NABJ Sports Task Force Convention Schedule

 2013NABJConvention
A detailed overview of all the panels and activities that the Sports Task Force will do during the 2013 NABJ Convention in Orlando.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1  
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Sports Mentorship Breakfast – Powered by ESPN
Join the NABJ Sports Task Force for its annual mentorship breakfast, where aspiring journalists are
paired with professional mentors from broadcast, print and online newsrooms.12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Workshop Session ILegends of the Game: A Candid Conversation with Ken Griffey Jr., Gary Sheffield, and 
Ray Lankford
When they dominated Major League Baseball, these three players were known for their candor.
Come engage in a provocative conversation with three baseball greats who will share their
experiences and give their thoughts on the future of African Americans in baseball.
Moderator: 
Jemele Hill, Columnist & Television Analyst, ESPN 
Presenters: 
Gary Sheffield, Former baseball player, MLB 
Ken Griffey, Jr., Former baseball player, MLB 2:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Workshop Session II 

Double Standard: Working as a African American Woman in the Sports Journalism 
Industry 
Women in the sports industry are small in numbers and black women even more so. What were the
professional paths and experiences of some black women both in front of the camera and behind
the scenes in the world of sports media? Being a double minority isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible,
as our panelists will explain.
Moderator: 
LaChina Robinson, Basketball Analyst & Reporter
Presenters: 
Tara August, Senior Director of Talent Services, Turner Sports
Nischelle Turner, Sports & Entertainment Reporter, CNN/HLN
Monique Walker–Jones, Sports Content Editor, Baltimore Sun
Shannon Owens, Sports Columnist, Orlando Sentinel
Jemele Hill, Analyst & Columnist, ESPN

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Workshop Session III

The Story of the Storyteller: Breaking in, Finding Your Voice and Moving Up – Powered by 
ESPN 
This year, the Sports Journalism Institute celebrates 25 years. The program trains college students
for careers in the sports journalism industry. We examine the impact of the program and how it
creates a platform for new voices in sports journalism.
Moderator: 
Leon Carter, Vice President, ESPN; Co-founder, Sports Journalism Institute 
Presenters: 
Jonathan Abrams, Writer, Grantland.com 
Shannon Owens, Columnist, Orlando Sentinel 
Ohm Youngmisuk, New Yorks Giants Beat Writer, ESPNNewYork.com 
Sherlon Christie, Sports Reporter, Asbury Park Press
Heather Dinich, ACC Blogger, ESPN.com 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Workshop Session IV

Navigating the Field and Newsroom: Being Pro LGBT in Pro Sports
Osceola 4-6
Professional sports teams and leagues play a vital role in reinforcing our nation’s values. More and
more athletes are moving beyond the locker room and the field to the fight for lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality. This session will explore the role reporters play in
elevating LGBT athletes. Whether it is taking a stand against anti-LGBT bullying or supporting an
athlete when he or she decides to come out, does LGBT advocacy serve as a distraction from the
game or is it very much a part of the sports news cycle? A panel of sports journalists, athletes, and
advocates will address the persistent problem of homophobia on the field and in the stands as well
as the media’s role in reporting on these issues and promoting messages of acceptance.
Moderator: 
Michael Arceneaux, Contributor, EBONY.com & theGrio.com
Presenters: 
Wade Davis, Former Football Player, NFL
Kye Allums, Transgender Advocate; Former Basketball Player, George Washington University
Roxanne Jones, Founding Editor, ESPN The Magazine; Former Vice President, ESPN

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Sports Pioneer Awards Ceremony

“STF Members:Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, Sharon Robinson (the daughter of the famed Jackie Robinson) and noted sports sociologist Richard Lapchick head up an exceptional list of sports figures who have agreed to accept Pioneer Awards at the 2013 NABJ Convention in Orlando.April Holmes, the first Paralympic athlete we have ever honored, will join them as a Pioneer Award winner on Friday, Aug. 2, at 6 p.m., along with Barry Cooper, the former Orlando Sentinel sports reporter who will be our Journalist of the Year. The co-hosts this year will be me and Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director of Walt Disney World Resort.
Also, former NFL star Reggie Williams, who for 10 years was the first chief executive of Disney Wide World of Sports, will accept a Merit Award at the Mentor Breakfast that kicks off the STF’s convention activities on Thursday morning, Aug. 1.

11:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. Sports Task Force Jam 
House of Blues
2901 Osceola Parkway
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
http://www.nabj.org/events/event_details.asp?id=315797

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3

7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. NABJ Golf Tournament
Each year, NABJ members and special guests gather to enjoy camaradiere with one another while
enjoying a round of golf. Buses leave hotel starting at 7am and return between 1pm and 2pm.
http://www.nabj.org/events/event_details.asp?id=270889

11:15 a.m. –12:45 p.m. Workshop Sessions VII 
From Fast Cars to Faster News – The Evolution of Social Media in the Sports World– 
Powered by NASCAR
We all know that social media is an important tool for journalists to keep their cutting edge in a fast
paced world. But how do companies use social media to keep their brand relevant, message on
point, and customers engaged? This workshop will show you how NASCAR took control of its digital
properties through the creation of its Fan and Media Engagement Center. Both bloggers and
journalists will benefit from learning how sports entities are reconfiguring themselves to meet the
need to be fast, accurate, and topical.
Panelists: 
Robert Littal, Founder, Black Sports Online 
Max Siegel, Owner, Rev Racing & President, USA Track & Field, CEO 
Colin Smith, Managing Director, Digital Platform, NASCAR Digital Media 

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sports Journalism Task Force Meeting 
Disney Sports Complex

10:30 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. 2014 Kickoff Party 
Join the Boston Association of Black Journalists as they get the party started for the 2014
convention immediately following the Salute to Excellence Gala. Enjoy good music, good desserts,
and good times as we say goodbye to Orlando and hello to Boston!

(Please support Boston chapter president Gary Washburn and his team as they get us excited for the 2014 convention in Boston.).