Yesterday, I lamented how much it costs to attend the convention's special events. Now allow me to pimp my own thing, which costs nothing. In fact, you get stuff.A week from today, you can leave with food in your belly and a $25 Amazon gift certificate in your pocket.
Thanks to an SDX grant, we're hosting the second annual Ethics Hold'em tournament. If you're not familiar with the game, it's basically Texas Hold'em with an ethical twist. Learn where to go and how to play here. If you want to see how it looks in action, click here.
Besides price, there are three distinct differences between this extra-curricular activity and the others at the convention...
1. Most convention after-hours events — and this isn't particular to SPJ — are cliquish. There's no host/hostess to introduce you around. So once you stroll inside, you're on your own. This has always been one of my big beefs with mixers and receptions: They aren't very receptive to mixing. But poker has a way of breaking down barriers. Last year, SPJers who didn't know each other sat elbow-to-elbow and talked about emptying newsrooms and full houses.
2. Most after-hours events are passive and predictable. You pay your money, you snatch hors doeuvres from passing trays, you turn in your free drink ticket at the portable bar on wheels, and you awkwardly try to strike up a conversation with someone who has a name tag like yours. Maybe a VIP even gives a speech. But you don't actually do anything. At least with Ethics Hold'em you get to bet, check, or fold.
3. This isn't just a social event, it's programming that SPJers can take home with them. SDX's wonderful grant also paid for 100 of the customized decks of playing cards. We'll give some away to chapter leaders who want to host an Ethics Hold'em poker tournament of their own.
Even if you don't know how to play poker, come on by. One table will be set up just for beginners. And consider this: The first-ever Ethics Hold'em tournament came down to two finalists, and one was a young journalist who had never played poker in her life.
MONDAY: The best convention sessions.
