NABJ 2012 Convention: New Orleans
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Top 10 Things I Learned At #NABJ12
1. Keith Alexander of the Washington Post is a great dinner companion.
2. The NABJ Babies on all the Student Projects are already amazing journalists; I can’t wait to see what they do in the future!
3. John Keefe of WNYC showed me I can do really cool things with Google Fusion!
4. My daughter is not the only little girl who’s in love with Bomani Jones.
5. The Meograph “4th Dimension” online tool is going to be my new favorite digital toy.
6. The NABJ staff works their butts off without a lot of thanks. So I’ll say it - thanks!!
7. I’ve done way too many free resume reviews. I met so many folks who mentioned my review of theirs.
8. While I spent a small fortune on my NABJ Babies, I consider it a solid and worthwhile investment.
9. Matt Thompson of NPR, LaToya Peterson of Racialicious, Mark Luckie of Twitter, Phoebe Connelly of Yahoo, John Keefe of WNYC and Justin Elllis of Nieman Lab reminded me about how inspiring the craft of new media is and how I need to continue to step up my own game. Don’t know who they are? Google them! :)
10. The NABJ Convention could have lasted another week and I still would have missed seeing people like Mark Luckie, Jamila Bey, Sonia Foster, Adrienne Samuels Gibbs, Greg Gross, Kim Johnson, Doug Mitchell and countless others. Maybe in Orlando?
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Natl. Journalism Group Responds To Layoffs & Changing Industry
My friend Sandra Gonzalez did this story on our convention. Enjoy!!
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Free Tools for Journalists Learning Lab
Are you in New Orleans for the NABJ Convention? Drop by this great Learning Lab being moderated by journalism professor and multimedia maven Serbino Sandifer-Walker today from 1-5 p.m. She’ll be in the Magnolia Room. If you can’t make it, follow along on Twitter at #FREETOOLS!
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A "Brand" New You: Cut Through The Media Clutter And Make Your Mark!
I am SO excited about this session, being moderated by my friend Natalie “Frugalista” McNeal. We will give you tips and tricks to create and promote your journalism brand. The session is Thursday, June 21 from 12:15 to 1:30 in the Elmwood room. Our hashtag is #BrandYou, so please follow along if you can’t be there!
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National Association of Black Journalists heads to New Orleans
This segment appeared on FOX8 Live. Enjoy!!
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I am a world traveler who has been on the road since taking my first flight — New York to London — when I was six.
As an aviation journalist, I have taken more than my fair share of trips and have become an expert in packing, especially now that airlines (except for Southwest and JetBlue) charge for checked bags. As you prepare to pack for your upcoming trip to New Orleans for the NABJ Convention, please allow me to offer you some of my best packing tips.
- Choose a primary color, like black, navy or brown, and accessorize accordingly. Bring basics like pants, skirt and blazer, and use accessories and different shirts/blouses to mix and match;
- Roll with it! Roll your clothes to make sure things fit accordingly. If you don’t want to roll, then buy Space Bags to compress your outfits;
- Pack older underwear. You can wear them and throw them away;
- I know this is hard, but limit yourself to 3 pairs of shoes, including the ones you travel with;
- Weigh your luggage BEFORE you leave. Airlines limit that first bag to 50 lbs; after that, hefty fees kick in. They also kick in after the first checked bag. To see just how much, click here;
- Pack important/valuable items in your carry-on. Include a portable toothbrush, underwear and a small deodorant just in case you luggage is lost;
- Keep a list of what you packed in case your luggage is lost and you have to file a claim with the airline; and
- Don’t overpack. You know you’ll pick up materials at your destination and you’ll want to have room for them.
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I’m not going to lie-I’m a girl who likes a good meal. And in New Orleans, you always eat well, even if you’re broke. Below are three places I try not to miss when I visit the Crescent City.
1. Cafe Du Monde. Check out this institution for chicory coffee and beignets for breakfast or a late night snack.
2. Clover Grill. This is down home diner cooking at its best. They cook the burgers under a hubcab, and they are among the best I’ve ever had. And the amusing attitudinal waitstaff is a bonus!
3. Deanie’s Seafood. I took Dr. Syb here when we were in New Orleans last September. The seafood is fresh and the portions are massive. A large catfish/shrimp platter is more than enough for two!
I’ll see you in New Orleans!!
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World's Only All-Female Brass Band: Leaving A Legacy
As we continue to prepare for the NABJ Convention & Career Fair, please enjoy this story by my friend Sandra Gonzalez on the Original Pinettes, the only all-female brass band in the world. And Sandra will be one of the panelists at the convention for our workshop “One-Man Banding and Your Career: How to Do It and Why You Should.”
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10 Things To Do To Prepare for For The NABJ Annual Career Fair And Convention
Not busy on this Memorial Day? Then you need to start working on the list below to get youself ready for the convention. There ARE only 24 more days until the start of the convention!
10. BUY your airline ticket by Thursday. Ticket discounts are best when you book at least 21 days in advance. Prices only get higher from here.
9. BOOK your hotel room. What are you waiting for? The room block is almost sold out, so you’ll either have to pay a higher price in the Hilton Riverside or pay more for nearby hotels.
8. Check your wardrobe. Now is the time to start mulling what you’ll wear. Look for rips, stains or alterations. Or start shopping for key pieces you may need. Also, do those shoe repairs you’ve been putting off.
7. Look at the exhibitor list and start planning which booths are must-attends.
6. While you’re looking at that list, start making appointments with 3-4 companies you definitely want to see in New Orleans.
5. Check out the Times-Picayune Spring Dining Guide so you can scope out all the city’s great restaurants.
4. Order new business cards. I recommend the 250 FREE business cards (plus $2.95 shipping) with your choice of 45 designs at Vistaprint. Or check out Moo cards based on your Facebook timeline.
3. Review and update your resume. Make sure you’ve updated all your jobs and skills. Keep a copy in the cloud and on a thumb drive so it’s easily accessible.
2. Consider creating a portfolio website to house your work and your resume. Don’t know how to get started? The NABJDigital Blog shows you how.
1. Read VP-Broadcast Bob Butler’s “Tips for Young Journalists/Students at the NABJ Convention.” There are plenty of tips that apply to all of us.
