CBI’s Virtual NSEMC Draws Students and Pros to Connect Online

Nearly 500 students and advisers from 70 colleges and universities across the country, and around the world, came together for an online version of the annual National Student Electronic Media Convention Oct. 28-30, 2020. CBI was able to offer some of the sessions that are long-time favorites, but also embrace the unique opportunities of an online event to draw attendees and guests that wouldn’t be possible at a traditional in-person event.

Special guest presenters and panelists included Jeff Butera, author of “Write Like You Talk,” as well as TV and radio reporters and producers Glenn Schuck (1010 WINS, New York City), Laura Haefeli (CBS13, Sacramento), Peter Haskell (WCBS Newsradio 880, New York City), Dana Schaeffer (ABC News Radio), Aaron Cummins (Westwood One) and Julia Ritchey (North Country Public Radio). Special guests from television development, writing and programming including Millie De Chirico (Turner Classic Movies), Kate Heckman (Disney+), Daniel Vang (3Arts Entertainment), Gabrelle Utsey (HBO Max), Craig Dewey (CBS) and Abby Jensen (Disney+) participated in panels about working remotely and getting your first job in TV.

Students had a chance to learn about podcasting from pros including Dylan Fagan (iHeartMedia), Alex Goldman (Reply All, Gimlet Media), Sarah Marshall (You’re Wrong About) and Myrriah Gossett (podcasting instructor at the Austin School of Film). Other special guests included representatives from national journalism organizations NABJ, NAB, NLGJA, RAB and NAHJ, plus sales professional Jaleigh Long from Cox Media Group. Attendees also had the unique opportunity to learn about podcasting from students in Cairo, Egypt, connect with vendors and sponsors and discuss legal issues with attorneys Terrance Moore, Dan Kirkpatrick and David Oxenford.

To cap off the event, winners from the annual National Student Production awards were announced, and two members earned special honors: Rob Quicke, of William Paterson University, earned theJoel Willer Award for his work as founder of College Radio Day. Jamie Lynn Gilbert, of North Carolina State University, earned the first-ever CBI Excellence in Advising Award for her work with students at WKNC.

“It was great to see so many students and their advisors be able to come together in this setting and have fantastic opportunities to learn” said John Morris, CBI president, “While we are disappointed that we couldn’t meet in person, the ability to have professionals across the nation as presenters made this special and that was evident by the number of attendees for each session.”

Join us next year at the Rosen Plaza in Orlando, Oct. 27-30, 2021.