Grab a drink from the bar (dutch treat) and join your SCPA friends and staff for networking before we stroll down Main Street for the evening's festivities!  

Group Dinner
Villa Tronco, 1213 Blanding Street 

Located in a historic 19th century Firehouse, Villa Tronco serves the traditional Italian cuisine that Mama Tronco introduced to Columbia more than 75 years ago. Family owned and operated for four generations, Villa Tronco offers authentic and aromatic recipes, old-world atmosphere, and warm Italian hospitality. Guests will enjoy an entrée, salad, bread, Carmella's famous cheesecake and beverage of choice (Beer, wine, tea, or soda). Registration is required for this event as there is limited seating. 
Cost to attend: $35 

Atrium, The Marriott

Journalists at all levels are expected to be and do everything these days; from photography (on a cell phone!), to social media, to videography ... stories now need to be told in a hundred different ways. Do you have the skills you need to succeed? Need some refreshers? Courtesy of The Associated Press, our instructors are experts who will lead a hands-on workshop to ensure you have the tools you need. Allen G. Breed joined The Associated Press as a news clerk in Louisville, Ky. He was named Pikeville, Ky., correspondent in 1991. In March 1998, Breed was named Southeast regional writer, based in Raleigh, N.C. He is currently a national writer attached to the News Features Department and has covered a number of hurricanes, including Katrina and Ike, and has assisted in the coverage of such national stories as the D.C. sniper case, the Columbia space shuttle disaster and the Deepwater Horizon explosion. He has also done original computer-assisted reports, including packages on physicians who grow tobacco and penalties for adults who left children to die in hot vehicles.  Tim Rogers is the news editor for The Associated Press for North Carolina and South Carolina. He has worked in many capacities as an editor and reporter for the last 25 years which coincides with the rapid expansion of the capabilities of newspapers and traditional text journalists to deliver multi-format journalism to customers in a variety of ways. In his capacity as news editor, he is responsible for overseeing the breaking news, enterprise and investigative stories that originate from the Carolinas and works with reporters and editors to make sure these stories are being delivered across all formats to the AP’s state, national and international customers. 

Paula Ellis, senior associate at the Kettering Foundation and trustee of the Poynter Institute, will give us a national and local view of newspaper credibility and reflect on dramatic shifts in the news industry. Nationally, trust in media is at an historic low. Are local newspapers tarred with the same image problems?  If so, how do we improve our image and credibility? How does all of this impact the need for aggressive journalism?  Have people quit listening to the press and written us off as liars? Paula will offer her ideas on the vital role of newspapers in a democracy, with time for questions. Paula is former publisher of The Sun News and former managing editor of The State. She previously served as vice president for strategic initiatives for the Knight Foundation. Throughout her career as a news, corporate and civic leader, Paula has developed deep experience in national and community issues. 

Following the Daily Awards Dinner, the Marriott Rocks at Midlands' Lounge and patio area will stay open for celebratory cocktails. Or venture out onto Main Street, where there are several bars and restaurants within walking distance.