Next USI SPJ meeting...

From President Briana Baker,

"Sorry it is kind of short notice but there were some communication errors. The next meeting will be Thursday, March 4 at 4:30 in the Burliegh room. Items discussed will be induction, FOIA audit, regional and national conferences, and much more, so try to attend."

Las Vegas convention changed

The Las Vegas SPJ National convention is now slated for October 16-18 instead of the 23-25. It's still a while out, so it shouldn't be too much of a big deal. However, there is a better deal for the Aladdin, the host resort. SPJ members can get a $99 a night rate for staying in the resort during the convention. That's a little better than the original $115 rate for Oct. 23-25.

Brian Kennedy
Secretary, USI SPJ

More Regional Conference Information!!!

Just released, I have information pertaining to the Region 5 Convention. As you may know, it will take place at the Medill School of Journalism (Northwestern University), located at 210 S. Clark St. in Chicago on April 15 and 16.

First, registration information. Registration forms are not available yet, but it will cost $35 for students, $45 for professionals. Also, we have to let Richard Roth, Region 5 chair, know asap if we are interested in the luncheon (of course).

The programs this time around look a heck of a lot better than last year. At least this time, you have some choices.

On Friday, April 15, Joe Cappo will be speaking at P.J. Clarke’s, 302 E. Illinois St., in downtown Chicago. He's promoting his book "The Future of Advertising: New Media, New Clients and New Consumers in the Post-Television Age,” and has a lot of advertising experience. Advertising students, check him out.

On Saturday, April 16, there will be, of course, the workshops, all of which take place at Medill.

9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m.-"Points of Entry: Breaking into Freelancing"...for those wanting to know how to break into the different forms of media. Panelists include a variety of broadcasters, producers and other media members.

9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m.-"Not for Beginners Meetup"...for those looking to network with media members. Coffee provided.

10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.-Vendor showcase with the latest technology, books and other goodies will take place.

10:30 to 11:45 a.m.-"Locker Room Talk: Ethics and Post Game Reporting"...clearly for sports reporters. Panelists will be Tom Alexander of Dailyscore and Howard Schlossberg of Columbia College Chicago.

10:30 to 11:45 a.m.-"Meet about the Beat"...need help on covering a beat? Here's your chance. Reporters from beats as diverse as government, religion and science will be on hand.

12:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.-Mark of Excellence Awards luncheon (Did we enter anything this year?)

2:00 p.m.-2:55 p.m.-"Getting to Grassroots: Finding the Stories That Matter to Our Readers"...the name says it all.

2:00 p.m.-Local news organizations roundtables' job and information "fair"

3:00 to 3:55 p.m.-"Tackling Tech: from Blogs to WiFi"...for those a little unsure about new technology and the media. This is hands-on tour that might be of use to either online journalism students, or those cynical of the technology. (You know who you are. :)

4:00 to 4:55 p.m.-"Money, Law & the Freelancer"...deals with money issues for writers.

5 p.m.-Benediction lecture with Bob Reed...Reed will basically promote his new book "Covering Business".

A couple of hotels are also listed, but probably the best option is the one listed next to Medill, the Club Quarters Hotel. According to the SPJ website, "Club Quarters is a so-called business travelers hotel, with Spartan and often-small rooms, but cheap. If you tell them you’re with Northwestern University, you might get a room for as little at $59 a night, but there are a limited number of rooms available at low rates, so call early (312/214-6400)."

For more information, check out the SPJ website.

Brian Kennedy,
Secretary, USI SPJ

Sunshine Week

With all the talk we have been doing lately on Sunshine Week, here's a little bit of info for what the week is about.

Groups plan weeklong event to promote freedom of information

Brian Kennedy
Secretary, USI SPJ

Top Three Things You Want to Know About Journalism

Ever wanted to know something about journalism, but you're unsure of the answer? Then, let us help! Before the next meeting, come up with three things you have questions about relating to journalism. You can submit them here, to the USI SPJ e-mail, or bring them to the next meeting. We'll discuss the issues and questions you may have at the next meeting.

Brian Kennedy,
Secretary, USI SPJ