Do you hear that buzzing noise? That’s the sound of writers talking about the upcoming ASJA regional conference in DC. The conference is scheduled for August 28, 2015, at the National Press Club. Just being at the Press Club is going to be so cool—it’s a place rich in journalism history, as Tam Harbert pointed out in her post last week.
But the conference site is just the beginning. The DC Conference steering committee has designed to program to offer opportunities for both veteran freelancers as well as people making the switch to self-employment. And it’s got people talking!
Chuck McCutcheon, who has covered DC since 1995, says he’s excited about the caliber of both editors and writers who will be speaking at and attending the conference. “I expect to get even more inspired about the state of freelancing, and motivated to do better work, by meeting with/hearing from so many talented and successful people in this business,” he says.
Chuck is heading up the track called “DC Markets,” which will explore writing about the government and writing for the government, as well as opportunities for freelancers at trade associations and nonprofits and the region’s travel and lifestyle publications.
Chuck himself is moderating the first panel of the day in that track: “Becoming Woodward and/or Bernstein: Writing about Politics and Current Affairs.” His panel includes editors from the Washington Post, Mother Jones, and Politico as well as successful writers covering this beat. “These editors have expressed eagerness to find some new freelance contributors,” McCutcheon says. At least one has committed to participate in Client Connections at the conference.
The other track at the conference will help both new and experienced freelancers build their “Freelance Toolkit.” Joan Quigley, author of The Day the Earth Caved In, is moderating a session on DC’s amazing research institutions, with experts from the National Library of Medicine and the Center for American Progress, as well as one who recently retired from the Library of Congress.
Pat McNees, long time ASJA member and co-chair of the ASJA DC chapter says, “It’s worth attending for the research panel alone. There are certain types of research that can be done easily only in DC, and I don’t think even journalists who live here know how good the research resources are or how to get to them.” Who knows, the information you find as a result of attending this session might lead to a new book idea or a pitch to your dream market!
Amy Rogers Nazarov, writer and social media strategist, is moderating a panel on creative ways freelancers can use social media to find sources, explore new markets, or connect with other writers. Even though she’s an expert in this area, she knows she’s going to come away with some new tidbit that will improve her business and her writing. “I always learn something new when my ASJA colleagues and friends drill down into a topic really thoroughly.”
The Annual ASJA conference in New York is still the event of the year, but ASJA’s regional conferences give a one-day infusion of just what writers need: inspiring speakers, practical tips, an opportunity to meet with editors, and—best of all—renewed connections with colleagues.
That’s the best part of these conferences, says Our Client Connections Queen Jennifer Goforth Gregory: “I get to hang out with my tribe,” at these events, she says. “Fellow writers are the most interesting, accepting, and fun group of people I have ever met.”
For full details, go to http://www.asjaconferences.org/asja2015dc/index.php.