Events

 

April 10, 2025 - April 12, 2025

2025 NABJ Region III Conference

April 10-12, 2025 | Johnson C. Smith University | Charlotte, N.C.

Theme: POWER FORWARD

 

Join us for the NABJ Region III Conference, April 10-12, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C., a must-attend event for journalists and communicators! 
This dynamic gathering offers career-boosting opportunities, from hands-on workshops in storytelling, investigative reporting, and AI in journalism to vital discussions on leadership and climate change reporting. 
Attendees can connect with mentors, network during the Career Showcase, and hear from lawmakers at the Political Town Hall. Recharge with mindfulness sessions, explore Charlotte’s Black history, and enjoy engaging receptions and a closing dinner. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your skills, expand your network, and celebrate the craft of journalism!
We’ll see you in the Queen City! All are welcome! Registration opens soon!

Schedule Preview

Subject to change.
April 10, 2025
Noon–5 PM | Check-in
Noon–5 PM | Career Showcase
9 AM–5 PM | Student Success Breakout Workshops
Workshops on conversational writing with tips on properly pitching a story, discussion on the importance of being factual and balanced, pro tips on shooting a story, and best practices for job interviews.
2:45–4:30 PM | Career Showcase 
4:30–5 PM | Mentor/Mentee Debrief & Q&A
Student takeaways and resources.
7–8:30 PM | NABJ Region III Political Town Hall
This town hall will allow attendees to hear from local, state, and federal lawmakers about some of the most pressing political issues of our time.
April 11, 2025
8–9 AM | Breakfast
Breakout Sessions
9–11 AM | Investigative Reporting Session
This session will focus on the basics and best practices for investigative reporting for journalists. The panel will be led by The Ida B Wells Institute (housed at Morehouse College in Atlanta).
9–11 AM | Weather & Climate Change Reporting Sessions
Weather is something that impacts everyone and is a main driver of news coverage especially during natural disasters. NABJ’s Region III, which comprises states in the southeastern and south-central U.S., as well as the Caribbean, has seen many natural disasters because of storm activity in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast. We will discuss the intensity of storm activity specifically due to climate change; this includes discussing historic hurricanes like Milton and Helene.
11:30 AM–1 PM | Lunch
1–2:30 PM | AI and Journalism
This session focuses on how to use AI responsibly in the newsroom. Speakers will discuss AI as a threat or a tool.
 1–2:30 PM | NABJ Leadership Learning: Introduction
This session is focused on introducing journalists and emerging journalists to management opportunities within broadcast, digital, and print.  Speakers will also discuss the qualities of good leadership in management roles and what they are looking for in future leaders.  This is an introductory leadership discussion where GMs and VPs explain more about the NABJ Leadership Academy, which is sponsored by Disney/ABC News Group.
2:30–4 PM | Pivoting from Traditional News
This session focuses on how to pivot from the newsroom to other communications careers as well as entrepreneurship.
2:30–4 PM | How to Power Forward in Political Reporting 
This session will focus on maintaining the Fourth Estate — journalism — under hostile administrations. Speakers will also discuss safety while covering politics and social media versus traditional media. 
5–7 PM | Opening Reception
7–9 PM | Chapter Event / Fundraiser
April 12, 2025
8–9 AM | Breakfast 
9–11 AM | Press & Pause: Mindfulness & Movement to Support Mental Health 
This will be multiple sessions focused on movement, mindfulness, and table talks.
9–11 AM | NABJ Leadership Learning: Leading in Turbulence 
This session is geared toward mid- to senior-level managers who still report up to other managers.
11:30 AM–1 PM | Lunch 
1:30–3 PM | Charlotte Black History Tour 
 6:30–8 PM | Closing Dinner 

 

Registration 

Opens soon! Stay tuned.