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A Wild Dream Come True: Conference
Fully Booked
(October 4, 2004) -
Putting over two years of hard work into attracting science journalists
from around the world to Montreal and having to announce FULLY
BOOKED, to say "Sorry, we’re at full capacity!"
two weeks before opening day — that was the hardest moment
in all that time spent organizing the Conference.
Drafting a bidding procedure for the 5th World Conference
of Science Journalists because four countries are eager to host
it — that was one of the most satisfying moments. (You’ll
find out who the lucky winner is in the final edition of this
newsletter!)
The truth is there have been dozens upon dozens
of wonderful and highly stimulating moments. Today we hope that’s
how the whole week ahead shapes up for you. Personally, I’d
love to attend all the sessions, but how do you pick when there
are so many intriguing topics and outstanding speakers?
I dreamt of bringing in all my science journalist
friends whom I’ve had the privilege of knowing over the years,
especially in Africa. But in organizing the Conference, I realized
I’d lost track of most of them, while others had left science
journalism altogether.
WCSJ 2004 is therefore a chance to meet new science
journalists. It’s also an extraordinary opportunity to reunite
African, Quebec, Canadian and worldwide friends in Montreal for
an entire week devoted to science journalism!
I’m convinced that one day journalism as a
whole will be influenced by the way science journalists work and
do things. Science journalism faces enormous challenges but a
brilliant future. Thank you for accepting our invitation and enjoy
the Conference!
Jean-Marc Fleury
Executive Director, 4th World Conference of Science Journalists
Senior Communications Advisor with the International Development
Research Centre (IDRC), Ottawa, Canada
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