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Updated: Friday, August 4, 2006 Published: Friday, August 4, 2006

The NABJ Convention. It's an opportunity to make new friends, professional contacts and take tools learned at the workshops, back to the newsroom.

RELATED LINKS Convention message from NABJ President Bryan Monroe Convention Home Lodging & Travel Schedule-at-a-Glance Workshops Recruiters & Exhibitors NABJ Career Resource Center Special Events Sponsorships Press Credentials Indianapolis Chapter Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association Convention Program Committee Looking back at the 2005 Convention in Atlanta Back Together Again If you missed last year’s outstanding 30th Convention & Career Fair in Atlanta, click here to see NABJ back together again.

By the end of the Blogger Buzz workshop, attendees will know how to start their own Web log.

Attendees are going to learn that there are very few barriers to opportunity in this field, if you can type you can do it [write] for the web, said Eric Easter, Director of Communications for Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive, Its a dramatic opportunity for African-Americans to have their voices heard worldwide.

The convention focuses on journalists and students from all disciplines: print, radio, online and broadcast. In addition to workshops, novice journalists can sign up for critiques of their work which provides the opportunity to have their work reviewed by journalism professionals.

In the three decades since NABJ was founded, the convention has grown to expect more than 3,000 attendees.

With a lack of African-American presence in many of the country's newsrooms, Columbia College Professor Curtis Lawrence believes that the convention can be a time to take inventory.

One thing about NABJ is that you are talking with people of color, other black folks with certain experiences that are special to us, both good and bad, said Lawrence. The former Chicago Sun-Times writer believes that NABJ is just as relevant now as it was when it first started.

Comparing notes about job conditions is one of the reasons Lawrence has attended the convention for more than 10 years. Its also gives attendees a chance to see other journalists of color, especially when a journalist is from a small market.

Kelley L. Carter, 29, Music Writer for the Detroit Free Press, believes that the convention is a good chance to reunite.

Its a good time to connect with my journalism moms and dads, the people that helped to shape my career because I only get to see them once a year, said Carter.

Carter is a panelist for two new workshops, How to Land Your Dream Job Before You Are 30 and The Blogger Buzz. Similar to Easter, Carter also feels that journalists are never too old to learn something new.

One of the goals of the [Blogger Buzz] workshop is to have a working blog about the workshop as its happening, said Carter.

As an attendee, Carter is looking forward to the Me Inc.: How to Run Yourself like a Business workshop.

A lot of people are excited about this workshop because before, the idea was if you were a print journalist you would work at a newspaper your whole career, but now we are seeing people market themselves as multi-media journalists to create new careers, said Carter. In addition to all the networking, Carter believes that the Opening Ceremony sets the tone for the convention.

Its important for journalists, especially those who are looking for employment, to always be dressed for the occasion.During the day, attendees should dress as if they are going to a job interview. How often do journalists get to sit face to face with editors? The way you look could say more about you than a cover letter and resume. Lawrence warns that the convention is not just a big party; it is a constant interview.

You may be sitting next to an editor from a TV station or newspaper where you may want to end up one day. Attendees are on all the time and expected to talk intelligently about themselves regarding their background. You want to self promote, said Lawrence.

The Salute to Excellence Gala may be black tie optional, but practice caution and look at last years photos to get an idea of what is most appropriate for the event. Some say its always better to over dress than under dress.

Britney Tabor, 22, a senior at University of Texas at Arlington, did not have a problem with attire during her first conference but instead had difficulty over coming shyness.

Last year, I would not go up to anyone and introduce myself. I was a shy journalist. The convention helped me meet new people. Now I am not scared to approach someone to interview, said Tabor.

I was dressed for the occasion but I wish that I had brought business cards, often times I would find myself writing my contact information on paper and it got old, said Tabor.

Tabor believes that a little small talk goes a long way.

If you see someone on the elevator say hello, because you never know who you are standing next to, Tabor said. This year, Tabor along with more than 40 other students will make up the 16th class of the student development project staff. One professional assisting students like Tabor with projects is Allison Hunter, Executive Director at WGN Morning News in Chicago, IL. Hunter believes the convention should be treated like your first day of school by mapping out workshops, scheduling yourself and find out "who's who".

If you are riding from the 5th floor to the lobby, what could you say about your dynamic self to engage the person you just met, said Hunter, Also, remember to smile.

The NABJ Convention is not all about business. Journalists can also let their hair down. For some, the convention is like a vacation.

Wednesday night is the popular NABJ Jam, an event where attendees can dance the night away to R&B and hip-hop music.

Additionally, attendees can practice their networking skills outside of the convention in a relaxed and fun environment, like NABJ Family Day at the Indianapolis Zoo. NABJ members receive complimentary admission and family members are discounted.

The 31st NABJ Convention and Career Fair will also feature presentations by Al Roker, Rev. Al Sharpton, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and Liberias first female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

So, no matter what level you are in your career, a newly graduated journalism student or seasoned journalist, the 2006 convention will have something for you! Let's Build on the Past and Create Our Future, together.