A Blue Ridge weekend for better journalism

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Carolina newsfolk are invited to attend the Region 2 conference of the Society of Professional Journalists on April 8 and 9 at Roanoke, Va.

J-students and professionals from four states and the District of Columbia are planning the weekend to learn, to socialize, and to celebrate standout journalism.

During work sessions on Saturday you'll explore handy research tools, learn about smart new startups in the news world, meet international colleagues, and more. At lunchtime, the Mark of Excellence Awards for student journalism in Region 2 will be announced. 

Conference registration costs $45 for working journalists $35 for students.  If you can't attend, sign up to take part by Zoom, for $10.

On the social side, there'll be a casual welcome reception Friday evening at the conference hotel, courtesy of Virginia Tech.  Then Saturday evening there's a celebratory reception to honor author Beth Macy ('Dopesick') for her contributions to Virginia journalism.  This will happen at the O. Winston Link Museum -- the city's beautiful former N&W passenger depot.  A limited number of tickets are available, for $25.  You'll also get to tour the exhibit of Link's famous black-and-white photos from the heyday of steam railroading.  Or, Zoom in for $10.

You'll be on your own on Sunday, free to explore the Roanoke Greenways, hike to McAfee Knob, or sample all that Roanoke Valley has to offer.

To reserve a hotel room, call Holiday Inn Valley View at (540) 362-4500. Use code 'SPJ' to receive the special $99 rate.

*SPJ Region 2 consists of Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, and North Carolina. Wherever you're from, though, all journalists are welcome. 

For more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/society-of-professional-journalists-journalism-conference-registration-288401926927 

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