Greetings!
As we slowly begin to open up nationally and our citizens are being vaccinated, there does seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said yesterday on one of the Sunday morning shows that we may even be able to attend a baseball game by the end of summer! Fingers crossed!
Road trips will continue to be the main mode of vacationing this year and that is why our next issue of TravelWorld International magazine will focus on this subject. If you have any thoughts or ideas, please contact Joy Bushmeyer at joy@travelworldmagazine.com. The story pitch deadline is today but if you have a great story, we may be able to include it!
Since our last issue of NATJA Notes, we have held several meetings. Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committee met on February 23rd and decided to hold a panel discussion with members on “Telling Our Stories.” This panel will be held on March 24th from 10am-11am PT/1pm – 2pm ET via Zoom. Click here to RSVP.
We are working on designing the upcoming NATJA Virtual Conference and have put together a Conference Planning Committee comprised of Suzie Dundas, Helen Hatzis, Betsi Hill, Barbara Marrett, and Gustavo Rivas-Solis. We plan to hold the virtual conference in late spring with speakers, professional development and a marketplace. Our recent surveys have generated various ideas for workshops. Currently, we are identifying a platform to host the conference.
Our Advisory Board met and discussed various topics and ideas for the NATJA membership, including the conference, which they will be overseeing.
Lastly, on Wednesday, March 3rd at 12pmPT/ 3pm ET will be announcing the winners of the 29th Annual NATJA Awards Competition. Stay tuned!!!!
Thank you again for being a part of a special, robust, and welcoming community.
Kindest personal regards,
Helen Hernandez
Chief Executive Officer
