The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) is holding its Region Four Annual Conference titled “Make Room: Diversifying our Coverage, Skills and Community" at 51����. 51����’s SPJ student chapter is teaming up with the Cleveland SPJ professional chapter to host the two-day conference. Professional and student journalists from across four states will convene for panels and discussions on Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9.

The conference will feature various panels from prominent journalists about broadening both skills and knowledge with a focus on diversity in the newsroom and in media coverage. Examples of panel topics include “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Female Editors Share their Stories,” “Navigating the Newsroom: How to Make Your Voice Heard” and “First Amendment Rights for Students.”

The conference begins on Friday at 7 p.m. with trivia and networking at the historic City Club of Cleveland. The event reconvenes at 8 a.m. on Saturday in the 51���� Glasscock Ballroom. The day will consist of breakout panel discussions, keynote speakers and the announcement of the Mark of Excellence Awards, which honor the best in student journalism. 

SPJ is a nationally recognized organization “dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.”