SPJ: Phoenix, Arizona Chapter

Find out how to get better access to public records and open meetings and know what you can and can’t do with cameras, cell phones, tablets and other electronic devices in courtrooms and government halls. It’s 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Concho Room at the former Westward Ho hotel, 618 N. Central Ave. (at Fillmore), Phoenix.

Admission is free, but register on Eventbrite to provide a count for refreshments to be provided:

Expected speakers for “Getting Access: Public Records, Open Meetings and Good Journalism” include:

• Matt Kelley, esq., media law attorney, Ballard Spahr LLP
• David Morgan, publisher, Cochise County Record
• Morgan Loew, investigative reporter for Arizona’s Family and ASU faculty associate in media law
• Dennis Welch, political editor and host of “Politics Unplugged” on 3TV
• Jimmy Jenkins, criminal justice reporter, The Arizona Republic/azcentral
• Becky Pallack, co-founder, operations executive, Arizona Luminaria
• David Cuillier, director, Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project, University of Florida; former journalism professor, University of Arizona; former national president, Society of Professional Journalists

Sponsored by the Valley of the Sun pro and ASU campus chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the Arizona Latino Media Association (ALMA). Our sincere thanks to ASU’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions for arranging for our meeting room.

PARKING AND ENTRY: Metered on-street parking available, as well as in ASU lot on the southeast corner of Central and Fillmore, diagonally across from the Westward Ho. Light rail stops are at Van Buren Street and Central/First Avenues two blocks south. Enter the Westward Ho through the glass door on the east side of the hotel facing Central Avenue.

NOTICE OF FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY: By attending an SPJ event, you are entering an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By registering for this event, you are agreeing to these terms: 1. You consent to photography, audio recording, video recording and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction to be used for promotional purposes, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media or any other purpose by SPJ and its representatives. 2, You release SPJ and ALMA, its employees and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication and use of interviews, photographs, computer images, video and/or or audio recordings, and you waive all rights to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any use of these materials. 3. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video or audio recording taken by SPJ or ALMA or the person or entity designated to do so by SPJ or ALMA.

HEALTH AND SAFETY STATEMENT: Masks are not required for this event. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed to COVID-19 or other illness during your visit. Visit the CDC website for the latest guidance. If you have been exposed, are sick, have illness symptoms of any kind or are caring for someone with COVID-19 you should not attend the event. Additional information about symptoms is available via the CDC website. Participation is at your own discretion and risk.

Admission is free, but register on Eventbrite to provide a count for refreshments to be provided: Visit our Facebook event page.

Photo illustration by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash