As always, the SEJ conference team has respected the fact that alcohol is the better part of journalism, and thus has arranged for some evening festivities at various cool locations while we're all in Roanoke.
Here's what's happening where, and when...
Wednesday 5-8 pm: Opening reception and dinner. Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke Ballroom.
- After that, check the hotel bar or nearby bars.
Thursday 5-9pm: Hospitality receptions & exhibitor sneak peak. Hotel Roanoke: Crystal Ballrooms, Roanoke Ballrooms, Roanoke Foyer, Crystal/Roanoke Shared Foyer, Crystal Foyer. Schmoozefest. Pig out on appetizers and (most likely) adequate wine & beer.
- After that, check the hotel bar or nearby bars.
Friday, after the beat dinners: At 9pm, local SEJer John Manuel's blues band, the Bleumatics, will be playing at Blue5 Restaurant at 312 2nd St., Roanoke. "We play rock and roll-- Beatles, Clapton, John Mayer--mixed in with some Zydeco and reggae. Warning: we may bring some SEJers on stage to sing Mustang Sally!" No cover charge.
- As long as no karaoke is involve, I'll think we're safe.
Saturday, 7-11pm: BIG PARTY! This is the annual blowout that generally kicks ass. PRE-REGISTRATION required, $35 fee. "Join the SEJ Party Train for an evening full of fellowship, food and drink. We'll sing and dance to the soulful regional music of James Leva and Purgatory Mountain!"
- At the Virginia Museum of Transportation, located just a few blocks from the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. The party takes place outside in the museum's rail yard. Cash bar and buffet barbecue.
- Walking Directions: Leaving the main lobby of the Hotel Roanoke, use Market Square walkway down to Norfolk Avenue. Look for SEJ hand-wavers to guide you to the museum just three blocks away.
...As always, after this, check the hotel bar or nearby bars.
I've mapped out these and other key locations on this Google Map:
Do you know about other SEJ parties in Roanoke this weekend, or cool bars that won't look down on "our type?" Please comment below.
Way to go, Amy! Clearly this is almost all that we are looking for and probably the most valuable contribution to the blog we will see!
I'd quibble, perhaps, about the alcohol, since food may be the better part of some of these parties and also maybe the foodshed tour.
Just one addendum to the Party Agenda. The SEJ Website actually has a list of Thursday night reception sponsors (linking them to rooms, so you don't have to waste your time on irrelevant potstickers. It's a bit hard to find navigating the site, but just go straight to http://www.sej.org/confer/vatech/hosp_receptions.htm .
Food & drink are always top shelf at Bracewell & Giuliani reception.
I may be giving Zydeco lessons (personal or group) at the Blues5 thing but no promises.
As a freelancer, I do feel it important to mention the importance of freelance or impromptu parties. The freelancers usually organize one. Loosely.
Posted by: Joseph A. Davis | October 14, 2008 at 09:03 PM