Being out there brought home to me, once again, how important networking is -- among our sources and ourselves. While out in the field, I continually bumped into people who lived near me in Boston ... instant bond, instant story. And at a hearing in Chalmette, La. where Massachusetts Congressman Ed Markey -- one of my regular go-to people -- was present, I found myself sitting next to a college friend, who now reports for the Times-Picayune.
This happened to me during Katrina, too, when I was reporting on the hurricane for the Orlando Senintel. A college friend who works in Mobile helped hook me up with sources who took me out on rescue missions right after the storm, and I continually bumped into people from Florida who were happy to see a face from home.
Without that network, that support, I wouldn't have gotten the stories I did.
That said, I know you've all been getting messages NAHJ about attending the conference in Denver. I encourage you to go. It's important. Convention is where I find myself getting rejuvenated about my job. Maybe it's all the seminars and ideas that come from them, maybe it's getting a few days away from the office and seeing old friends. Maybe its all the swag I snag in the expo hall ... it's definitely about meeting new people and keeping our organization strong.
I know finances are a consideration, but think of convention as an investment in yourself and your work.
I hope to see you there.
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