“Think, Link & Learn”

Thursday, February 19, 2009

NABJ Hosts March 21 PR Conference at Associated Press

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), a 4,000-member group that includes 700 PR pros, is hosting its first conference for PR professionals Saturday, March 21 at the Associated Press, 430 West 33rd Street, New York.

NABJ, based in Adelphi, Md., near the University of Maryland campus, was founded in 1975 and has had a PR wing since its inception. Conference organizers include Aprill O. Turner and Barbara Ciara. Turner is communications manager for the Children's Dental Health Project in Washington, D.C., and PR representative on the 15-member NABJ Board of Directors and member of the National Black Public Relations Society (NBPRS); Ciara is NABJ President and managing editor/anchor, WTKR NewsChannel 3 in Norfolk, Va.

"The session will demonstrate how PR pros can use their craft to positively effect change within their local communities," says Turner. Topics include media relations and creative pitching strategies, whereby reporters, producers and PR professionals talk about “the good, the bad and the ugly," she continues. Another topic will be how journalist / PR practitioner relationships factor into the ability to get coverage. Attendees will discuss pro bono work and the "effective means through which those in PR might solicit their employers for support," according to the program.

Social networking will be explored using Black Planet, LinkedIn, Facebook and MySpace and there will be panel discussions on Black entertainers and sports figures.

Conference Registration is $59 (for members) and $99 (for non-members) before March 1; thereafter, $99 for members and $179 for non-members; visit www.nabj.org to register (link). NABJ Membership is $100 for working journalists and $75 for associate members.

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