About AHCJ: General News
Health journalists to gather in Orlando for annual conference Date: 03/16/17
The center of the Sunshine State will host Health Journalism 2017, AHCJ’s annual conference April 20-23.
Hundreds of journalists will attend the conference at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, filling their schedules with field trips, panels, workshops and more. They’ll have access to world-class experts, skill-building events and firsthand looks at research and clinical sites.
The conference will help reporters, editors and producers cover the latest in medical research, public health issues, the business of health care, health policy matters, and journalism. Freelance members can meet face to face with editors during the popular PitchFest.
The conference begins early on April 20 with busloads of journalists who pre-register leaving for field trips to local research and medical facilities. Attendees can also choose among a series of class-like workshops designed to deliver hands-on training to hone their health journalism skills. With the workshops and field trips finished, first-time attendees can get tips and advice on making the most of the conference during the Newcomer Welcome session. A kickoff session for all, followed by an opening reception, will round out the day.
A full slate of panels will start on April 21 and continue through the conference’s end on April 23. In between, the conference will feature a luncheon to recognize winners of the Awards for Excellence in Health Care Journalism, plus prize drawings, networking opportunities in the Exhibit Hall and more.
Also on April 21, the Freelance PitchFest will return as a favorite for freelance members to meet with editors of major outlets to offer story idea pitches and perhaps land assignments.
The panels will feature current and future story ideas for health journalists in their own communities, including stories on health reform under a new administration, health technology, an aging population, social determinants and health disparities, oral health, insurance and business, medical studies and more.
Journalists will also have the chance to attend skill-building sessions and make connections with leading health experts.
For the latest information, go to the website.