Registration Opens for National Society of Newspaper Columnists Annual Conference
July 28-29, 2023
The National Society of Newspaper Columnists (NSNC) will hold its annual conference and awards ceremony virtually on July 28 and 29, 2023. The conference, an annual tradition since 1977, follows the NSNC mission of promoting education, professionalism, and networking support for journalists and media professionals in a free-press environment. NSNC consists of a membership of nearly 3,000 columnists and media professionals from across the world.
“The annual conference is a time for us to join together to renew our bonds of camaraderie and friendship in the ever-changing media environment,” says Ginny McCabe, executive director, NSNC. “Our virtual platform this year will offer the perfect environment to support all writers’ voices to be heard.”
Early registration is now open and, until June 30, registrants can save $100 on the cost of registration. NSNC is also offering a $50 membership special, now through July 29, 2023. Register for the $50 membership special here: https://www.columnists.com/register/eventbrite-conference-special/
Members will save on the cost of conference registration.
Register for the conference here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-society-of-newspaper-columnists-2023-annual-conference-tickets-634636965247
“We are excited to have you join us for the 2023 Virtual National Society of Newspaper Columnists Annual Conference on July 28 and 29. Our time together will be filled with amazing keynotes by Matt Bai and Rick Bragg as well as training and educational sessions with some of the top experts in our industry,” says Lori Duff, president of the NSNC.
This year, NSNC welcomes author, journalist, and screenwriter Matt Bai, one of the nation’s leading voices on American politics. Bai is a contributing columnist for The Washington Post and writes the Bai Lines newsletter. Bai will open the conference on Friday night in an engaging Q&A with NSNC President Lori Duff.
Also joining the conference lineup is journalist and Pulitzer-winning writer Rick Bragg, who will deliver the Saturday?keynote. Bragg is also known for his non-fiction books, especially those about his family in Alabama.
The conference includes top experts from around the country leading breakout sessions geared towards training and educating columnists and writers. Among the breakout sessions this year are “How to Package Your Columns into a Book and Get Published” with William Cooper and Luis Martínez-Fernández, and “Writing Funny in Unfunny Times” presented by Dave Jaffe and Lee Gaitan.
The event offers several opportunities for networking with the experts, including an hour on Friday evening to engage in virtual conversations one-on-one. The conference closes on Saturday with the annual NSNC awards ceremony recognizing this year’s winners and finalists from NSNC’s annual column contest. Past award recipients include Pulitzer-winning journalists and leading national columnists.
About NSNC
The National Society of Newspaper Columnists, founded in 1977, exists to promote education, professionalism, and camaraderie among newspaper, multimedia columnists and other writers of serial essay, including bloggers. The membership consists of nearly 3,000 professional columnists and writers and advocates for columnists and free-press issues. The annual conference is NSNC’s primary event. They also publish a monthly newsletter and highlight member news. The organization has a key focus on student outreach and connects with student journalists interested in opinion writing. NSNC is associated with the Ernie Pyle Legacy Foundation, Student Press Freedom Day, and the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, and holds instructional webinars throughout the year. Learn more on how to become a member at www.columnists.com.
NSNC Virtual Conference Schedule 2023
Friday (7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) and Saturday (11 a.m.- 5 p.m. EST) Virtual Conference
Friday
7 p.m. – Welcome and announcements – Ginny McCabe, NSNC executive director, and Lori Duff, NSNC president
7:15 to 8:15 p.m. – KEYNOTE #1 – Q&A with Matt Bai and Lori Duff
8:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Networking Event
Saturday
OPENING REMARKS – 11 a.m. – 11:05 – Lori Duff, NSNC president
BREAKOUT SESSION – #1 – 11:05 a.m. – 11:55 a.m. – “Tell Yourself a New Story” with Joanne Brokaw (Moderated by Meredith Cummings)
LUNCH KEYNOTE #2 – noon- 1:10 p.m. – Keynote featuring Rick Bragg (Moderated by Lori Duff)
BREAKOUT SESSION #2 – 1:15 p.m. to 2:05 p.m. – “How to Package Your Columns Into a Book and Get Published” with William Cooper and Luis Martínez-Fernández (Moderated by Michael Leonard)
BREAKOUT SESSION #3 – 2:05 p.m. to 2:55 p.m. – “Writing Funny in Unfunny Times” presented by Dave Jaffe and Lee Gaitan (Moderated by Lori Duff)
BREAKOUT SESSION #4 – 3:00 to 3:50 p.m. – “Starting a New Project Is Hard: It’s Not You” with Daniela Gitlin, MD (Moderated by Suzette Standring)
NSNC AWARDS CEREMONY with closing remarks 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by NSNC (Hosted by Adam Earnhardt and Tony Norman)
