Panels

Friday, April 21

1 p.m.

How to Get a Job in Journalism Hear from recent college graduates about the job hunt process, and get tips for your own search.

How to Build an Antiracist Newsroom This panel explores the role of the press in Latino communities.

2:30 p.m.

Campus Media Roundtable Student media leaders are invited to a Q&A with the Student Press Law Center regarding student rights to report, publish and broadcast.

How to Shoot Video Learn tips and tricks for better videos.

Resume and Reel Review Get expert advice from journalists on how to present your resume and reel.

4 – 6 p.m. Opening Night Reception

Join us at the beautiful Roger Williams University Sailing Center as we kick off the first in-person conference in Region 1 since 2019.

Keynote: Andrew Revkin, Columbia Climate School

Andrew Revkin has reported on global environmental risk and solutions, from the North Pole to the Amazon, for 40 years, mostly for The New York Times. In 2019 he founded the Initiative on Communication Innovation and Impact at Columbia University’s Earth Institute, now the Columbia Climate School. Revkin has written or co-written five lauded books on environmental themes. Born and raised in Rhode Island, he now lives in coastal Maine with his wife and sometime co-author, Lisa Mechaley.

 

Saturday, April 22

8 a.m.

SPJ Region 1 Leaders Meeting

9 a.m.

First Amendment Roundtable Hear from leading First Amendment experts in the region on current issues and trends. 

Fun with Drones Learn what you need to know to become a licensed drone pilot, and see a drone demonstration. 

Reporting on Immigration Immigration is a growing beat. Learn how to find stories and report with respect.

10 a.m – noon

Hatchery Tours Learn about what it takes to grow shellfish at Roger Williams University’s Center for Economic and Environmental Development  shellfish hatchery. Tours are 30-45 minutes long.

10:30 a.m.

Trauma in Journalism Learn how to approach sources who have been impacted by traumatic events, and how to take care of yourself as a reporter covering those issues. 

Artificial Intelligence and the News AI is here to stay. Find out the latest on how newsrooms and the public are using this technology. 

Reporting on Health and the Environment This complex beat is more important than ever. Learn about resources and perspectives to help you report on issues around health and the environment. 

12 p.m.

So You Want to Write A Book? Hear from other journalists who have published books on their beats. Learn the ins and outs of writing, editing and finding a publisher. 

Audience Engagement for Journalists More than just the latest buzzwords, find out how to engage with your audience in new ways. 

Responding to Misinformation Do journalists have an ethical obligation to address the onslaught of misinformation and disinformation? Find out what is being done by newsrooms in the region.

Changing Landscape in Local News Find out how news is evolving to be part of the future.

1:15 p.m.

Mark of Excellence Awards Luncheon and Keynote Speech 

Keynote: U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse

Rhode Island’s Sen. Whitehouse focuses on issues of climate change and environmental protection. He has worked on legislation dealing with coastal research and restoration, marine and carbon pollution, and the clean energy economy. A graduate of Yale University and the University of Virginia School of Law, Sen. Whitehouse is a member of the Senate Environmental and Public Works, Finance, Judiciary and Budget committees. He lives in Newport with his wife, Sandra.

3:15 p.m.

Podcasting Potpourri Podcasting continues to be a great way to reach your audience and dive deep into topics. Hear from journalists who have embraced the platform for their work.

What’s The Buzz About the Beer Beat? Writing about beer and alcohol can be your bread and butter. Find out more from those in the food and beverage beat.