8 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 16, 2021

Barrett, the Honors College, Arizona State University, Tempe

Registration is open! Back again for its 16th year — the Valley Publicity Summit, Presented by SPJ, returns Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, to Barrett, the Honors College, at Arizona State University in Tempe. A lot happens in a year: journalists’ assignments and PR professionals’ client lists keep changing. PR pros: Be a part of what’s become the greatest Saturday morning in Valley media-PR relations, with discussions and “speed pitching” sessions to learn how to best pitch local media, Register and get more info here.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS: We strongly recommend ASU’s COVID-19 protocols at this event. As of early October, those protocols recommend (1) wearing masks outdoors when physical distancing is not possible and (2) that participants be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

As of Oct. 14, here’s a list of media professionals expected to join us at this year’s Valley Publicity Summit:

Sondra Barr, managing editor. Epic Kids

Natasha Beal, owner/publisher of Eculeus Group Publishing (North Phoenix News, North Tatum Times, North 32nd News, Scottsdale North News, The Scottsdale Standard, The Upper Westsider and Epic Kids) and managing editor Michelle (“Shelly”) Talsma Everson

Jason W. Brooks, reporter, Buckeye Independent, Independent Newsmedia

Erin Edgemon, managing editor, Phoenix Business Journal

Christine Goodfriend, producer, KSAZ-TV Fox 10

Susan Lanier Graham, editor, North Peoria Lifestyle magazine; publisher/editor-in-chief, Wander with Wonder

Debra Utacia Krol, environmental, Indigenous and science issues, Arizona Republic/azcentral.com

Al Macias, news director, KJZZ-FM (NPR)

Adrian McIntyre, PhD, Valley Business Radio, PHX.fm

Kelly Mixer, editor and senior reporter, Queen Creek Sun Times

George Obi, producer, KSAZ-TV Fox 10

Patrick O’Grady, managing editor, Independent Newsmedia, including the Daily Independent in the West Valley and weekly community newspapers Valleywide

Jeff Popovich, content producer, Arizona’s Family Foodie, AZ Family KTVK 3TV | KPHO CBS 5

Rebecca Rhoades, AZ Big Media and several lifestyle publications

Madison Rutherford, associate editor, PHOENIX magazine

Jill Schildhouse, freelance writer/editor

Colleen Sparks, editor, North Central News

Teresa K. Traverse, managing editor, Sedona Monthly; freelance writer and editor

We will list more participating journalists as they are secured. NOTE: While every effort is made to ensure the participation of journalists who have agreed to be part of this year’s Summit, circumstances beyond SPJ’s control may result in changes to the list of participating journalists. We will make sincere efforts to keep the list of participating journalists current. Journalists interested in participating may inquire with Sherry Butler, sbutler@slbcom.com

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS: We strongly recommend ASU’s COVID-19 protocols at this event. As of early October, those protocols recommend (1) wearing masks outdoors when physical distancing is not possible and (2) that participants be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

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The very first event of the #ONAPhoenix group is happening this week! Group organizers want to bring people together to have some drinks and share ideas for this #ONALocal group. And no, you don’t have to be an ONA member to attend. The event is open-ended and casual – drop by and head out when you’d like.

The following message about an exciting upcoming event was sent to us from Lauren Aguirre of the new Phoenix group of the Online News Association (onaphx@gmail.com):

“It’s a casual meet and greet in downtown Phoenix. The goal is to bring people who are interested in being involved with the group together face-to-face for the first time. It’s a chance to meet other journalists just as excited as you are about ONA Phoenix. I hope all of you can make it. As the founder and organizer of ONA Phoenix, I would love to meet you in person.”

ONA Phoenix Meet and Greet Mixer

Friday, March 29

6 to 9 p.m.

The Churchill (901 N. 1st Street, Phoenix)

Check out the event on Facebook and MeetUp. 

We’re passing on this announcement from the Arizona Latino Media Association:

“The Arizona Latino Media Association and the Education Writers Association are teaming up to present ‘Get Schooled: Covering Education Like A Pro,’ an informative conference for journalists and communicators on key education topics that frequently make headlines, including:

• Charters and School Choice
• Teacher Activism
• Mental Health, Social Emotional Learning and Schools

“9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2019, in the First Amendment Forum at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, 555 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.

“Panelists, including education journalists and experts, will share their insights and best practices for covering education issues and producing compelling stories. Among the panelists are:

• Kathy Hoffman, Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction
• Arianna Prothero, Staff Writer, Education Week
• Justin Price, Data Reporter, The Arizona Republic
• Marisol Garcia, Vice President, Arizona Education Association
• Dale Russakoff, freelance writer and author of The Prize, a book about Mark Zuckerberg’s $100 million gift to the Newark, New Jersey, schools
• Dr. Sofia B. Pertuz, Senior Advisor, Campus and Diversity & Inclusion, Jed Foundation
• Janine Menard, Chair, Arizona School Counselors Association
• Matt Beienburg, Director of Education Policy, Goldwater Institute

“”he conference is free and includes a light breakfast and lunch. RSVP at https://bit.ly/2UH398K “

Marina Cinami, Communications Coordinator, ACES: The Society for Editing (https://aceseditors.org/), asked us to pass on this message to our chapter members:

“It’s time to step up your editing game with ACES: The Society for Editing’s boot camp on Fundamentals in Editing.

“ACES is the nation’s leading organization of editing professionals, educators, and students. We set standards of excellence and give a voice to editors in journalism, government, business, and beyond through top-notch training, networking, and career opportunities.

“Our next boot camp is coming up, it’s near you, and registration is open! Check out the details:

“Fundamentals in Editing

• When: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 28
• Where: Fairfield Inn & Suites, Midtown Phoenix, 2520 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
• How much: $150 for members. $200 for nonmembers.
• Presenters: Teresa Schmedding and Merrill Perlman

“What you’ll learn

1. Why editing is important (and how to convince your bosses). 
2. Grammar and punctuation basics. 
3. Commonly confused and misused words. 
4. Elements of proofreading. 
5. Clarity: smoothing out dense or garbled prose and streamlining copy. 
6. Accuracy: checking facts and sources, ensuring charts/graphics are correct, identifying and filling in missing information. 
7. Headlines: writing clear, informative display type in print and online (including SEO). 
8. Style: why you need a style guide.

“If you’re an editor or edit as part of your job, ACES’ Editing Boot Camps will help you perfect your skills. Have questions? Contact us at info@aceseditors.org.

“Register here. You won’t want to miss it!”

Brian M. Costello, associate director of marketing and communications at the Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, asked us to post the following message:

“The Civil Justice Program at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles will host its 14th-annual Journalist Law School from Wednesday, June 5-Saturday, June 8, 2019 on its Frank Gehry-designed campus in downtown Los Angeles. The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Apply or learn more at www.journalistlawschool.org.

“The fellowship condenses core law-school subjects and break-out topics into a long weekend filled with courses taught by law professors, judges and prominent attorneys. Fellows have the opportunity to suggest and select sessions based on their areas of interest. This year, faculty planners expect to focus on issues related to scrutiny over presidential conduct, the intersection of technology and the law, and other legal topics frequently occupying news headlines. That’s in addition to such core classes as constitutional law, criminal law, civil justice, evidence and more.

“Journalists with at least three years of experience who cover the law in some fashion are encouraged to apply. Journalist fellows, who are competitively selected, receive a certificate of completion at the end of the four-day program. JLS alumni include about 500 reporters, editors and producers from a wide range of local, national and international news organizations.

“There is no cost to journalists to attend the fellowship. Instruction, lodging and most meals are included. The Journalist Law School will cover half of travel expenses up to $300. Fellows will be housed at the nearby Omni Los Angeles Hotel.

“Please see www.journalistlawschool.org for more information and to apply. If you have questions about the program, please let me know.

“Thanks, and happy holidays!”

SPJ is pleased to let you know of the following opportunity to learn how to:

• Identify relevant and important topics featuring Arizonans with disabilities,
• Present original content across platforms in accessible ways,
• Make decisions about language choices. and
• Build bridges with the disability community at a free disability communications workshop.

• When: Sept. 21, 2018
• Time: 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.  Registration begins at 8:15 a.m.
• Where: Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, 555 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
• Registration link:  Improving Disability Communications Registration Form

This FREE workshop is designed for Arizona public relations specialists, local journalists, and public information officers. We have 60 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Workshop hosted by:

• National Center on Disability and Journalism at the Cronkite School
• Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
• Ability360

Workshop details:

• Lunch, snacks and beverages will be provided.
• Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop.

Parking directions:

Parking will be available in the ASU visitor lot located on the southeast corner of Central and Fillmore. You’ll receive parking validation during the registration process.

Contact nicole.koester@asu.edu to arrange accommodations, such as ASL interpretation, large-print materials, or a seat near the projector screen.

Journalists and the public are invited to a vigil in honor of the victims of Thursday’s shooting at The Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Maryland. The vigil will be at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 30, at the journalists’ memorial at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Tim Eigo, president of the Valley of the Sun chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, will give brief remarks. The chapter is organizing the vigil. The memorial is located in the park’s southwest area. Please spread the word. For more information on the vigil, please visit www.phoenixspj.org.

No need to despair the Phoenix heat on the longest day of the year — because it provides a great reason to enjoy an ice cold brew! Once again our Summer Solstice Soiree (aptly named for a chapter called Valley of the Sun) expresses our thanks to our members and all Valley journalists. It’s 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 21, in the cool Brewer’s Den at SunUp Brewing (once again, aptly named for a chapter called Valley of the Sun) at 322 E. Camelback Road, a short walk from the Central Avenue/Camelback Road light rail station in uptown Phoenix.

All Valley media people are invited and admission is free. Appetizers are on us; the beers (or non-alcoholic beverages) are on you.

At this event the chapter will also take about five minutes to hold its annual elections for chapter officers for a one-year term from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. Chapter members on hand will vote.

Details and RSVP are on our Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/445265395933630/

Questions? Email phoenixspj@cox.net.

Our chapter members have been invited by the Arizona chapter of the AAJA (Asian American Journalists Association) for a cool, refreshing fundraiser: with ice cream! It’s a fundraiser for the organization’s journalism programs and scholarships, including J-Camp training for high school students and sending college students to the organization’s annual convention.

Thirty percent of all ice cream sales at Sweet Republic Ice Cream, 6054 N. 16th St. (at Bethany Home Road) from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, go to the cause. Details, RSVP here.

So put a smile on your face by joining fellow Valley media people in enjoying the sweet treats and helping out a dedicated media professionals’ organization.

People age 65 and over are the fastest-growing age group in the United States. With this exploding elder population come issues ranging from finances to coping with Alzheimer’s disease and how diverse communities deal with their elders.

RSVP here on our Facebook event page.

Join journalist Kathy Ritchie of KJZZ-FM (NPR); Ivy Glinski, director of Banner Olive Branch Senior Center in Sun City; Jessica Meyer from Beatitudes Campus of Care; and Yolanda Hart Stevens, artist and elder advocate from the Gila River Indian Community; for a panel discussion about the issues facing this growing aging population. “Getting Old in the Valley: A Guide to Covering Elder Issues” is 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, at the ASU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the Mercado, 532 E. Monroe St;, Building C, Classroom 368, Phoenix. Moderating the discussion is Phoenix freelance journalist Debra Krol, 2017 Journalist in Aging Fellow and Valley of the Sun SPJ chapter vice president.

This event is free and open to the public and to the Valley media community. This event is presented by the Valley of the Sun chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and supported by the Gerentological Society of America and the ASU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. RSVP here on our Facebook event page.