Hear From Editors and Award-Winning Journalists in ASJA 2024 Conference Journalism Sessions
Freelance journalists are on a never-ending journey to expand their skills and keep a steady stream of work. Both can be difficult given today’s media climate. The ASJA 2024 conference journalism sessions that my cochair Kristine Hansen and I have worked hard to create shine through the AI and layoff haze to bring hope back into the profession.
The ASJA 2024 conference takes place online Sept. 24-26 and is open to members and nonmembers. Over three information-packed days, freelance journalists will hear what editors want from writers today, and get tips and advice from award-winning journalists on how to make the most of a journalism career right now.
2024 ASJA Journalism Sessions and Speakers
The 2024 ASJA conference journalism track includes seven sessions:
- Reporting from the Middle: The Untapped Potential of Regional Outlets
- Using Journalism Skills in Adjacent Professions
- The Emerging Role of Mission-Based Journalism
- Breaking Into the AARP Publishing Empire
- Journalism Award Winners Share Their Secrets
- Fact Checking
- Crunching the Numbers: Data Journalism 101
Some of the editors and award-winning journalists speaking at the sessions include:
- George Mannes, executive editor at AARP: The Magazine
- Deborah Jian Lee, senior editor at The Economic Hardship Reporting Project
- Jenny Splitter, editor-in-chief at Sentient Media
- Six-figure freelancer and ASJA member Leslie Lang
- Mike Hoinski, deputy editor at Texas Highways
- Hsiao-Ching Chou, who leads editorial for Salesforce’s Product UX team
- Award-winning journalist and fact checker Wudan Yan
- Investigative reporter Marina Villeneuve
- Science journalist and medical researcher Simar Bajaj
Early Bird Registration Closes Sept. 3
The ASJA 2024 conference takes place Sept. 24-26. Keynote speakers include:
- Krishan Trotman, author and founder of Hachette Book Group’s Legacy Lit imprint and the self-proclaimed “Beyonce of books.”
- Peter Shankman, serial entrepreneur, founder of the new Source of Sources service, and long-time freelance supporter
- David W. Brown, Temple University assistant dean and communications professor, journalist, student advisor, long-time media industry professional and award-winning speaker
- Memoirist Abigail Thomas in conversation with ASJA member, author and writing instructor and podcaster Estelle Erasmus
In addition to journalism sessions and keynote speakers, the ASJA 2024 conference features sessions on books and content marketing writing, as well as opportunities for informal networking with friends old and new. All sessions will take place on the AirMeet technology platform.
ASJA’s signature client networking event, Client Connections 2024 – A Virtual Event!, runs Sept. 26-27. Early bird registration runs through Sept. 3 and is $249 for members, and $299 for members. Client Connections is open only to ASJA professional members, and is $69 bundled with conference registration, and $129 without. Find out more about the conference and register here.
ASJA is offering 12 scholarships to freelance writers and nonfiction book writers from historically underrepresented populations. Applications are due by Sept. 5 and recipients will be notified by Sept. 13. Apply for a scholarship here.
To keep up with news and updates about the ASJA 2024 conference, subscribe to the ASJA Weekly newsletter and read the ASJA Confidential blog.
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Jennifer Billock is an award-winning writer, bestselling author, and writing coach. She has worked with businesses and publishers including the Smithsonian, The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler, Disney Books, The Atlantic, Kraft Foods, Midwest Living, Arcadia Publishing, and the MSU Press. She specializes in food, travel, history, and witchcraft. Check out her website at www.jenniferbillock.com, subscribe to her Substack at kitchenwitch.substack.com.