Asian/American journalists' convention held in San Francisco

Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy

T HE Asian American Journalists Association annual national convention started Wednesday (Aug. 12)  in San Francisco.

While the big gala Saturday, Aug. 15, is the event everyone is looking forward to, there is a heckuva lot of stuff going on between now and then that will keep you busy if you attend the  4-day conclave.#CAAM

Headlining the Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, is the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy and Melvin Mar, the executive producer of Fresh Off the Boat, the television sitcom that made history when it was renewed for a second season.

Don't miss the Center for Asian American Media screening of Off the Menu tomorrow (Aug. 12): Asian America and three AAJA member projects that will held on the first evening (Aug. 12) at the Landmark Embarcadero Theater, two blocks from the hotel.

CAAM event
8-8:30pm – Guest registration and reception with appetizers and drinks at the Landmark Embarcadero Theater8:40-9:10pm – Three AAJA member projects9:15-10:15pm – Off the Menu: Asian America film screening

Melvin Mar

10:15-10:30pm – Q&A with Director Grace Lee

Among the speakers are Angela Sun, executive producer of the documentary Plastic Paradise; Phil Yu, executive producer of Awesome Asian Bad Guys; Sonia Narang, director of Resilience; and Grace Lee, director of Off the Menu. 

There will be a whole lot of workshops, anything from "How to tell your newsroom that it might be racist" to "Humility will take you far, then nowhere." 

And since this is the San Francisco Bay Area, home of Silicon Valley, there will be a wide range of workshops on the new media with some of the people who work in the high-tech industry, from Buzzfeed's Eugene Yang to a Hip-Hop artist with a law degree, Hopie.

It's a full schedule and its worth your time if your job will let you off for a few days. If you are a student, I definitely recommend that you attend to find out what the future might hold for you. If you participate in Career Fair, bring resumes and dress appropriately, even you print journalists. Most of the "big boys" will be there Associated Press, Fox, NBC, McClatchy, CNN, Bloomberg, etc. (Why doesn't the AAJA and the industry give any respect to ethnic media?) I contend that ethnic media provides a viable way to gain experience for young journalists and a way for mainstream media to learn about ethnic issues.) 

For foodies, there will opportunities to sample the best food the city has to offer including the best bao or the best burrito in San Francisco.

Are you thinking of a mid-career change? For veteran journalists, it is a chance to see what you need to brush up on, meet old friends and see what's coming your way in your profession. Journalists of color are still in short supply in newsrooms across the country despite the high-sounding platitudes of the publishers.

You can still register but you have to do at the convention. Here is the cost. Online registration is way past due folks, sorry.

Have fun!

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