ASJA: Always in Fashion, NYC2025, the first ASJA conference in Manhattan since 2019, is almost here. We’re thrilled you’re joining us! If you haven’t started to get ready, here are some last-minutes tips.
If you’re not attending this time, keep reading for how you can still take advantage of the assemblage of writing and editing talent that’ll be together next week.
Still on the fence? There’s still time to sign up. Late registration is open until the conference begins on Monday, Feb. 24. Get more details here.
Prepping for the 2025 Conference
1. Have a plan. Scan the schedule in advance for sessions to attend. ASJA member Lisa Rabasca Roepe suggests figuring out which editors and experts you want to talk to and approaching them after their sessions or in the hallways. “Some of my best conversations at ASJA (conferences) are hallway convos,” she said in a comment on the ASJA Facebook page. “If you work with any NYC editors, even if they aren’t coming, see if they can meet with you in person for coffee or a drink.” Bring business cards or another way to share your contact information. If you’re really feeling ambitious, update your LinkedIn profile or online presence so prospective clients see your latest clips.
2. Sign up for slams. There’s still time to sign up for one of three conference pitch slams happening on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Pitch slams are an opportunity to present an idea for an article, book, or letter of introduction to a panel of experts and get instant feedback. Journalism pitches and content marketing LOIs must be submitted in advance and the deadline is today, Feb. 17. Send journalism pitches to Kristine Hansen kristinehansenwriter@gmail.com, and content marketing LOI submissions to Karon Warren at karonwarren@gmail.com. No need to sign up in advance for the books pitch slam. If the notion of getting real-time feedback is too intimidating, sit in on a pitch slam session anyway to learn how other writers handle presenting under pressure. If you warm up to the idea, some slams may have openings for people who don’t sign up in advance.
3. Attend the Client Connections 2025 prep session. Make the most of the Client Connections 2025 meetings you scored by attending a one-hour prep session on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 4 p.m. Eastern time. At the session, the three Client Connections cochairs will discuss how to squeeze the most out of meetings with prospective clients, and answer related questions. Use this Zoom link to log into the meeting.
4. Don’t eat alone. Don’t be afraid to sit next to people you don’t know at breakfast or lunch, or go to networking meals even if you don’t know anyone else – they won’t be strangers for long. The conference includes breakfast and lunch on Tuesday, Feb. 25, and breakfast on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Or sign up to go to a writer networking meal on Monday, Feb. 24 before or after the conference. Networking meals are organized by writing specialty and are a casual, fun way to meet and share insights with fellow conference attendees. Meals are open to members and non-members attending the conference (sorry, no students), and participants cover their own meal costs. Sign up by Friday, Feb. 21 on this Google sheet. If a meal is full, put yourself on the waiting list and the meal host will contact you if a spot opens up. Looking for other places by FIT to eat or grab a coffee? Check out a list of nearby eateries here.
5. Check the weather. The forecast for New York City the week of the conference is clear and cold – but double check before you pack, weather changes as often as editors change their minds. Pack clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in. Bring layers in case the conference rooms are chilly.
Get the Most From the Conference Even if You’re Not Attending
6. Follow conference posts on social media. If this conference is anything like the organization’s previous annual meetups, you can expect attendees to share what they’re learning in real time on popular social media channels, including on the ASJA Facebook page, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, and Bluesky. Search for “ASJA conference” or the hashtag #ASJACon2025.
7. Read the recaps. The ASJA publications team will publish highlights from keynotes and other sessions at the end of each day of the conference on the ASJA Confidential blog.