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RSVP & Special Events

RSVP or Sign Up for These Exclusive Events for Attendees Before Heading to Chicago!



ABC News Storytellers Summit | August 1, 2024

The 2024 ABC News Storytellers Summit is a half-day development workshop created by ABC News and the ABC Owned Television Stations designed to bring producers, writers, reporters, and content creators together for a series of cutting-edge conversations and training sessions to take their storytelling to the next level. 
This is an application-based session.
Apply at:
https://forms.gle/LX1prEjfWADKbRm37

CNN's Producer Workshop | August 1, 2024
Producers have the unique opportunity to learn from seasoned senior managers, on-air coaches, and CNN's correspondents. They'll not only share their insights with you, but also push you to excel.
This is an application-based session.
Apply at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CNNProducerNABJ2024


CNN’s Reporter Workshop | August 1, 2024
CNN will invite the most creative and engaging reporters to learn from senior managers, on-air coaches, correspondents, and anchors to build skills and apply practical techniques.
This is an application-based session.
Apply at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CNNReporterNABJ2024

Level Up: NBCU Academy’s All-Day Journalism Workshop | August 1, 2024
Are you interested in learning from one of America's leading news organizations? NBCU’s exclusive workshop experience will offer insights into how the company’s teams produce for network news, cable, digital, streaming, local and beyond.
This is an invitation-only workshop.
Apply at:
https://nbcuacademy.com/event/nabj-2024/


Storytelling Workshop: When Is it Reportable? | August 1, 2024
One of the toughest questions journalists ask themselves is, "when is my information reportable?" Join NBCU for a breaking news simulation, where news innovators walk participants through a real national breaking news story and receive guidance with elements, user-generated content, and standards guidance.
This is an application-based workshop.
Apply at:
https://nbcuacademy.com/event/nabj-2024/


Reclaiming Our History, Reporting Our Truth | August 1, 2024
With Black history being suppressed and, in some cases, erased, Black journalists are stepping up to fill the void. Hear from a panel of best-selling authors, podcast hosts and documentary filmmakers who are bringing to life untold stories in American history.
This is an application-based session.
Apply at:
https://nbcuacademy.com/event/nabj-2024/


Multimedia Workshop: Leveling Up Your News Story | August 1, 2024
Take your news pieces to the next level by learning how to best use natural sound. Join a panel featuring NBCU News Group experts as they talk about their best practices for capturing sound, identifying moments in stories to use laptops, and why audiences are drawn in when they experience a story in this way.
This is an application-based session.
Apply at:
https://nbcuacademy.com/event/nabj-2024/


A Multimedia Viewing Experience | August 1, 2024
Join NBCU Academy for a special screening & discussion showcasing Black content creators and innovators from NBCUniversal.
This is an application-based workshop.
Apply at:
https://nbcuacademy.com/event/nabj-2024/


CNBC Business News Workshop: How to Take Your Story from Byline to Broadcast and Beyond | August 2, 2024
In this exclusive, invitation-only, interactive session, CNBC's newsroom leaders will share tips, techniques, and tactics for successfully pitching, preparing, and presenting business news stories on camera across multiple platforms.
This is an invitation-only workshop.
To request an invitation, send your resume to
cnbcbiznews@nbcuni.com.


The Deciders: How to Cover the Issues Driving Voters in 2024 | August 2, 2024
NBCU News Group journalists and analysts will discuss how they cover the issues most critical to the deciders of 2024 – from the economy to reproductive rights to voting rights and the fight for democracy.
This is an application-based workshop.
Apply at:
https://nbcuacademy.com/event/nabj-2024/



NABJ Authors Showcase & Bookstore

Don’t miss the chance to take advantage of the 2024 NABJ Authors Showcase & Bookstore, an informative and exciting offer at the NABJ Convention & Career Fair, July 31-Aug. 4, at the Hilton Chicago.

Open to all attendees, no RSVP required.


Tuesday, July 30, 2024

NABJ-Chicago Presents Red Line Double Header | Powered by The White Sox, NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo, Comcast  (Ticketed Event)
2 - 10:30 p.m. CT

Join the NABJ-Chicago family and NABJ President Ken Lemon as he throws out the first pitch! Enjoy a day party and on-field experience at the iconic Wrigley Field, one of the nation’s most historic baseball parks. Followed by a trip to Guaranteed Rate Field for a luxurious suite party to watch the White Sox take on the Kansas City Royals at 7:30 PM.

Roundtrip transportation is provided from the Hilton Chicago by the local chapter. For all inquiries, contact NABJ-Chicago: nabjchidoubleheader@gmail.com

Tickets and info: https://events.eventnoire.com/e/nabj-chicago-red-line-double-header

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Opening Ceremony | Powered by The Joyce Foundation

Convention attendees will gather to celebrate the first day of #NABJ24! Hear from our phenomenal emcees, NABJ and Chicago leaders, and special guests, as we celebrate some of our annual honorees, the joy of being #NABJFamily, and much more!

Welcome Reception | Powered by JP Morgan Chase

NABJ will welcome attendees with a reception you don’t want to miss! Enjoy music, food, fun, and fellowship as we bring our first day of activities to a close!

NABJ-Chicago Presents: The Chicago "Kick" Off | Powered by The Chicago Bears, Garrett’s Popcorn, United Airlines, NBC Chicago, Telemundo, Comcast, The Chicago Community Trust, and Bally's (Ticketed-Event and Fundraiser)
9 p.m. - 1 a.m. CT (Thursday)

Join the Chicago Bears and NABJ-Chicago for a spectacular fundraiser and welcome party in the heart of Chicago’s West Loop, featuring breathtaking views of the city's iconic skyline! This unforgettable evening promises not only stunning sights but also the chance to make a meaningful impact.

Roundtrip transportation is provided from the Hilton Chicago by the local chapter. For all inquiries, contact NABJ-Chicago: chicagoconvention@nabjchicago.org

Tickets and info: https://events.eventnoire.com/e/the-chicago-bears-present-nabj-chicago-kickback-af

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Healthy NABJ Meditation Sound Bath

Join the NABJ Wellness Task Force at 9 p.m. in the Lake Ontario room for an evening of therapeutic and meditative experiences, where attendees will be "bathed" in sound waves. Meditation leader Leah Frazier of Leah Heals will take us on an unforgettable journey to mental clarity and focus. Only 50 slots are available for this FREE experience for NABJ Convention attendees. Yoga mats will be provided. Spaces limited!
Sign up here: bit.ly/healthynabjsoundbath24.

Kellogg Foundation's Reflection, Resistance and Resilience: The Black Journalist's Perspective on Shaping Stories that Heal

Black journalists matter and the reasons are endless. Whether you’re a seasoned journalist or just getting started, this half-day workshop offers you the opportunity to reflect on your lived experience as a Black person and a journalist in U.S. society.
Spaces limited!
Apply NOW at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc57qFRkwumbyIpoNswcKEvKhKnzIvXccc9rxucMUMVqWcTGw/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

Friday, August 2, 2024




The Hall of Fame Induction and Luncheon | Powered by the PGA TOUR & National Education Association
Friday, Aug. 2, 2024
Hilton Chicago
720 S Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605

NABJ will induct seven journalists and communicators into its Hall of Fame, as attendees connect over a delicious lunch and hear from our dynamic emcees and NABJ leaders. Each year, NABJ pays homage to legendary Black journalists, authors, educators, and activists who have made outstanding contributions to both their industry and the worldwide Black community over the course of their careers.

Emcees:
Abby Phillip, Anchor, “NewsNight with Abby Phillip,” CNN
Frank Holland, Anchor, “Worldwide Exchange,” CNBC

Purchase tickets and register here.

Purchase tickets as a registered guest here.




NABJ Sports Task Force Scholarship Jam
Friday, Aug. 2-3, 2024
9 p.m. - 2 a.m. CT
702 West Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60661

The Annual Sports Task Force Scholarship Jam is a special fundraising event. Come out and enjoy music and dancing for a good cause. Proceeds from the party go to benefit NABJ’s Sports Task Force Scholarship Fund, which provides college scholarships to help aspiring journalists; proceeds also support general funds for NABJ and the Sports Task Force.

 

Disclaimers: Must be 21+. Please arrive at the event as early as possible to guarantee entrance. There could be capacity issues if you arrive very late. No refunds.
Purchase tickets here.


Saturday, August 3, 2024

The NABJ-Chicago Chapter Presents: Tourin' With Dilla | Powered by The Chicago Tribune, CBS2 Chicago (Ticketed)
9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. CT

Explore Chicago's rich heritage with nationally-acclaimed historian Sherman Dilla Thomas on NABJ-Chicago’s Black History Bus Tours, highlighting significant historical journalism locations that have shaped the narrative of Black America. Sponsored by The Chicago Tribune and CBS 2 Chicago. 

Roundtrip transportation is provided from the Hilton Chicago by the local chapter. For all inquiries, contact NABJ-Chicago representative: dontediesel@gmail.com

Tour Times: 
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM


Tickets and details: https://events.eventnoire.com/e/black-history-bus-tours-with-sherman-dilla-thomas



NABJ Visual Task Force Photo Auction
Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024
Hilton Chicago
720 S Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605

The Visual Task Force (VTF) has invited Black photographers and photography organizations to donate prints about the African American experience. The event is open to the general public. This auction is presented by VTF as an opportunity for photographers to showcase their images to a broader audience. Since its inception, proceeds from the popular event will go directly to the NABJ Scholarship Fund.
Open to all attendees, no RSVP required.



Salute to Excellence Awards Gala | Powered by Walmart
Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024
Hilton Chicago
720 S Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605

 

The awards ceremony is the only event in the United States that honors exemplary coverage of the African diaspora and Black issues exclusively. The Salute to Excellence Awards Gala highlights the work of media organizations and individuals involved in print, broadcast and online journalism, marketing and communications. Hear from our emcees, leadership, and honorees, and enjoy an elegant meal, memorable sounds, and our traditional red carpet.
Emcees:
Vladimir Duthiers, Featured Host of CBS Mornings and Anchor for CBS News 24/7
Morgan Radford, Co-anchor of NBC News Daily on NBC News NOW and NBC News Correspondent

Purchase tickets and register here.

Purchase tickets as a registered guest here.


Sunday, August 4, 2024



Gospel Brunch | Powered by ARB Media
Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024
Hilton Chicago
720 S Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605

Join the incredible, award-winning Yolanda Adams as she headlines our annual Gospel Brunch, along with gospel great Darwin Hobbs, who will direct and introduce the resurgence of the NABJ Choir. The Brunch will be hosted by Emmy award-winning journalist Jacque Reid. Pastor A.R. Bernard will bring a motivational message. Our special guest gospel DJ will be Chicago’s own ihearcanvas. An NABJ tradition, the Gospel Brunch is one of the convention highlights. Be uplifted while feasting on a special brunch buffet and enjoying inspiring entertainment as we close out an unforgettable Convention.

Purchase tickets and register here.

Purchase tickets as a registered guest here.

Attendees audition for the choir by May 15 here.



Please Note: Underage drinking is not permitted at NABJ events. In addition, all convention attendees are subject to the rules of the NABJ Code of Conduct.

Important Notice: Entry to each event is on a first-come, first-served basis. You may not be able to enter some sessions because of seating capacity. We strongly encourage you to arrive early. Otherwise, you may be directed to an overflow room, a closed circuit hotel channel or viewing through live-stream sources.