Dear Members and Partners,
The National Association of Black Journalists’ (NABJ) Board of Directors has decided to host a virtual convention and career fair on August 18-21, 2021.
As most of you know, the annual event was scheduled for Houston, Texas this summer. The overriding reasons for this difficult decision are based on safety concerns including additional strains of COVID-19, vaccine availabilities, and unknown government restrictions on gatherings.
We know that many want to wait and roll the dice hoping that the atmosphere is right for an in-person experience, but necessary planning protocols for NABJ operations, members and partners also figure into the array of reasons why the decision has been made for 2021.
“While our hearts are saddened that we will not be able to host the convention in-person in our city, safety and security remain our highest priority,” said Nakia L. Cooper, president of the Houston Association of Black Journalists. “But no doubt about it, the spirit of H-Town will be felt as we celebrate with everyone virtually for the 2021 convention. COVID-19 may change the way we gather for now, but nothing will ever stop us from fellowshipping as an NABJ family.”
The incredible success of our 2020 virtual convention gives us confidence in yet another successful engagement of NABJ members and supporters. Last year the virtual convention had 3,700 attendees and almost 100 companies engaged. It was the third-largest attendance for a conference in NABJ history, easily eclipsing most in-person gatherings. There will be several exciting enhancements that will further improve the attendee experience, including taking into account the helpful and positive feedback provided by attendees last year.
That said, we are also tentatively “assessing” opportunities for “possible” socially distanced and CDC compliant in-person “local or regional” gatherings on the Saturday ending the convention. That possible one-day event will be totally decided and operated by local chapters, COVID-19 safety environmental protocols, and governed by local government restrictions. It is important to note that there will NOT be a job fair at these “possible” in-person events but simply networking among members who desire an in-person gathering and understand the precautions.
We’ll have much more information coming soon on registration and programming, but for now, we wanted to give you as much information as possible for planning. Stay tuned for frequent updates. We are excited and looking forward to our virtual meeting in August.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Tucker
President, NABJ