Classes, panels being planned for upcoming Hollywood CAR

Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc. The IRE Journal, Nov/Dec 2004

Planning is under way for "Hollywood CAR," the 2005 Annual Computer-Assisted Reporting Conference to be held March 17-20 at the Renaissance Hollywood hotel.

The event will draw some of the hottest stars and celebrities of journalism, including many from the Los Angeles area. Speakers will address how to obtain and work with data for a wide range of beats and reporting specialties, including homeland security, crime, education, local and state government, transportation, freedom of information, the Census and others.

Hands-on classes for novices and advanced computer-assisted reporters will be held, and instructors will provide lessons on spreadsheets, mapping, and using statistical software and database managers. You may arrive knowing nothing about CAR, but you will leave eager to put newfound skills to use.

Registration is $150 for members and $200 for nonmembers (this includes a $50 one-year IRE membership). Student rates are also available.

You can register online (www.ire.org/training/ hollywood05) or watch for additional details as they unfold.