NYABJ Went to NABJ...My first Convention Won't be My Last
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
By: Jewel Benton
NYABJ is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and NABJ celebrated its 50th last year. This was my first year attending the convention.
Held in Atlanta from Wednesday, Aug. 12, through Sunday, Aug. 16, the convention drew 4,302 registrants, making it the second-largest convention in the organization’s history, behind the 2024 convention in Chicago. Even days after the event, social media was still buzzing with posts expressing gratitude for the access, opportunities and connections forged among new and returning attendees and members.
All attendees received NABJ's signature tote bag packed with various essentials. From the seemingly endless number of panels, programs and celebrations, one of my biggest takeaways from the 2026 NABJ Convention was the level of thought, care and effort that went into such a massive undertaking.
In many conversations I had before and after the convention, we agreed that attending the NABJ Convention is an investment in one's present and future, both personally and professionally. Just as important, if not more so, is the sense of community it creates.
Meaningful connections can outlast jobs and professional titles. They can feed your soul, uplift you and reaffirm your purpose and gifts.
A member of the Arkansas chapter shared with others that I had motivated her to own her talents and put herself out there. Another member was dealing with something personal but still took the time to speak with me and share her wisdom. As it turned out, that interaction was spiritually meaningful for both of us.
I also had the opportunity to greet and mingle with locals and several members of my NYABJ family, including our president, while carrying those who could only attend in spirit with us.
Journalism heavyweights such as Don Lemon, Joy Reid, Tiffany Cross and Roland Martin, among others, were in attendance and participated in panels throughout the convention. The family of the late Nolan Wells, along with attorney Ben Crump and the Rev. Al Sharpton, thanked NABJ for helping keep Wells’ story alive.
Many people liken the NABJ Convention to a family reunion, and after attending my first one, I can understand why.
You see many of the same faces year after year. Sometimes, those familiar faces are peers you encounter in the workplace or throughout the industry. At the same time, the convention creates an environment where people meeting for the first time can form meaningful connections that serve a pivotal moment or continue long after everyone returns home.
Thankfully, I received sound advice from members of my NABJ family before attending my first convention. The guidance I would share with other first-time attendees is simple: Pack enough versatile professional clothing ladies, make sure you have enough dark clothing, just in case. Be intentional about what you hope to gain, remain open to experiences you did not plan for, and trust yourself throughout the process.
There are countless benefits to attending the NABJ Convention, including its impressive career fair and the opportunity to connect with professionals across the industry.
But perhaps my greatest takeaway was a reminder that investing in your career also means investing in your community and allowing that community to invest in you.
