May 6 @ 8:00 am – May 9 @ 5:00 pm UTC+0
Join us for the 2025 ONO Annual Conference, an engaging gathering of news ombuds, standards editors, and media professionals from around the world. This four-day event will feature a keynote address, collaborative discussions, networking opportunities, and celebrations of excellence in news accountability and media ethics.
Schedule Highlights
Tuesday, May 6:
- Welcome Reception: A late-afternoon and early-evening gathering to connect with fellow attendees and kick off the conference.
Wednesday, May 7:
- Conference Day at CaixaForum Madrid: A day of discussions, panels, and keynotes focusing on the challenges and opportunities in media standards and ethics.
Thursday, May 8:
- Conference Day at El País Building: More enriching sessions and workshops.
- Ombuds Celebration at El País: A special event honoring the contributions of ombuds to journalism.
- Conference Dinner: An evening of camaraderie at a venue to be announced.
Friday, May 9:
- General Members Meeting: A morning session for ONO members to discuss initiatives and elect new leadership.
- Social Program: An afternoon exploration of Madrid’s cultural and historical treasures.
Keynote Speaker: Emilio Morenatti
We are proud to welcome Emilio Morenatti, an award-winning photojournalist for the Associated Press, as our keynote speaker. Based in Barcelona, Spain, Morenatti has over 30 years of experience documenting history-shaping events across more than 60 countries.

Morenatti has covered major global conflicts and crises, including prolonged assignments in Afghanistan, the Palestinian territories, Gaza, Israel, and Pakistan. His work has been recognized with numerous prestigious accolades, including:
Pulitzer Prizes:
- 2021 (Feature Photography) for depicting the struggles of Spain’s elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2023 (Breaking News Photography) for capturing the atrocities faced by Ukrainians during the Russian invasion.
- Finalist: 2009 Pulitzer Prize for coverage of the Afghanistan war.
Other Honors:
- Three World Press Photo awards.
- Pictures of the Year International.
- National Press Photographers Association awards.
- Six National Headliner Awards.
- Oliver S. Gramling Journalism Award.
- Overseas Press Club Award.
Morenatti holds a master’s degree in photojournalism and documentary photography from the University of the Arts London. He currently leads the photography department for the Associated Press in Spain and Portugal, shaping powerful visual narratives that resonate globally.
Information about hotels in Madrid
Our host and fellow ONO member, Soledad Alcaide, has negotiated favourable rates with the Hotel Catalonia Atocha (which is located just a short distance from the Caixaforum, delegates can get there on foot). The hotel will block 30 rooms until February 17 for ONO members that can be cancelled anytime until April 8. Their terms are:
Hotel Catalonia Atocha
Check-in: May 6, 2025, Check-out: May 9, 2025
Single Room (DUI): €220
Double Room (DBL): €240
Price per room per night/standard 10% VAT, buffet breakfast included.
If rooms are needed for the weekend, rate to be consulted
Complimentary in-room services: Free WIFI, safety box, and kettle (for coffee and tea)
To benefit from this rate, attendees must write to atocha.reservas@cataloniahotels.com indicating in their email that they are members of ONO to formalize the reservation. During the confirmation process, they will be asked for a guarantee card, and a payment link will be sent via email on April 8. At that time, delegates have 24 hours to make the reservation payment.
As this is a group reservation, it has special conditions regarding cancellation and will become non-refundable from April 8. All cancellations up to that date will have no cost.
Other hotels in the area
Hotel Mediodía
Pl. del Emperador Carlos V, 8, Centro, 28012 Madrid
ITC Mora by Soho Boutique
P.º del Prado, 32, 1, Centro, 28014 Madrid
Rafaelhoteles Atocha
Méndez Álvaro, 30, 28045 Madrid España
Ac Hotel Atocha
C/ Delicias, 42, 28045 Madrid España
Only YOU Hotel Atocha
Paseo De La Infanta Isabel, 13, 28014 Madrid España
SLEEP’N Atocha
Calle del Dr. Drumen, 4, 28012 Madrid España
Public transport
In Madrid, public transport is very good. Buses and the metro are fast and reach almost everywhere. It will be necessary to take the subway to get to the El País facilities, which are far from the city centre. You only need a Zone A ticket.
Soledad recommends buying a 10-trip ticket (12,2 euros). You can use it via your phone, but only if you have Android.
If not, you can purchase the ticket at every metro station. Here is more information in English. Soledad says please be aware that the advice given is to buy a tourist pass and she would not recommend that option.