Program

    Agenda

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    N3Con 2019 will host two full days of panels Friday and Saturday, May 31–June 1, followed by intensive workshops on Sunday, June 2.

    #N3CareerFair: Find Your Next Job!

    For the first time at N3Con, we’re hosting a career fair running all day Friday and Saturday morning. Come and meet with media outlets and employers around the region—and bring your resume and clips. Your next job could start here! For more information and to inquire about exhibiting your company in front of AAJA’s community of journalists, CLICK HERE.

    #N3StorySlam: Your Journey Behind The Scenes

    After an incredibly popular 2018 debut, #StorySlam is returning to N3Con! This is an opportunity to take the stage to share an impactful story about their journey in journalism. Five finalists will present their stories during the Gala Awards night to compete for the US$500 prize! Watch our website for the open call for story pitches.

    Data Journalism: Finding The Story in the Data

    Data is a crucial element in investigative journalism, but accessing and processing data particularly in developing countries remains a challenge. This series of workshops will introduce fundamental data journalism tools, programs, how to access public records, and best practices for interacting with sources.

    Exploring Empathy: Immersive Storytelling for Conflict Reporting

    Gain insight into seeing the world through the eyes of those caught in conflict in this unique masterclass. In collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross, explore where the work of journalists and humanitarians can overlap in finding innovative ways to share stories that help capture attention while preserving dignity – and experience virtual reality as an empathy-generating tool.

    Plenary session and speaker information is coming soon!

    Agenda (click on a session for more info)

    View Full Agenda
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    • ·Newsroom Tours

      Thurs, May 30

    • Day 1

      Fri, May 31

    • Day 2

      Sat, June 1

    • Workshops

      Sun, June 2

    • 09:00 - 17:00
      This tour designed for media professionals brings you behind the closed doors of world-leading news organizations. Get a rare glimpse into how they put out the news day by day, hour by hour, on news cycles that are getting impossibly shorter and shorter. Find out what drives their coverage and unravel the mysteries of how editorial decisions are made. This is your chance to ask top editors and journalists the questions you’ve always wanted to ask! Find out more here: https://www.n3con.com/2019/2019/05/16/n3con-newsroom-tour-tickets-now-on-sale/
      Preregister

    • 09:00 - 17:00
      Newsroom tour for Ryerson University and Columbia Journalism School Student Fellowship winners.
      N3ConU
      Preregister

    • 19:00 - 21:00
      We're kicking off N3Con 2019 with a welcome reception to network and mingle with journalists, VIPs and N3Con supporters. Registration begins at 18:30.
      Networking
      Preregister
      Where
      Google Hong Kong - Times Square, Tower 2, 21/F, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay

    • 08:00 - 12:50
      General
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex Quad, HKU

    • 08:30 - 11:00
      Data analysis has become an essential tool for all journalists, whether you cover a daily beat or want to conduct deep enterprise stories. In this session, we start at the very beginning with Excel and learn how spreadsheets can be used to pull meaning from data. No prior experience is necessary. Bring a laptop with Excel or other spreadsheet software. PRE-REGISTRATION and workshop purchase is required when you buy your tickets. An advanced workshop will be presented on Sunday, picking up where this one leaves off. A discounted bundle of both data journalism workshops is also available. Pick the one that fits your skillset, or get a complete crash course by attending both!
      #Skills
      Workshop
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T2, HKU

    • 10:00 - 11:00
      In 15-minute speed-consulting rounds, mentors will review mentees’ resumes and other materials such as website or reel and help them understand how to target their next career goal. Drop-ins accepted if spots remain. Bring your resume! Go here for more info: https://www.n3con.com/2019/2019/04/07/need-to-overhaul-your-cv-consult-a-resume-doctor-at-n3con-and-we-need-more-doctors-too/ Walmart is a proud sponsor of N3ConU Mentor Match and Resume Doctor.
      Mentoring
      N3ConU
      Preregister
      Where
      Shum Reading Room, Eliot Hall, HKU

    • 10:30 - 17:30
      For the first time at N3Con, we’re hosting a career fair running all day Friday. Come and meet with media outlets and employers around the region—and bring your resume and clips. Your next job could start here! The companies who will be there include Thomson Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, Blackpeak, Acuris, Telum Media, Risk Advisory, Bloomberg, S&P Global, and NBC News.
      Careers
      Networking
      Where
      Chong Yuet Ming Cultural Centre, HKU

    • 11:00 - 12:40
      Early lunch will be provided before the opening remarks and keynote.
      General
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex Quad, HKU

    • 11:10 - 12:40
      An intimate, small group conversation with Anjali Kapoor, Director of APAC News Partnerships at Facebook. She'll share her journey and thoughts on leadership and mapping out a career path, Participants are encouraged to discuss their stories of success and challenges. Limited to 15 participants with 3+ years of experience. Please fill out Google form for admission. https://forms.gle/z5KKEJ7tvNFGtGPq7
      Networking
      Preregister
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T2, HKU

    • 11:10 - 12:40
      An intimate, small group conversation with Chow Chung-yan, Executive Editor at the South China Morning Post. He'll share his journey and thoughts on leadership and mapping out a career path, Participants are encouraged to discuss their stories of success and challenges. Limited to 15 participants with 3+ years of experience. Please fill out Google form for admission. https://forms.gle/WVEoreCaraqRsCLX6
      Networking
      Preregister
      Where
      Shum Reading Room, Eliot Hall, HKU

    • 11:10 - 12:20
      First time to N3Con? Don't know anyone? Have no fear. N3ConU fuses programming, tours, socials and mentoring for the ultimate student experience. All undergraduate and graduate students — and any first-time participants — are invited to an interactive icebreaker orientation that highlights key programming, networking tips and practice, and other advice on how to get the most out of N3Con.
      N3ConU
      Networking
      Preregister
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T7

    • 12:50 - 13:00
      Meet the new president of the Asian American Journalists Association's Asia chapter who will announce the official start of the N3Con.
      General
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T2, HKU

    • 13:00 - 14:00
      Asia's undergoing transformative changes with shifts from the traditional bases of influence and power. Strongmen and authoritarianism seem to dominate politics, while China is gaining economic and political clout with its Belt and Road initiative. How are these shifts playing out, and what are the compelling stories to connect it all? Moderator: Keith Richburg
      General
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T2, HKU

    • 14:00 - 14:10
      General
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex Quad, HKU

    • 14:10 - 15:30
      News leaders from international and regional outlets give us their take on how they are rising to the challenges newsrooms are facing, coverage priorities, diversity efforts and the state of play on digital strategies.
      #Plenary
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T2, HKU

    • 15:30 - 16:00
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex Quad, HKU

    • 16:00 - 17:00
      Radio, video, print—how do we rethink these formats to reach today's readers? Heads of video, podcasts, and newsrooms share their ideas on how innovate old formats for today's media landscape.
      #Beat
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T3, HKU

    • 16:00 - 17:30
      In an era of fake news, what tools are available right now for journalists to quickly verify real images, video and data while identifying manipulated content? Our digital journalism workshop powered by Google News Initiative takes a deep dive into verifying online sources and debunking false information. (Part 1 of this session is on Friday, and and Part 2 is Saturday.)
      #Skills
      Workshop
      Where
      Meh Wah Complex T7, HKU

    • 16:00 - 17:00
      A scoop uncovering abuses of power and social injustice could be the result of diligent record searches, a trusted source, an unfamiliar tipster. How do reporters first dive into a lead to an exclusive investigation? Moderator: Regina Lay
      #Skills
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T2, HKU

    • 17:00 - 17:30
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex Quad, HKU

    • 17:30 - 18:30
      Startups share new models for journalism, how they decided on their audience, what content they produce, and how they make it work in today's diverse media landscape. Moderator: Mike Raomanachai
      #Beat
      #Plenary
      Where
      Meh Wah Complex T2, HKU

    • 17:30 - 18:30
      Learn best practices on using Instragram to report your story, how to get larger audience, ways to engage with them, and what the news should look like on Instagram.
      #Skills
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T3, HKU

    • 17:30 - 18:30
      From negotiating your salary to handling internal politics and finding your dream job, professional career coach Ron Brown can help you navigate the challenges in and outside the workplace. Learn how to take control by learning the language of power and leadership and gain the best strategies to negotiate from a position of strength. This workshop is made possible with the generous support of Cathay Pacific Airlines.
      #Skills
      Careers
      Workshop
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T7, HKU

    • 19:00 - 21:00
      Bloomberg is proud to host the VIP reception at AAJA-Asia’s 8th annual New.Now.Next Media Conference. Come mingle with news leaders, conference speakers, attendees and sponsors. Refreshments and appetizers will be served. RSVP for free when you buy your N3Con tickets.
      Networking
      Preregister
      Where
      Bloomberg Hong Kong, 25th Floor Cheung Kong Centre, 2 Queens Rd. Central

    • 08:30 - 09:20
      In speed-consulting rounds, mentors will review mentees’ resumes and other materials such as website or reel and help them understand how to target their next career goal. Drop-ins accepted if spots remain. Bring your resume! Go here for more info: https://www.n3con.com/2019/2019/04/07/need-to-overhaul-your-cv-consult-a-resume-doctor-at-n3con-and-we-need-more-doctors-too/ Walmart is a proud sponsor of N3ConU Mentor Match and Resume Doctor.
      Mentoring
      N3ConU
      Preregister
      Where
      Shum Reading Room, Eliot Hall, HKU

    • 08:30 - 09:30
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex Quad, HKU

    • 09:30 - 10:30
      China's influence resonates throughout the Asia Pacific as it beomes a leading actor in the region's trade and economy. It's also playing a leading role in the region's politics, sometimes a driver in the heart of a dispute and at other times, a critical political power broker. Thirty years after the Tiananmen Square protests, what does China's rise tell us about the region's economy, democracy and politics? Moderator: Divya Gopalan
      #Plenary
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T2, HKU

    • 10:30 - 11:00
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex Quad, HKU

    • 11:00 - 12:00
      This is an introductory Voice workshop led by Arthur Joseph, founder of the Vocal Awareness Institute. Our Voice is our brand. Participants will learn ho to develop their 'Vocal and Presentational Persona' and implement Vocal Awareness techniques to enhance your broadcast performance or public-speaking skills. Our identities are shaped by the sound of our voice. The root of the word Persona literally means through the sound. Arthur will speak on how to craft your own Persona Statements, identifying ‘This is How I Want to be Known. ’Exercises include body language techniques, vocal warmups to enable you to consistently deliver your message, finding the ‘hub' of your voice (the perfect starting point for your voice in any situation,) seven-minute a day warmups, one-minute Communication Mastery warmups and more. An advanced version of Arthur's workshop Visceral Language is offered from 3 p.m. on Saturday.
      #Skills
      Workshop
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T3, HKU

    • 11:00 - 12:00
      Asia is quickly becoming the center of global economic power. The region is home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world and some of the world's biggest and most promising corporations. This panel will allow attendees to share ideas in small groups with the region's top reporters and editors on story angles you pursue now to reflect this dynamism and how to tell compelling business stories. Moderator: Debarati Roy
      #Beat
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T2, HKU

    • 12:00 - 13:10
      Join three women leaders for an intimate conversation as they share their stories on transformation, finding balance and claiming your voice and power. The conversation will feature Elaine Kurtenbach of the Associated Press, Ching-Ching Ni of the New York Times, and S.K. Witcher, an editor based in Hong Kong. Participants are encouraged to discuss their stories of success and challenges. Limited to participants with 3+ years of experience, no pre-registration required.
      Networking
      Preregister
      Where
      Student Lounge, Eliot Hall, HKU

    • 12:00 - 13:30
      Kick-starting your media career, whether in a traditional newsroom or new media outlet, can be daunting, especially in an evolving media landscape. What are the skills (and knowledge) that you need to navigate in this landscape and be successful? Hear from two veterans in the news business and one of the world's foremost career coaches as you chow down your lunch!
      #Skills
      Preregister
      Workshop
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T2, HKU

    • 12:00 - 13:00
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex Quad, HKU

    • 13:30 - 14:30
      This panel takes a hard look at the issues that undermine press freedom today, with journalists sharing how they stand up to authoritarian regimes. Moderator: Zela Chin
      #Plenary
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T2, HKU

    • 14:30 - 15:00
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex Quad, HKU

    • 15:00 - 16:00
      This is an advanced Voice workshop, led by Arthur Joseph, founder of the Vocal Awareness Institute. Our Voice is our brand. Participants will sharpen their broadcast or public-speaking skills by learning how to annotate their scripts in Visceral Language (i.e. underlining key thoughts, marking where to breathe). Arthur will speak on how to 'Make Voice Visual' so your delivery will be more effective. Mandatory: Prior attendance of a workshop led by Arthur Joseph. Attendees need to come prepared by bringing two scripts and have tape ready to roll on your own devices. An introductory version of Arthur's workshop Voice is Power is offered from 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1.
      #Skills
      Workshop
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T3, HKU

    • 15:00 - 16:00
      In an era of fake news, what tools are available right now for journalists to quickly verify real images, video and data while identifying manipulated content? Our digital journalism workshop powered by Google News Initiative takes a deep dive into verifying online sources and debunking false information. (Part 1 of this session is on Friday, and Part 2 is Saturday.)
      #Skills
      Workshop
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T3, HKU

    • 15:00 - 16:00
      Chinese citizens live and breathe online, even though China's Internet feels like a parallel universe to the rest of the world. How can reporters mine Chinese social media for compelling characters and stories relevant to audiences globally?
      #Beat
      #Skills
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T2, HKU

    • 16:00 - 16:30
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex Quad, HKU

    • 16:30 - 17:30
      Intimidated by video? Want to be better at multimedia? This workshop-style panel is aimed at helping you think more like a video-journalist, whether you’re a text correspondent in need of the basics or a broadcaster interested shifting towards digital.
      #Skills
      Where
      Meng Wah Complex T2, HKU

    • 19:00 - 21:00
      After two days of thought-provoking discussions at N3Con 2019, the conversation continues at the Gala Awards Night and Silent Auction on Saturday, June 1, at 7:00 pm. Also at the Gala Awards Night, finalists from our second Story Slam competition will regale guests and judges with their true tales of tragedy, comedy, and drama to compete for US$500 and other prizes in an exciting live event. Finalists receive free entry to the gala. Stay tuned for how to submit your stories! We will be giving thousands of dollars’ worth of awards to the winners of the Columbia Journalism School fellowship, Google Digital Award, and travel stipends. The dress code is smart casual. Bring your wallet so you can bid on the many silent auction items ranging from hotel stays to coffee bean subscriptions. All proceeds go to AAJA-Asia to help us continue to provide scholarships, fellowships, and fantastic programming throughout the year.
      Networking
      Preregister
      Where
      Foreign Correspondents’ Club Hong Kong, North Block, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central

    • 19:30 - 20:30
      N3Con's second year of #StorySlam, an opportunity to take the stage to share an impactful story about their journey in journalism. Five finalists will present their stories during the Gala Awards night to compete for the US$500 prize!
      Networking
      Preregister
      Where
      Foreign Correspondents’ Club Hong Kong, North Block, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central

    • 09:00 - 17:00
      Gain insight into seeing the world through the eyes of those caught in conflict in this unique masterclass. In collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross, explore where the work of journalists and humanitarians can overlap in finding innovative ways to share stories that help capture attention while preserving dignity - and experience virtual reality as an empathy-generating tool. PRE-REGISTRATION and workshop ticket purchase is required (available when buying tickets).
      #Skills
      Preregister
      Workshop
      Where
      Student Lounge, Eliot Hall, The University of Hong Kong (HKU)

    • 09:00 - 17:00
      Become a Google News Initiative trainer! Applications are now open Google News Initiative Training Network workshop in Hong Kong, in conjunction with the ninth annual N3Con by the Asian American Journalists Association Asia Chapter. The full-day workshop will equip you to use Google tools more effectively to research stories, track sources and break news. You will become a Google News Initiative-certified trainer, able to conduct similar training workshops for your newsrooms. You will also have the opportunity to join the AAJA-Asia Training Program powered by Google News Initiative, which allows you to conduct workshops in your home country—and receive a stipend each time you do it! To learn more and apply, go here: https://www.n3con.com/2019/2019/04/19/join-the-google-news-initiative-training-network-powered-by-aaja-asia/
      Preregister
      Workshop
      Where
      Room 201, Eliot Hall, The University of Hong Kong (HKU)

    • 9:00 - 17:00
      We dig into data using Excel, looking for investigative stories in data. This session will show you not only how to use the software, but how to approach data when looking for story ideas. If you have basic familiarity with spreadsheets, this session will help you find the stories hidden in the data. Please bring laptop with Excel or other spreadsheet software installed. PRE-REGISTRATION and workshop purchase is required when you buy your tickets. UPDATE: This workshop is fully booked and is no longer accepting registrations.
      Workshop
      Where
      Digital Media Lab, Eliot Hall, The University of Hong Kong (HKU)

    Speakers and Moderators

    View all 2019 speakers

    N3Con invites leaders from across Asia to speak and moderate panels and workshops. Previous speakers include: Ellana Lee, Senior Vice President at CNN International; Ted Anthony, News Director of Associated Press; Paul Cheung, Director of Visual Journalism at NBC News Digital; and Yun-Hee Kim, Senior Editor at The Wall Street Journal.

    Career Builder

    Some highlights of the conference for early- and mid-career journalists are the variety of events tailored to help them achieve their goals.

    The one-on-one N3ConU Mentor Match and Resume Doctor link veterans with early and mid-career journalists. Both programs are open to students and journalists of all levels.

    Resume Doctor

    N3ConU offers a speed-mentoring session to offer both students and young journalists quick tips on how to best present themselves on their resume, reel and website. Veteran journalists and media professionals look over the mentees’ materials on-site and advise them on how to target the next step in their career. Applications for Resume Doctor are open until slots are filled.

    Registration is now open!

    CLICK HERE to register for a Resume Doctor consultation session with a seasoned AAJA member.

    To be a Resume Doctor, please register here.

    N3ConU Mentor Match

    AAJA-Asia seeks to take mentoring to the next step with the creation of N3ConU Mentor Match, a year-long specialized mentoring program designed to give mentors and mentees a more comprehensive experience. Mentees apply for the program in March, with the opportunity to meet in person at N3Con. The pairs may keep in touch remotely, with updates by email, phone or video chat at least every quarter. It is the localized version of AAJA National’s Mentor Match, which is revamped this year.

    Mentor Match applicants are now closed for 2019.

    Learn about the Class of 2018 and meet the mentors.

    Newsroom Tours

    Hong Kong is the Asian hub for many top international media organizations. In conjunction with N3Con, AAJA-Asia brings together an unprecedented lineup of news editors and journalists to show you around their newsrooms and share their editorial directions and policies in a no-holds-barred discussion.

    The N3Con Newsroom Tour on Thursday, May 30 brings you behind the closed doors of world-leading news organizations. Get a rare glimpse into how they put out the news day by day, hour by hour, on news cycles that are getting impossibly shorter and shorter. Find out what drives their coverage and unravel the mysteries of how editorial decisions are made. This is your chance to ask top editors and journalists the questions you’ve always wanted to ask!

    Events

    N3Con marks its opening night with a VIP reception, inviting chief editors and leaders from across the industry.
    At the close of the event, the awards gala is filled with food and festivities, a silent auction, and a special keynote speaker. Previous speakers have included North Korean author Hyeonseo Lee, award-winning Korean-American author Krys Lee and Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong.
    The weekend will be dotted with special events for visiting attendees, such as newsroom visits, food tours and other activities.