The NABJ convention is a critical space for professional development, networking, and celebration of Black journalism. However, in recent years, many members have expressed frustration with the lackluster programming, unbalanced panels, and a general sense that the convention has become a formality rather than an essential, transformative event.
Both members and sponsors have questioned the return on their investment. As budgets tighten, our convention risks being dismissed as a reunion rather than a launchpad for professional growth.
It’s a reality that we can no longer ignore.
As president, I will transform the NABJ convention into a dynamic, future-focused experience that delivers real value for every attendee, sponsor and newsroom.
Here’s what I’m proposing: We will immediately cut registration costs by 90% for emerging members and cut hotel rates for all members by 50%.
This isn’t a quick gimmick; it’s a strategic move that will lead to long-term benefits for NABJ and all NABJ members, present and future.
Three Reasons Why This Matters
- Rebuilding Our Foundation: We’re losing too many young journalists, many of whom no longer see the value in attending the convention. Lowering costs is the fastest, most effective way to bring them back and ensure NABJ thrives for the next 50 years. Without the next generation, we don’t have a future. Reducing the cost of attendance gives emerging journalists a reason to engage with NABJ again. It’s a proven way to boost membership, enhance visibility, and drive engagement for the organization.
- Expanding Our Power: More members means more voices, more resources, and more strength when we need it. With more affordable access, we’ll grow our membership and our influence. A larger, more engaged NABJ means greater power to advocate, mobilize, and protect our members—especially when it matters most. We know that young people are crucial to this—especially on social media, where they’ll amplify and push our mission into the national conversation.
- Unlocking New Opportunities: With a larger membership, we can elevate the value of NABJ in the eyes of sponsors and partners. More members also mean more leverage with sponsors, hotels, and advertisers. Imagine negotiating from a position of strength, offering sponsors access to 9,000 Black journalists instead of 4,500. That’s how we secure better deals, higher sponsorships and more impactful events.
Investing in Our Growth—Not Just Spending
Some will say this is risky. But NABJ has the resources. We are sitting on over $8 million in assets, with $2 million idle in a checking account earning nothing. It’s time to put our resources to work:
- Offset convention costs for members
- Launch more regional events
- Strengthen local chapters
- Relaunch our website
- Hire expert leaders—a CTO, CFO, and a Director of Philanthropic Partnerships—to professionalize and modernize our organization
This isn’t reckless spending. It’s a strategic investment—one that will pay dividends in membership growth, sponsorship revenue, and organizational strength for years to come.
A Virtuous Cycle of Growth
Lowering costs will drive membership. Larger membership will attract better sponsors and partners. Increased sponsorship will fund even more opportunities for our members. This is how we build a sustainable, prosperous future for NABJ.
The Leadership NABJ Deserves
Our current leadership has failed to adapt and both of my opponents are running the same race previous candidates have run. They don’t see the urgency of the moment we are in today. We cannot expect the same approach to deliver new results. My plan is part of a comprehensive, 10-step action agenda to transform NABJ—financially, technologically, and culturally.
We need bold action, not business as usual. That’s why I’m running for president. Together, let’s invest in NABJ’s future and build the organization our members deserve.Dion Rabouin
Candidate for President, National Association of Black Journalists