AWSM Convention a success!

The 2010 AWSM Convention is finally in the books, and what a weekend it was.

More than 100 attendees in all joined us in Los Angeles, taking in everything from bowling at Lucky Strike Lounge to a Dodgers victory over the Pirates.

Do you have pictures, video or a story to share from the convention? Please send you content to Nicole Vargas or post it on the AWSM Convention page on Facebook. It will not only be featured on this site, but on the new AWSM web presence that will debut Sept. 1. The deadline for content is Friday, May 7.

Update: Advance registration is closed!

Advance registration for the AWSM Convention closed Friday, April 23 at noon PT. That included all registrations for members, non-members and students, as well as guests interested in attending off-site events (Opening Night, Pioneer Lunch, GRAMMY Museum, Dodgers game).

On-site registration will be available starting Thursday, April 29 at 2 p.m. However, the rate will increase to $175 for students, $225 for members and $275 for nonmembers, and may exclude off-site events already sold out.

Individuals attending the AWSM Career Fair on Saturday can continue to register by email to VP/Conventions Nicole Vargas (convention2010@awsmonline.org). The cost of the career fair is $10.

Opening night with Janet Evans

Olympic gold medalist Janet Evans will speak on opening night of the 2010 AWSM convention in Los Angeles. A five-time Olympic medalist, she first won gold at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and still holds world records in the 400m, 800m and 1,500m freestyle events.

For more on Janet, visit http://www.janetevans.com/

We’ll depart the Westin Bonaventure for Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge at 7 pm, Thursday, April 29. AWSM has reserved the Luxe VIP Lounge, a private party area, for opening night.

Registration for the convention remains open ($125/students, $175/members, $225/nonmembers). Tickets for opening night only are $50. Visit: http://awsmconvention.wordpress.com/register/

Lunch with Ann Meyers Drysdale

Women’s basketball pioneer Ann Meyers Drysdale will speak at Saturday’s lunch at the Westin. Meyers, a Hall of Famer and award-winning broadcaster, is general manager of the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury.

She was the first woman to receive a full athletic scholarship from UCLA. Upon graduation, Meyers held 12 of 13 school records and led the Bruins to the national championship in 1978. Meyers also competed in volleyball and won a national championship in track. She was on the 1975 U.S. Olympic team, and remains the only female to sign a free-agent contract with an NBA team having signed with the Indiana Pacers in 1979.

Photo courtesy of the Phoenix Mercury

Complete convention schedule now available

The schedule for the AWSM Convention is now available online.

This year’s event, which kicks off on Thursday, April 29, at the Westin Bonaventure, is packed with inspiring speakers, informative panels and great opportunities to learn, grow and network.

Among the highlights is an opening-night event at the Lucky Strike Lounge, the AWSM Career Fair and a trip to Dodger Stadium for a baseball game.

To view the complete schedule, click here or view the “Schedule” page by clicking on the tab above.

Convention hotel special rate extended

The special rate for the AWSM convention hotel has been extended to April 16. So, even if you haven’t had time to register yet for the convention — be sure to book your hotel at the fabulous rate of $109 at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles.

The Bonaventure is a short walk from LA Live, which includes the Staples Center, NOKIA Theatre, GRAMMY Museum, ESPN’s new production center and numerous restaurants and nightclubs. It’s also close to Dodger Stadium and Pasadena.

To register, click here.

Update: Special rate is now closed.

Career Fair resources available

The AWSM Career Fair is set for Saturday, May 1 at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles. The event begins at 2:30 p.m.

Among the employers scheduled to attend are ESPN, Yahoo! Sports, MLB.com, FoxSports.com, New York Times, Associated Press, Salt Lake Tribune, Los Angeles Daily News, Orange County Register, North County Times and Sports Media Exchange.

Come dressed to impress and bring copies of your résumé. The cost is $10 (parking not included). To register, click here.

We have also created a complete resource guide for men and women who plan to attend. To view the guide, click here. It is also accessible by clicking on the Career Fair menu tab.

Perez wins movie quote grand prize!

Sherry Perez of Lyons Publics Relations was drawn as the grand prize winner of the AWSM Classic Movie Quote Contest.

Perez wins a free convention registration, valued at $175. Congratulations to Perez and all the finalists!

Have you reserved your spot? This year’s convention has something for everyone. To register, click here.

Finalists set for free registration drawing!

Each week, AWSM members have tried their hand at guessing a classic movie quote. And each week, a new winner was drawn.

The six members below have already won a $50 discount on their AWSM Convention Registration. One lucky finalist will have their name drawn one final time for a free convention registration, valued at $175. The winner will be announced on April 1.

The finalists are:

Sherry Perez of Lyons Publics Relations

Yvonne Jones of CBSSports.com

Leba Hertz of the San Francisco Chronicle

Joey Chandler of the Chillicothe (Ohio) Gazette

Dana Wakiji of The Detroit News

The New York Times’ Patty LaDuca

Perez last winner in movie drawing

The last name has been drawn!

Sherry Perez of Lyons Publics Relations was drawn as the winner of the AWSM Classic Movie Quote Contest, winning a $50 discount on her AWSM Convention Registration.

Perez joins our esteemed list of weekly winners, whose names will be entered into an April 1 drawing for a free convention registration, valued at $175.

Stay tuned for the big announcement!