Black Journalists to Host Conference for Public Relations Professionals, Entrepreneurs

Hosted by Roland Martin and Rene Syler, Conference will Share Tips and Best Practices for Independent Journalists and PR Practitioners  

COLLEGE PARK, Md., Sept. 27 -- The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) will host its first Media Institute Conference focusing on entrepreneurship, public relations and important hot news issues on Saturday, October 16, 2010, at the University of Maryland's Knight Hall in College Park, Maryland.

Many journalists, public relations professionals and business owners are realizing the benefits of owning their own business.  Diminishing job opportunities are resulting in an increase in the number of people exploring ways to start, run and grow their own businesses. The conference, hosted by CNN and TV One Commentator Roland Martin and Former CBS Morning News anchor Rene Syler, provides a unique opportunity for current and aspiring business owners, journalists, and public relations professionals to network.  

This day-long conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and has been organized by NABJ's Associate Members' delegation, the Maryland/District of Columbia Minority Supplier Development Council (MSDC) and The Brooks Business Report® and will feature two intensive professional development tracks for media and business professionals.  The Entrepreneur Track will focus on entrepreneurial training for business owners growing their enterprises, and journalists and media professionals who are passionate about new ideas, and want to be self-empowered. The Media Professionals Track will focus on the direction of the public relations sector and trends in the industry for PR practitioners of color. Attendees are welcomed to create a tailor-made conference experience by attending workshops from both tracks.

"In the aftermath of many companies and newsrooms downsizing and laying off employees, many of our members have branched out to start their own ventures," said NABJ President Kathy Y. Times. "This conference is an excellent opportunity for any media professional considering working for themselves to get tips from the best on being self-employed."

Some topics of the Institute include, writing a business plan, using on-line tools to increase awareness and sales, how to pitch local TV and Print Media organizations, exit strategies, building your brand, growing your business global, what to do with your website, how to get money to start and run a business.

"We are gathering some of the best and brightest independent journalists and public relations professionals in the country to discuss how they were able to turn their skills into thriving businesses," said NABJ Associate Representative Aprill O. Turner. "At a changing time in the media landscape for us all, creating the opportunity to engage in dialogue on our experiences in this sector is more important now than ever before."

For registration information, the schedule and workshops, please visit: www.nabj.org.

The conference is open to the public and registration is only $99.  It includes continental breakfast and box lunches.  For more information, please contact NABJ's Managing Director Ryan Williams, rwilliams@nabj.org.

An advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization of journalists of color in the nation, with more than 3,000 members, and provides educational, career development and support to black journalists worldwide.