[conferences] New Avenues in Journalism, conference for freelancers, Oct 10-11, SF

Faced with sweeping changes in their industry, three leading journalism organizations are holding a conference to help freelance writers re-envision their careers.

New Avenues in Journalism will bring together media innovators to coach freelancers about custom content, new publishing models, crowd, funding, venture capital, grants and fellowships and other sources of income.

Sponsored by the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), San Francisco State University (SFSU) Journalism Department and the Online News Association (ONA), the conference will take place Oct. 10-11, 2014, in the SFSU Humanities Building.

Keynoter and preeminent tech journalist Kara Swisher is  the former co-host of AllThingsD. She will give her view of the shifting world of independent journalism in her address. Swisher recently embarked in her own entrepreneurial venture as co-CEO of the tech blog Re/code.

Much of the meeting will address the burgeoning field of custom content — journalistic articles commissioned to support products and services.

Other speakers will discuss how writers can secure funding from investors, foundations and philanthropists; successfully act as their own publishers; and sell merchandise and consulting as auxiliary income.

Attendees can choose the full day on Friday ($195 for 10 am – 4:30 pm plus networking event) and/or the half day on Saturday ($95 for 9 am to noon). Admission includes an informal lunch and a wine reception Friday. ONA, ASJA and Pacific Media Workers Guild members will receive a discount. PMWG members use discount code SF20PMWG.

For an additional $25, participants can meet face-to-face with representatives looking to hire writers.

For a complete program and other information visit the conference website.