Wanted: #CAJ16 volunteers

OTTAWA, April 11, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Association of Journalists invites interested people to volunteer at its annual conference in Edmonton.

#CAJ16 is being held at the Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel from May 27-28. There are opportunities for 10 to 15 volunteers assisting with registration-desk tasks, minding program sessions and liveblogging.

"Our #CAJ16 volunteers will help the conference run smoothly and also ensure those who aren't able to make it to Edmonton can follow what's happening via our online coverage," CAJ president Nick Taylor-Vaisey said. "They help put the final touches on the work our volunteer organizing committee has been working on since the fall."

Those able to make it to the conference who wish to volunteer are asked to submit their interest via email. You do not need to be available for both days, or the entirety of one day. Please indicate your availability in the email along what tasks you would be interested in assisting with.

#CAJ16 will feature keynotes, plenary sessions, workshops and presentations highlighting where the media industry in Canada is, its best practices and its potential for the future. A skills track will be available focusing on the technologies and practices used to produce the best journalism; along with the CAJ's traditional data-journalism track.

Fees for #CAJ16 start at $249 plus HST for CAJ members for the full weekend, including a ticket to the conference banquet and gala. Rates for unemployed journalists and CAJ student member start at $75. CAJ Award finalists are eligible for discounted rates. These rates will rise on May 20.

Registration is currently open for this two-day conference, scheduled to run from Friday, May 27, to Saturday, May 28, at the Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel in Edmonton, Alta. The hotel is also offering a conference rate, starting at $110 a night plus taxes and fees.

Additional pieces of the #CAJ conference program are still being finalized and will be posted as they are confirmed.

The Canadian Association of Journalists is a professional organization with over 600 members across Canada. The CAJ's primary roles are public-interest advocacy work and professional development for its members.

SOURCE Canadian Association of Journalists

Nick Taylor-Vaisey, CAJ president - 647-968-2393 cell, [email protected]; Hugo Rodrigues, #CAJ16 conference chair - [email protected]; Dale Bass, CAJ events committee chair - [email protected]; General conference inquiries can be sent to [email protected]; www.caj.ca/caj16; www.facebook.com/CdnAssocJournalists; www.twitter.com/CAJ