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Check out the latest version of our #AWSM2023 convention schedule. Attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination and AWSM will be observing CDC COVID-19 best practices, along with any local health ordinances, throughout the convention. Attendees will need to submit proof of vaccination upon arrival at registration. *Please note the agenda is subject to change.
The AWSM board thanks our #2023AWSM convention sponsors Sporting News, Los Angeles Times, MLS, Fox Sports, NASCAR, Associated Press, The Athletic, MLB.com and MTM Recognition for their support. We also salute scholarship donors Christine Brennan, Martin Doerfler, Kristin Huckshorn, Tom Jolly, Jim Jenks, Jorge Rojas, Myra MacPherson and APSE.
4-7p.m.: Registration | Event Edge
5-7 p.m.: AWSMU student chapter meeting | Ballroom C
7-9 p.m.: Welcome reception | Event Hub & Ballroom AB
Iliana Limón Romero, AWSM president and Los Angeles Times assistant managing editor for sports
Alyssa Lang, SEC Network studio host and reporter
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Registration | Event Edge
8:30-10:30 a.m.: Breakfast / general session - Women in leadership: How to overcome obstacles and push for success
Moderator: Christine Brennan, USA Today Sports columnist
Panelists: Amy Anderson, NASCAR head of content
Rana Cash, executive editor of the Charlotte Observer
Kristi Coleman, Carolina Panthers president
10:45 a.m.-12 p.m.: Breakout sessions
A: AWSMU: How to navigate the hiring process| Ballroom ABC
Lydia Craver, Charlotte Observer sports editor
Kathy Laughlin, Sun Sentinel sports editor
Jorge Rojas, APSE president and The Athletic deputy managing editor for opinion
B: How to succeed as a freelancer and entrepreneur | Ballroom FGH
Lindsay Gibbs, Power Plays newsletter founder
Marisa Ingemi, San Francisco Chronicle reporter
C: Secrets to mid-level and senior leadership success | Ward 1-2
Tina Sturdevant, The Athletic director of talent, diversity and inclusion
Erica Wilkerson, NASCAR director of multicultural and youth marketing and social responsibility
12:15-2:30 p.m.: Award lunch
2023 Mary Garber Pioneer Award winner: Pam Oliver
2023 Ann Miller Service Award winner: Jim Jenks
2023 Student chapter of the year winner: Susquehanna University
2:45-4 p.m.: Breakout sessions
A: AWSMU: Keys to thriving as a reporter | Ballroom ABC
Moderator: Dave Goren, National Sports Media Association executive director and Learfield IMG radio reporter
Panelists: DaShawn Brown, WSOC reporter
Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer Carolina Panthers beat reporter
Grace Raynor, The Athletic staff writer
B: AWSMU: How to break into social media or public relations | Ballroom FGH
Amanda Brooks, ESPN director of communications for college football and the SEC Network
Marielkis Salazar, NASCAR senior manager, marketing and DEI communications
Miller Yoho, Charlotte Sports Foundation director of communications
C: Putting women first: Inside Charlotte FC’s empowerment of women photographers | Ward 1-2
Taylor Banner, senior creative manager and team photographer at Charlotte FC
Select members of the Charlotte FC photography staff
4:15-5 p.m.: APSE meeting | Ward 1-2
5-6 p.m.: Résumé review | Ward 3-4
10 p.m.-1 a.m.: Hospitality | M Club
7-9 a.m.: Breakfast | Ballroom D
8 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Registration | Event Edge
9-11:30 a.m.: Job fair | Ballroom ABC
Participating employers include the Associated Press, Boston Globe, Charlotte Observer, Los Angeles Times, MassLive, MLB.com, Sporting News, Star-Tribune, Raleigh News and Observer, The Athletic, The State and USA Today Sports. *No advance registration required.
11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.: Lunch / General session - The art of storytelling: Reporters share keys to success
Moderator: Jodie Valade, Charlotte Observer enterprise and planning editor
Panelists: Rachel Axon, Freelance investigative journalist
Mirin Fader, The Ringer senior staff writer and bestselling author
Teresa Walker, Associated Press sports writer
1:30-2:45 p.m.: General session - The Sporting News presents: We can do hard things. A guide to asking tough questions, including how to seek a raise or promotion, navigating social media criticism and more | FGH
Moderator: Iliana Limón Romero, AWSM president and Los Angeles Times assistant managing editor for sports
Panelists: Benson Taylor, The Sporting News editor-in-chief
Kaitlyn Gappens, The Sporting News vice president, people
Karisa Maxwell, The Sporting News multimedia producer, reporter and on-air personality
Riley Trujillo, The Sporting News content marketing manager
3-3:45 p.m.: AWSM champions meeting *invitation only* | City Center Boardroom
4:30-5:30 p.m.: Networking reception | Event Hub
5:45 p.m.: Depart for Charlotte FC vs. Colorado Rapids (walk or rideshare)
7 p.m.: Charlotte FC vs. Colorado Rapids, RSVP required at registration
10 p.m.-1 a.m.: Hospitality | M Club
Email awsmboard@gmail.com with any questions.
