Congratulations to all student journalists on their wins in the 2012 Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Awards! Students and professionals alike can now take advantage of early-bird discount rates for the upcoming Region 2 Spring Conference April 19-20 in Norfolk, Va. Students will learn how they placed during our event, and winners of the region will contend for the national prizes announced at the Excellence in Journalism Conference this August in Anaheim, Calif.
Early-bird tickets for the conference are available for $50 for students and $70 for pros through Friday, April 5. Ticket prices will go up to $70 and $90, respectively, so act soon to join us! A special Virginia Press Association rate of $136 per night is available through Thursday, March 28 by calling the Norfolk Waterside Marriott at 1-800-874-0264. There are several other hotels within walking distance, as well.
We will kick off the weekend with a cash bar reception (21 and up, please) at Trilogy Bistro near the hotel in downtown Norfolk on Friday evening.
On Saturday, plan on an event packed with compelling speakers, panels, workshops and networking opportunities. During three sets of sessions, panelists and presenters will address the pressing issues of journalism, including social media practices, data journalism, how to navigate the tough job market and more. Registrants are also welcome to attend all non-meal events during the Virginia Press Association’s concurrent program Saturday.
We will recognize regional winners during an included luncheon sponsored by Regent University. Mark Coatney from Tumblr will present the keynote speech. Coatney worked for Time and Newsweek before becoming Tumblr’s “media evangelist.”
SPJVA Today 