National convention is actually a journalist reunion

After months of excitement and planning, it's hard to believe the SPJ national convention is over. And honestly, I am already excited for the regional convention on April.
This year wasn't my first convention. I have been lucky enough to go to nationals last year and the past two regional conventions as well as the Ted Scripps Leadership Institute (which I highly recommend).

Every time I go to a convention, it is even better than the last time. The session are consistently great and inspiring, but one of the best parts is catching up with old friends from past conventions. These friends include professional journalists and SPJ national board members, who I talk to during the year for advice for our chapter events and information about applying for grants. But at convention, I can see them face-to-face, hear what they are working on (both in their career and chapter) and talk about ideas and events.

Also, another great thing about nationals is student chapters are there. This is a great way to talk abut what works and what doesn't for different student chapters. Plus, we can just hang out and talk about what it is like to be a student journalist.

This year, nationals was a great chance to catch up and meet journalists. Not only is the editor of Quill magazine Scott Leadingham an IU alumnus, but I think at least four journalists came up to our chapter officers because they were alumni or they live in Indiana. Hearing their stories about late nights at student media was great and I think all those conversations either started or ended with "Go Hoosiers!"

Going to convention is similar to the stories that journalists write: it's the people that make it unique.