Student Media was proud to host the Society of Professional Journalists’ 2024 Region 2 Conference this April in Merten Hall on Mason’s Fairfax campus. Over 75 people attended, including students and advisors from across Region 2 (Virginia, Maryland, D.C., Delaware, and North Carolina).
Student Media Director Kathryn Mangus and Assistant Director Jason Hartsel served as conference co-chairs, working alongside SPJ Region 2 Coordinator Stephenie Overman.
25 media professionals (including several Student Media alumni and Mason faculty members) from print, online, television, and radio outlets served as guest speakers and/or mentors, helping educate the next generation of journalists during a busy day of learning and networking.
Click here to view the event program with speaker bios/photos >
Click here to view the “Meet Your Mentors” handout >
After breakfast and registration, attendees could choose from four themed breakout sessions (sports, climate, elections, and public reporting), each featuring a panel of experts. Keynote speaker, Evan Lambert (NewsNation), offered remarks and answered questions during lunch, followed by a presentation of the annual SPJ Mark of Excellence Awards. Google/RTDNA trainer Benét Wilson then facilitated a Google News Initiative training that showed students how to utilize free online tools meant to assist with reporting the 2024 presidential election back home on their respective campuses. The day concluded with a round of “speed mentoring” featuring 12 industry professionals offering career advice to attendees.
Special thanks to all the organizers, guest speakers, and mentors who shared their time and expertise with attendees!
Photos by: Wyatt Jones
Video by: Ava Jack