The Valley of the Sun will host Health Journalism 2018, AHCJ’s annual conference marking its 20th anniversary. The conference in Phoenix is scheduled for April 12-15.
In the past two decades, AHCJ has grown to more than 1,500 members. The 2018 conference will feature more than 60 events over four days.
Health Journalism 2018 will launch early on April 12 with journalists lining up for field trips to local research, clinical and educational sites. On the same day, the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort will be the center of a series of skill-building workshops and a featured “Science of …” track covering stem cells, genetic testing and marijuana.
First-time conference attendees are invited to a newcomer welcome session, where they can meet member of AHCJ’s board of directors and learn how to make the most of the conference, followed by an official conference welcome for all attendees, a kickoff session and a Welcome to Phoenix Reception.
April 13 will mark the first day full of panels, with topics ranging from medical research to the business of health to policy and more. The conference Exhibit Hall will open that day, featuring a chance to network, win prizes and enjoy a snack. The popular Freelance PitchFest will return on April 13, with a chance for freelance journalists to sit face-to-face with editors to pitch their story ideas. A series of panels designed for freelance journalists – covering making pitches, contracts, entrepreneurship and social media – will take place throughout the conference.
The April 14 Awards Luncheon will recognize the best work of 2017 with the annual Awards for Excellence in Health Care Journalism. Attendees will be able to meet award winners in a dessert gathering immediately after the luncheon. The day will end with a special reception: Salute to Health Journalism: AHCJ celebrates 20 years.
April 15 will feature a pair of tracks – how-to Sunday sessions designed to help journalists use what they’ve learned during the conference and a set of panels geared to audiences from western states.
For more information and updates, visit the conference website. And watch Covering Health for upcoming previews of some of the panels.
