Virtual Events for Bloggers and Journalists in January 2021

Welcome to Blogger Events, a monthly column of what’s happening in the blog world. Here’s our calendar of upcoming events for bloggers and journalists in January. If you have an event you’d like featured, reach out to the Beyond Bylines team via Twitter at @BeyondBylines.

It’s time to break in that brand new 2021 planner and add some learning opportunities to your calendar.

As of now, most events are still being set up as virtual gatherings due to COVID-19. As the year progresses, we’ll see how the event space changes and if we go back to in-person conferences.

Have an event you’d like added to the calendar? Email the team at [email protected].

Anytime: Tips for podcasting during a pandemic

Check out this webinar from the recent Global Health Crisis Reporting Forum. Corrine Podger, director of The Digital Skills Agency, breaks down the most important elements of creating a professional podcast. Topics cover how to choose your “thumb-stopping idea,” prep and research, hardware options, and of course, recording.

January 2021: Yoga for Journalists

2020 was A YEAR and many journalists are experiencing burnout, anxiety, sleep loss, and elevated stress levels. This course from Leslie, the News Yogi, will teach reporters which yoga and meditation practices work best for them and how to use them to address trauma and stress due to their work.

Jan. 5: Solutions Journalism 101

This webinar, hosted by the Solutions Journalism Network, will “explore the ins and outs of solutions journalism, talk about why it’s important, explain key steps in reporting a solutions story, and share tips and resources for journalists interested in investigating how people are responding to social problems.” After that, make sure to check out other useful SJN courses covering topics like reporting on education, crime, and health care.

Jan. 11-14: CES

For the first time in its history, CES will go all-digital in 2021, allowing participants to join from anywhere in the world. “This new experience will feature more than 1,000 exhibitors from around the world, showcasing the latest trends and innovation in artificial intelligence, 5G, digital health, smart cities, vehicle tech, and beyond,” Gary Shapiro, CTA’s president and CEO, said in a press release. A live anchor desk will help attendees navigate the digital experience, hear the latest news, and view interviews. Media registrants are encouraged to complete registration by Jan. 8, 2021.

Jan. 15: International Food Blogger Conference | Social Media

In 2021, the International Food Blogger Conference will include four virtual events in addition to the one big in-person conference in October. The first of the one-day virtual summits is focused on social media. The day will feature eight sessions and attendees can choose just one session or get an All-Access Pass to participate in all of them. Sessions include “How to Use Instagram Stories to Attract an Engaged Audience,” “Blog ‘Gram: Repurposing Blog Content to Instagram,” “How to Overcome Fear and Get Into YouTube Already!” and more.

Jan. 29: BlogHer Health

This free, virtual two-hour event will “fuel your mind and body with tips on how to create compelling content, ways to better navigate your health & inspiring stories.” Industry experts will discuss how to create competitive health & wellness content for your blog, social media platforms, podcast, and more. A focus will be on trending health topics that impact women around the world.

Feb. 3-5: Southern C Retreat

In 2021, the Southern C Summit will feature options for a 3-day retreat in Sea Island, Georgia, and a virtual event. The in-person event is limited to 150 people and sessions and breakout events will be available to virtual attendees. The event is geared toward entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners in a range of industries, including blogging, food, art, beauty, interior design, and more. It’s where #connectcollaboratecreate meets #relaxrechargereignite.

Multiple Dates in Feb. and March: Covering the Statehouse

Reporters covering local politics should consider applying for this series of online workshops hosted by the National Press Foundation. It will include Friday training sessions in February and March, as well as a few summer sessions. Topics will include “localizing federal datasets; putting the impact of the federal government into context; covering Congress and the White House from afar; fact-checking, community engagement, and solutions journalism; and making the most of TV or Zoom appearances.” The deadline for applying is Jan. 25, 2021.

Subscribe to Beyond Bylines to get media trends, journalist interviews, blogger profiles, and more sent right to your inbox.

Rocky Parker is the manager of Audience Relations at PR Newswire. Check out her previous posts for Beyond Bylines and connect on LinkedIn. When she’s not working, Rocky typically can be found cooking, binge-watching a new show, or playing with her puppy, Hudson.