NABJ Convention
PABJ: NABJ Convention, a primer
3.24.10
NABJ @35 / The Power of Change
Passing along information to assist new PABJ members and/or any folks who may be on the fence re: attending this year's NABJ Convention & Career Fair in San Diego.
PABJ wants to see you in San Diego for NABJ's convention this year. Representing Philly is important, but we should also be there as journalists and communications professionals on the cutting edge. Our industry is changing, and taking time to participate in multimedia training, industry dialogue, networking and fellowship is imperative to your own professional development.
PARTY
PABJ will host the Saturday Night Kick-Off Party and hopes to host a suite during convention. So, we need you there to help us usher in a Philly celebration, as we look toward NABJ's 2011 Convention & Career Fair in Philly. You don't want to miss it.DATES
This year's NABJ convention takes place from July 28 - Aug. 1, 2010 in San Diego, CA. To access NABJ's convention homepage click here.
SCHEDULE
The convention schedule at a glance is viewable here:http://www.goeshow.com/nabj/Annual/2010/schedule.cfmAmong the convention program highlights: attend multimedia/hands-on training sessions, industry panels, plenaries, professional development breakfasts, Salute to Excellence Awards, media receptions, author's showcase, and brown bag lunch sessions. There's plenty of social events too!
HOTEL
The host hotel is the Manchester Grand Hyatt.One Market Place,
San Diego, California, USA 92101
Tel: +1 619 232 1234
http://manchestergrand.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp
The NABJ convention lodging and travel page can be accessed here.
It's important to note, that NABJ has negotiated a convention rate of single/double room at $180 per night. To receive the discounted room rate, book early and by July 2. This rate is based on availability, so don't be left out from being able to take advantage of these savings. You should register for convention first, then reserve your room via the conference site to get the discounted NABJ convention rate. Here's the hotel room reservation page.
REGISTRATION
The NABJ convention registration form can be accessed hereRegistration rates are explained on the form, there are various levels to register at and the price points are set accordingly. The registration levels are: NABJ member/associate member/student member/affiliate chapter member; Non-member; Non-student member; Spouse/Guest; Child (under 12); Daily registrant/member; Daily registrant/non-member.
The registration rate for each level changes depending on whether you are registering as an early-bird, pre-registration, or on-site.
Meal functions are optional/a la carte and priced separately from the registration rate. Check which meal(s) you want to attend. There's also an option to purchase both meals as a bundle at $65 for a savings of $10.
Some items to note: the early-bird registration deadline is April 1. The pre-registration deadline isJune 15. After June 15 and through convention, the on-site registration rates apply. (Don't wait until the last minute to register).
If you are an NABJ member and a chapter member, you are eligible for a discounted registration rate at the early-bird rate only. The discount/savings is $50. So, take advantage of this savings!!!
If you are faxing in your registration form, please note that NABJ has a NEW fax number. It is (301) 314-1714.
***NABJ is offering attendees the opportunity to pay for their convention registration in installments, due by June 15. The installment policy is explained right on the registration form.
On the registration form, you may chose to make a donation to NABJ and its various programs such as the On the Move Fund/Student scholarships and/or to UNITY. You can make a donation right on your convention registration form under the payment method section. Since NABJ is a 501(c)(3) organization, your donations are tax-deductible as allowable by the IRS code.
MEMBERSHIP
If you'd like to renew your NABJ dues, visit this page to join online. If you'd like to expedite your membership application, please contact Veronique Dodson in the national office, Toll Free Phone: (866) 479-NABJ | Phone: (301) 405-0248. She can assist you, and possibly even take your payment over the phone, please contact her for any possible expediting options besides online membership.To join or renew PABJ, visit this page and download an application. If you want to expedite your PABJ membership this week, you can drop it off at the Inquirer/Daily News building, 400 N. Broad Street, to Melanie Burney's attention. 215-854-2289. Please contact Melanie to make arrangements to do so.
TRAVEL
Traveling to San Diego from Philadelphia: well, you'll find all major carriers will get you there. Rates vary, but I've seen them in the $300-$400 range. You may find that flying out of San Diegoon Monday provides you with additional savings. The one thing I have heard that may assist young people (age 18-22) is that Air Tran has a new promotion where they will let you fly standby for about $59 each way. You would need to check with AirTrain on the details. Here's the info: http://www.airtranu.com/airtran_u.aspx. While this doesn't allow you to plan specifically in advance, it's an option that may help you get there. And please note, AirTran doesn't appear to fly into SD with this promotion, but they do fly into LAX, so maybe you take a train or some other mode of transportation from LA, be creative!Regarding creative solutions to making your trip a reality. Please contact me directly, by email atsglover@phillynews.com, if you'd like to get a roommate. It's likely just by sharing a room, and thehotel costs, it may make it attainable for you to travel. I'd be happy to help PABJ members make that connection. So let me know in your email correspondence in the subject line (SEEKING NABJ ROOMATE), and in the body of the email include your full contact information, and that you're seeking a roommate and for which dates of travel.
Hopefully, by providing more information about NABJ's San Diego convention, you will find it easy to make your attendance plans. I'm looking forward to seeing you in San Diego July 28-August 1.
Sincerely,
Sarah Glover
PABJ President
Phila Daily News