Largest Association of Journalists of Color to Hold Annual Convention in Atlanta

Largest Association of Journalists of Color to Hold Annual Convention in Atlanta

More Than 3,000 Journalists and Media-Related Professionals to Attend Five-Day Convention

WASHINGTON, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Black Journalists will hold its 30th Anniversary Convention and Career Fair, Aug. 3-7, 2005, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. The Hyatt Regency Atlanta is located at 265 Peachtree Street NE.

The NABJ Annual Convention and Career Fair is expected to attract more than 3,000 attendees nationwide. It is the largest professional gathering devoted to black journalists. The 30th anniversary convention theme -- "Telling Our Story" -- reflects the organization's goal to continue to voice the passion, pride, purpose and power of black journalists.

"There is not a more important journalism gathering than our annual convention and career fair," said NABJ President Herbert Lowe, a courts reporter at Newsday in New York. "It is an opportunity for black journalists to become re-invigorated, inspired and encouraged to do their best work every day."

The convention will feature the nation's largest journalism career fair along with specialized workshops, plenary sessions with national figures, professional development breakfasts targeted to various journalism disciplines, an awards banquet, a gospel brunch, media receptions, an exhibit area and so much more geared to the veteran journalist and those entering the field.

The 30th anniversary will honor the 44 brave men and women who founded NABJ in 1975 as well as the 15 men and women our members have elected to serve as president of the association. Also spotlighted will be the 30 most influential moments impacting black journalists since 1975.

For more information about the convention or to register, contact NABJ at http://www.nabj.org/ or call (301) 445-7100.

CONVENTION SCHEDULE

* Indicates events that offer story or photo potential

Sunday, July 31 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Student Reception

Monday, August 1 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Student Development Program Begins

Tuesday August 2 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. NABJ Board of Directors Meeting

Wednesday, August 3 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Super Workshops (Pre-registration required)

8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Convention Registration Hours

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Exhibit Hall Setup

9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Chapter Day

1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Student Members' Meeting

1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Associate Members' Meeting

5 p.m. - 8 p.m. * Opening Ceremony & NABJ Founders Town Hall

9 p.m. - 11 p.m. "Spirit in the Words" Poetry Contest

10 p.m. - 2 a.m. NABJ JAM

Thursday, August 4 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. * Prof. Development Breakfasts I

8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Convention Registration Hours

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Career Fair & Exhibitions

9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. * Plenary Session I

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Candidates' Forum (for NABJ officers)

1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Workshop Sessions I

2:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Workshop Sessions II

6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Media Receptions

8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. *NABJ Idol Contest

11 p.m. - 1 a.m. Bid Whist & Spades Tournament

Friday, August 5 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. Prof. Development Breakfasts II

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. NABJ Election Balloting Hours

Noon - 1:30 p.m. * Plenary Session II

2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. * Workshop Session III

3:45 p.m. - 5 p.m. * W.E.B. DuBois Lecture

5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. *Sports Pioneer Awards Ceremony

8 p.m. - 10 p.m. * NABJ Hall of Fame Banquet

* Midnight Train to Georgia Party (Sponsored by AABJ - featuring The Whispers)

Saturday, August 6 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. * Hummer Hoops Basketball Tournament

8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. * Golf Tournament

9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. * Workshop Session IV

10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Workshop Session V

12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Visual Task Force Photo Auction

1 p.m. - 3 p.m. * Plenary Session III

3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. NABJ Film Festival

11 p.m. - 2 a.m. Heading to Indianapolis - 2006 Kick-Off Party (Sponsored by Indiana ABJ)

Sunday, August 7 9 a.m.-Noon * Gospel Brunch - featuring leading artists

Source: National Association of Black Journalists

CONTACT: Lisa Goodnight of National Association of Black Journalists, +1-301-445-7100, ext. 107

Web site: http://www.nabj.org/

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