SPJ, RTNDA to Hold Joint Convention in 2011

By: Joe Strupp The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) is planning a joint convention for 2011 with the Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA).

"This is an outstanding partnership for SPJ and we look forward to working with RTNDA on a great convention for members of both organizations and all journalists," SPJ President Dave Aeikens said in a statement. "Our goal is to put on the best professional development programs in the country while maintaining the traditions of both organizations."

SPJ, which is slated to have its 2009 convention Aug. 27-30 in Indianapolis, will host its own gathering as well in 2010.

But the 2011 event will be a joint convention with RTNDA. An SPJ announcement states the idea is for the groups to be "working together to more efficiently serve their members and the journalism industry."

"Our ultimate goal is (to have) just one big journalism convention for broadcasters, print, online -- it would not only be incredibly efficient but also encourage a great synergy with all those people joining together," Stacey Woelfel, national chairman of RTNDA, said in a statement.