, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The National Freedom of Information Coalition, host the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government and state coalition directors from across the nation convene the annual summit at the First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University. The State Open Government Hall of Fame Induction included Michael Giudicessi, a Partner with Faegre Baker Daniels LLP in Iowa. And the keynote address was offered by Jameel Jaffer, Director, Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. Read more…
2016
The nation’s capital and the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Freedom of Information Act serve as backdrops for the 2016 FOI Summit. The National Freedom of Information Coalition (NFOIC) and co-sponsor the D.C. Open Government Coalition (DCOGC) will convene the summit on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 7-8, 2016, at the Dupont Circle Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C. Learn more here…
2015
NFOIC and co-sponsor Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition convened the 2015 FOI Summit October 9-10 in downtown Denver. The FOI Summit features ideas, experiences and discussions about the latest issues and trends around freedom of information laws, policies and practices at the state and local levels across the nation. Read more here…
2014
The National Freedom of Information Coalition and the Florida First Amendment Foundation are pleased to bring you the 2014 FOI Summit Oct. 23-24, from the Poynter Institute for Media Studies in beautiful St. Petersburg, Fla. Tom Blanton, the director of the National Security Archive at George Washington University is the keynote speaker, and there will be a rich selection of panels, both to help on managing coalition issues and on the events that are impacting local, state and federal transparency laws and policies. Read more here.
Columbia, MO and New Orleans, LA — The National Freedom of Information Coalition and the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana bring you the 2013 FOI Summit on May 17-18 from the Renaissance Arts Hotel in New Orleans, La. Read more here.
2012
Columbia, MO and Madison, WI — The National Freedom of Information Coalition (NFOIC) announced that it will join the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council (WFOIC) in hosting the 2012 FOI Summit in Madison, Wis., May 11-12. The annual FOI Summit, a national conference held in collaboration with the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), will be at the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club in downtown Madison. Read more here.
2011
The National Freedom of Information Coalition and the New England First Amendment Coalition were pleased to bring you the 2011 FOI Summit May 20-21, from the Providence Biltmore in Providence, Rhode Island. While you’re at it, be sure to check out the inaugural Dale R. Spencer Freedom Talk as part of this year’s Summit keynote address. Read more here.
2010
The National Freedom of Information Coalition and the Virginia Coalition for Open Government bring you the 2010 FOI Summit May 7-8, from the Hyatt Arlington in Arlington, Va. Read more here.
2009
The National Freedom of Information Coalition and the Minnesota Coalition on Government Information bring you the 2009 FOI Summit from Minneapolis, Minn., on June 5 and 6. We’ll look to the North Star State to help give us direction in our continuing battle to secure open government and government accountability. Read more here.
2008
The National Freedom of Information Coalition and the Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition bring you the 2008 FOI Summit from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Read more here.
2007
The National Freedom of Information Coalition and the Washington Coalition for Open Government (WCOG) announce Seattle Sunshine: 2007 FOI Summit. This year’s Freedom of Information summit in Seattle, Wash., is your best opportunity to get a clear view of the state of state FOI. The conference brings together access advocates from all over the country to share ideas, highlight successes, and head off the latest tricks in the secrecy trade. Read more here.
2006
The 2006 Freedom of Information Summit in Indianapolis drew nearly 200 participants. More than 40 speakers were featured at the event. Former New Jersey lawmaker Byron M. Baer also was inducted into the Open Government Hall of Fame. Read more here.