Journalism students, faculty and professionals from Texas and Oklahoma can join the Region 8 Society of Professional Journalists Conference to network and experience the journalism community from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 1 at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.
Hosted by A&M-San Antonio’s SPJ student chapter and San Antonio’s SPJ pro chapter, the conference will begin with a panel conversation on how journalists worked to cover the Uvalde shooting. The conference will feature diverse journalism sessions and presentations throughout the day, lunch and a Mark of Excellence awards show to recognize the work of student journalists.
“Students should take the opportunity to come to the conference and learn more about the journalism industry,” said Region 8 Coordinator of SPJ Laura Garcia. “To get to meet professional journalists that are working in the field doing these jobs and see if it’s for them.”
Participants will meet 8:30-9:30 a.m. inside the Auditorium for the opening panel, “Notes from the Field: Robb Elementary School Shooting in Uvalde.” Four journalists who covered the Uvalde shootings will discuss their experiences.
Garcia urges participants to attend the panel because it will be about how journalists should prepare for covering a mass shooting, keep law enforcement and public officials accountable, and build trust with the harmed communities.
The conference also will feature journalism sessions in Classroom Hall. They include “Mastering TV Live Shots,” “Covering Courts and Cops” and a College Media Roundtable.
“Get ready to absorb information and be willing to learn from these great journalists who are willing to volunteer their time for the folks of this region,” Garcia said.
The conference is open to the public. There will be a fee for attendance of $20 for students, $40 for SPJ members and $50 for non-members.
Garcia said making the student price $20 will give students the chance to attend a conference after COVID-19 canceled previous conferences and to make it accessible to students who have a lower income.
Garcia said registration includes access to the networking mixer 8-9:30 p.m. March 31 at Casa Hernan Cantina.
The Society of Professional Journalists is the largest journalism organization in the country and has been around for over 100 years. The organization includes professional journalists, students and educators.
To register by 8:15 a.m. April 1, visit SPJ Region 8 Conference Registration. For more information, visit 2023 Region 8 Conference Schedule or email lgarcia@SPJ.org.
