11 Events for Journalists and Bloggers in August
Welcome to Blogger Events, a monthly column of upcoming blogger and journalist events that we think you should know about. Plan even further ahead and bookmark our page with upcoming events for the entire year.
The next few weeks offer various opportunities for journalists to learn new skills, network and hear about the latest trends in the industry. Check out the upcoming events below, which cover topics like newsletter writing, data journalism, AI tools for audio, podcasting and service journalism.
August Events
July 31-Aug. 4: NABJ 2024
The Annual Convention & Career Fair for the National Association of Black Journalists focuses on journalism education, career development, networking and innovation. The event will take place in Chicago, a city with a historically impactful Black community and a legacy of Black-owned businesses. Aside from the numerous sessions and workshops on the schedule, the NABJ Career Fair is the largest career expo for Black journalists and media professionals in the country.
Aug. 7: How to start and grow a newsletter
Sign up now for this 90-minute session with Tim Herrera, author and former editor at The New York Times’s Smarter Living, and a panel of experts. Learn how to launch and grow a successful newsletter.
Aug. 7-11: AAJA 2024
Head to Austin, Texas, for the annual Asian American Journalists Association conference. This year’s theme, Meeting the Moment, “recognizes that amid tough times, our work as Asian American and Pacific Islander journalists is more important than ever.” Among the session topics: reporting on gun violence with care; reproductive rights and the power of women of color voters; and covering Israel’s war on Gaza.
Aug. 8: AI + Data Journalism
Another great event from ONA, this 90-minute practical training session will cover AI-driven tools for data scraping, data analysis and data visualization.
Aug. 8-11: AEJMC Conference
This year will mark the 107th annual conference from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC). The event will take place in Philadelphia and this year’s theme is Representation and Voice — The Future of Democracy. “Connecting Journalism Research and Practice,” “Powering Local News: Universities Making a Difference,” “How is Technology Impacting Journalists?” and “Creativity and Responsibility in the Age of AI” are just a few of the workshops scheduled for the weekend.
Aug. 11: How to write better personal essays
Tim Herrera and expert essayist and editor Matt Ortile will host this workshop. Come away with tips on structuring and pitching personal essays – maybe even ones you can sell!
Aug. 15: Mini Lab: AI Tools for Audio Journalists
This free session from ONA will help attendees learn more about the capabilities and implications of AI in audio. You’ll be able to “explore what generative AI audio is, learn about available tools, discuss ethical considerations, and even create historical reenactments using synthetic voices.”
Aug. 15-16: SRCCON 2024
Open News hosts this open-source, hands-on conference for journalists. The program is focused on the practical challenges that news technology and data teams encounter every day. The schedule, which is still being finalized, includes sessions on community listening, journalism funding, UX and accessibility, and journalist burnout. SRCCON will be held in Minneapolis.
Aug. 19-22: Podcast Movement
Thousands of podcasters and industry pros will head to Washington, DC, for Podcast Movement. The four days will include more than 100 educational sessions and workshops, networking events and parties, and a podcasting expo and trade show.
Aug. 22: What is service journalism and how do I do it right?
Tim Herrera, former editor of NYT’s service desk Smarter Living, will host this 90-minute session. You’ll learn about finding, reporting, writing and pitching better service stories.
Aug. 23-24: California Pinners Conference
Dedicated to “creative enthusiasts, DIY aficionados and expert makers,” the Pinners Conference will offer more than 100 hands-on classes and enough vendors to shop until you drop. Classes will cover topics like Halloween crafts, macrame, calligraphy, makeup tutorials and charcuterie board tips. The event will be held at the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif.
Coming in September…
Sept. 5-8: 2024 NLGJA
This year’s Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists National Convention will take place in Los Angeles. Breakout sessions include “A better path to fair coverage of LGBTQ+ communities,” “Risk Assessment and Planning for LGBTQ+ journalists,” “Tips on Interviewing LGBTQ+ Youth” and “Guiding the Next Generation of Journalists.”
Sept. 5-7: Independent News Sustainability Summit
This summit from LION Publishers will “gather independent news publishers, industry experts, and supporters of independent news to share expert knowledge, hard-won lessons, and actionable advice on running a news business while being in community with people who care deeply about strengthening the local news ecosystem.”
Did we miss an event? Email the team and let us know so we can add it to our full list of upcoming events for journalists and bloggers.
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Rocky Parker is the Manager of Audience and Journalist Engagement at Cision PR Newswire. She's been with the company since 2010 and has worked with journalists and bloggers as well as PR and comms professionals. Outside of work, she can be found trying a new recipe, binging a new show, or cuddling with her pitbull, Hudson.
