Why Detroit?
The Michigan Chapter would like to bring the convention to Detroit in 2011, AAJA’s 30th anniversary. It would be AAJA's first annual convention in Detroit. The city offers the membership a lot to experience, including:
- Some of America’s best journalism,
- The oldest and most concentrated Arab American population in the United States,
- An international gateway,
- The world headquarters of an evolving automotive industry,
- And a vibrant and changing metropolitan area.
Detroit holds a significant place in the history of the Asian American movement. In the 1980’s, events here – the beating death of Vincent Chin, for example -- galvanized the community locally and nationally. Arab Americans are also targets of social injustice. This is an opportunity to highlight this issue and recognize journalists with Middle Eastern backgrounds.
Didn’t NABJ have conventions here?
Yes, in 1982 and 1992.
How many people usually attend the convention?
Attendance varies from about 1,000 to a little less than 1,300. This includes students, starting and mid-career professionals, and executives –- including publishers and CEO’s. In 2005, attendance to the Twin Cities, another Mid-West convention, was 1,175.
What is the process to get the convention?
Until recently, AAJA board would get together and agree on a city. It also had a tradition of rotating cities across the country: East Coast, Mid-West and West Coast. The association now has a competitive process that starts with the chapter putting together a proposal and then formally announcing its intentions in writing, and in person, at convention three years ahead of time. The Governing Board will consider the presentation. From there, the staff will investigate the site, and likely make a recommendation to the Governing Board, which will make a decision.
How will the bid presentation work?
It will include three parts: A written part, a multi-media presentation, and a live pitch. We will want to show the board what the state has to offer with a video.
Who are the local partners?
The Michigan Chapter has been building a coalition of support of companies, community groups and individuals. We need your help. We’d like to include letters of support in our presentation. So far, The Detroit Media Partnership, has agreed to help; so has VisitDetroit, the Visitor and Convention Bureau; the Downtown Detroit Partnership, as well as leaders of the Council of Asian Pacific Americans.
Potential competition for the convention?
New York.
Previous convention sites?
Los Angeles 1987, San Francisco 1989, New York 1990, Seattle 1991, Washington D.C. 1992, Los Angeles 1993, Atlanta (Unity) 1994, Honolulu 1995, St. Paul 1996, Boston 1997, Chicago 1998, Seattle (Unity) 1999, New York 2000, San Francisco 2001, Dallas 2002, San Diego 2003, Washington D.C. (Unity) 2004, Minneapolis 2005, Honolulu 2006, Miami 2007, Chicago (Unity) 2008.
Future convention sites?
Boston 2009, Los Angeles 2010.
Funds needed from local sources?
Between $50,000-$100,000.
