In many walks of life continuing education sessions are looked upon as a necessary evil, in some cases even required. For visual journalists the seminars are a forum to learn and be inspired. Such was the case this past weekend for the annual ONPA convention and seminar at the Columbus Airport Marriott.

Speakers, Glenn and Malinda Hartong, Kathy Kieliszewski, Denny Simmons, Rob Sumner, Dave Delozier and Darren Durlach all showed that despite the times we work in the ability to deliver powerful story-telling visuals. There was something for everyone as the group included traditional still and video journalism as well as multimedia, solo video journalism and addressed the business side of going freelance.

This event has seen change in recent years with a shrinking and aging membership. There will be more change coming as the board decided at the annual business meeting that the still contest picture judging and the seminar will be combined next spring. This format has been used twice in the past, but met some reluctance in an era where a formal awards dinner was still in fashion. The cost of a hotel chicken dinner brought and end to the awards dinner so the combined event should be welcomed by the membership.

Most state organizations combine the events to avoid having to fly in judges for one event and speakers for another. The cost savings will be a plus for ONPA’s bottom line as well, and the driving force for change. There will be a change of venue for the program as well, with event sessions likely to be held at The Columbus Dispatch.

Convention chairman Craig Holman will look to see what downtown hotel options there are and to see how the cost compares to what the organization has been experiencing at the Airport Marriott. Kudos to Holman who always seems to make putting this event together look very easy. From one who has done it, I know its a lot of work.

Of course the most obvious change this year was Karl Kuntz taking over for me as chairman of the board. I would like to thank the board and membership for a memorable sendoff. A special thanks to Ed Suba, who with the help of my son Rob put together a humorous tribute.

As I told those in attendance I’ve always looked upon my work for ONPA as paying back a student loan. All of what I have done as a photojournalist would not have been possible without ONPA. From the membership, to speakers and judges I’ve learned from you all and am most appreciative.

Thanks to you all.