Registration Open - SPJ Region 4 and 5 Conference - Sat., Apr. 9 - Join Us!

Dear SPJ member, Wonder where the future of journalism is headed? Is there equity in the newsroom? How will journalists survive and thrive in the future? These are only a few of the topics we’ll cover during the virtual Society of Professional Journalists Region 4 and 5 Conference on Sat., Apr. 9, 2022.   The conference will begin with opening remarks from SPJ President Rebecca Aguilar, followed by a morning keynote talk from Kat Stafford, national investigative writer and a global investigations correspondent, focused on race and inequity at The Associate Press.  Then, professional and student journalists are invited to participate in two breakout sessions, and a second, noon keynote on how journalists can fight stress with Al and Sidney Tompkins of The Poynter Institute.   In addition to programming, the conference will feature networking opportunities and the day will be highlighted by a presentation of the prestigious Mark of Excellence Awards for both regions. Be there to help recognize the regions' best college journalism.   To register, visit Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spj-region-4-5-conference-2022-virtual-tickets-289838975177.  Registration is $45 for SPJ members, $25 for student members, $55 for non-members, and $35 for student non-members. Also, be sure to check out the conference website to stay up to date on speakers and programming.   For more details, email Ginny McCabe, Region 4 Coordinator at gmwriteon@aol.com, or Amy Merrick, Region 5 Coordinator at amerric1@depaul.edu. SPJ Region 4 & 5 Regional Conference - Schedule Saturday, April 9, 2022 (10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. EST) – Virtual Conference OPENING REMARKS - 10 a.m. - 10:15 - Rebecca Aguilar – SPJ National President   KEYNOTE #1 - 10:15 - 11 a.m. – “Newsroom Equity” with Kat Stafford, national investigative writer at The Associated Press   BREAKOUT SESSION - #1 – 11 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. – “Lightning Talks” Panel Discussion             Featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Keith BieryGolick from The Cincinnati Enquirer and Ryan Martin of IndyStar, Manny Ramos from the Chicago Sun-Times via Report for America and Nic Antaya, an award-winning freelance photojournalist from Detroit   BREAK- 11:50 a.m. - noon   LUNCH KEYNOTE #2 - noon- 12:50 p.m. – “Managing Newsroom Stress and Trauma” with Al and Sidney Tompkins of The Poynter Institute     BREAKOUT SESSION #2 - 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. – “Telling Stories with Your Cell Phone” featuring Mike Castellucci, an award-winning expert on mobile journalism   Networking/Chapter Leader Chat - 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.             Led by Amy Merrick and Ginny McCabe   MARK OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS CEREMONY with closing remarks 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.             Hosted by Tom McKee and Patti Gallagher Newberry