Discounts, roommates make IRE'09 affordable for students

J-school students can learn from the biggest names in investigative journalism — at a reduced rate — during the upcoming IRE Conference in Baltimore.

Students receive a $75 discount off the early-bird conference registration rate, so it costs only $100. In addition, the student membership is just $25. In addition, an online roommate forum gives students a way to connect and save on hotel costs. And there are still some low-cost air fares available.

The event will be held June 11-14 at the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront. May 15 is the last day for hotel reservations at the conference discount rate (if rooms are still available).

Among the expected conference speakers are Bob Woodward of The Washington Post, Donald Barlett and James Steele of Vanity Fair, Jill Abramson and Dean Baquet of The New York Times, Brian Ross of ABC News, Seymour Hersh, investigative reporter, Armen Keteyian and Byron Pitts of CBS News, and David Simon, creator of "The Wire" and a longtime Baltimore journalist. Jon Klein, president of CNN-U.S., will deliver this year's keynote address.

This year’s program offers essential tips, advice and strategies for investigating the biggest stories of the day. Panels will focus on the economic meltdown, new-media strategies, nonprofit journalism and all sorts of investigative techniques.

The conference hotel is the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, and it’s a great place to stay because you are able to attend the day’s training and then meet with your colleagues for networking at night. The hotel is located in Harbor East on the Waterfront. The hotel has plenty of stores and restaurants all within walking distance. If you reserve your room between now and May 15, then you’ll be eligible for several incentives we have worked out with the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront:

• Complimentary Internet in your room throughout your stay (they normally charge $12.95 per night).
• Each attendee who books a room will receive three 20 percent discount coupons for any meal in Grille 700 - the hotel restaurant.
• You will be entered into a raffle to be eligible to win a future one-night stay at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront hotel. Two of these will be raffled after May 15 at which time winners will be notified.
• By making your reservation you will be entered into a raffle for an upgrade to a larger room during your stay. Three upgrades will be raffled after May 15 at which time winners will be notified.

To make a reservation, visit the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront's reservations page.