As always, the Excellence in Journalism conference co-hosted by SPJ and RTDNA was chock full of good content, networking opportunities, business sessions and hearty discussions about what we need to do better or differently. Focusing on the positive, here are some of the comments I heard from fellow convention goers:

“The most encouraging thing I saw – and experienced – at this year’s EIJ was the energy among many of the younger attendees. During the ‘ask the experts’ time, they were forthright and willing to sit right down and ask questions in a quest to learn more. Unlike the grizzled conference veterans who were looking to network, forge connections for the next gig or locate an open bar, these young journalists were eager to lay the groundwork on their growing skillset by listening to the pros.”

“Another great facet of this year’s EIJ was the efforts put forth by staff in scheduling sessions and meetings. It’s been a long-standing concern that meetings were taking place while learning sessions were underway. If we – as a population that needs to stay current in our understanding and skills – want to excel, we can’t be in board and committee meetings while educational events are happening.”

~Jeff Cutler, New England Pro Chapter

“Diversity Fellowship Program!”

~ Athima Chansanchai, Western Washington Pro

“Meeting the reps from JEA and finding out NJ does a better job than most states getting pros and high school students together!”

~ Jane Primerano, New Jersey Pro Chapter

“I thoroughly enjoyed the networking opportunities at every turn. In many ways, it’s a conference of extroverts – people willing to talk to anyone and find shared experiences. Every year, I meet new people and go home with more contacts than I had.”

~ Robyn Sekula, Louisville Pro Chapter

“I was very proud to be an SPJ member after seeing the cooperation and hard work that went into revising and ultimately passing an Ethics Code.”

~ Joe Radske, region 6 director