The conference for those who believe photojournalism is a calling and the act of bearing witness is essential.

Nashville Here We Come!

Lights from the Nashville Skyline are reflected in the Cumberland River which flows through downtown. Photo by Larry McCormack

We are headed to Nashville next February 15-17, 2018.

After the organizing committee met this past week, we have finalized plans to host the Southwestern Photojournalism Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

The entertainment and restaurant district of downtown Nashville. Photo by Larry McCormack

Plans are underway to revamp the conference and add some new ideas and concepts we believe you’ll like.

We will have our student conference on Thursday and Friday. The students will have the opportunity to shoot two assignments and have their work looked at by the conference faculty and staff.

A star studded lineup of Opry performer open the during the 40th anniversary celebration for the Grand Ole Opry House by singing “The Wabash Cannonball” the same as Roy Acuff did 40 years before at the first Opry held at the new Opry House on Saturday March 15, 2014, in Nashville, TN. Photo by Larry McCormack

The main conference will begin Friday afternoon with a couple of workshop sessions and a speaker Friday evening.

Saturday will begin early and feature TED-style talks and workshops mixed together and finish early evening with a featured speaker. Of course, two-minute shows will be an integral part of the programming throughout the weekend.

We’ll be announcing more in the next couple of weeks including the lineup of presenters, schedule and costs.

A full moon sets behind he L&C Tower as the sun rises in the East, casting a warm morning glow over the Nashville Skyline. Photo by Larry McCormack

Planning Meeting in Nashville

Patrick Murphy-Racey takes notes as Larry McCormack makes a point. Photo by Ron Londen

The Southwestern Photojournalism Conference organizing committee met on Friday, July 29 in Nashville, TN to continue our work on developing plans for the conference in 2018.

Those attending the committee gathering included:
Morris Abernathy
Sandy Abernathy
Bill Bangham
Diane Bangham
Bob Carey
Gary Fong
Ron Londen
Larry McCormack
Patrick Murphy-Racey
Kathleen Murray
Anacleto Rapping
Jeremy Scott
Sonya Singh
Carol Veneman
Jim Veneman

The meeting had several discussions ranging from location, facilities, how to handle meals, student conference, and schedule.

Sandy Abernathy, Ron Londen and Jim Veneman listen as Gary Fong shares thought via FaceTime. Photo by Bob Carey

We discussed how to best reorganize the conference and add some innovative pieces to increase attendance. The group looked at splitting the conference out a bit and making it possible for attendees to choose to come for one day or two days and still be affordable.

Bob Carey, Patrick Murphy-Racey, Larry McCormack and Bill Bangham listen to ideas during the SWPJC planning session. Photo by Ron Londen

Look for more detailed information in the coming weeks. We are excited about where things are currently heading and the new possibilities as we begin our 26th year.

Ron Londen takes a photo while Gary Fong and Kathleen Murray view each other on FaceTime with the planning session. Photo by Bob Carey

SWPJC Planning

L-R Bill Bangham, Jim Veneman, Carol Veneman, Stanley Leary, Patrick Murphy-Racey, Ron Londen, Morris Abernathy, and Sandy Abernathy. (not pictured – Bob Carey)

Part of our organizing committee met on April 29 in Knoxville to make plans and discuss the future of the Southwestern photojournalism Conference.