Philly in the running for NLGJA convention

A national organization for LGBT journalists may be bringing its members back to Philadelphia next year.

Leaders of the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association were in Philly this week to consider the city’s bid to host its 2017 convention. The city is one of three NLGJA leaders are considering.

The annual conference brings together about 350 journalists, media professionals, teachers and students.

The event was last held in Philadelphia in 2011 — the same weekend Hurricane Irene struck the city.

“It was surreal to see on-air anchors stepping outside of the Lowes Hotel to cover the storm in between workshops and networking events,” said NLGJA board president Jen Christensen in a statement. “If we return to Philly, I hope it will only be our keynote speakers and plenary sessions that provide the ‘excitement’ for the convention.”

While they were in town, Christensen and other NLGJA board members visited a number of local hotels and historic sites, set up by Visit Philadelphia and Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB). Christensen also threw out the first pitch at Monday’s Phillies game. 

Christensen said a final decision on the host city will be made later this year. 

“Although our final decision hasn’t been made, the opportunities that the city offers as a destination, the history and progress the city has made in the rights of LGBT citizens, the strength of the Philadelphia chapter leadership and the hard work of the Philadelphia CVB and Visit Philadelphia, I think Philadelphia hit a home run this week,” she said. 

 

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