By Casey D. Hall
Insight Staff Writer

After missing the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association convention in Miami last year because of costs and scheduling conflicts, Bonnie Osborn said she was excited to attend this year's convention.

The public relations pro said she has attended most of the conventions for the past six years.

"I attend almost every session," she said. "We're sort of the black sheep of the family a little bit, but at the same time I really value the relationships I make with both PR [people] and queer journalists."

Osborn said she is already excited to attend next year's convention in Washington because of the focus on the upcoming elections.

The 2008 theme is "NLGJA Goes to Washington." Although program planning won't begin until November, Avila said there will be a focus on the election year.

After a year that reflected San Diego's laid-back attitude, meeting planner Sam Snyder said Washington is likely to be a faster-paced affair.

Avila said it's also nice to be so close to the NLGJA national office.

"It's going to be fun that we're going to be working with people in our own backyard," he said.

Kevin Barry, a freelance journalists and public relations professional, attended the NLGJA convention for the first time this year as the official blogger.

He said he has enjoyed talking about the scandal unfolding around Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho).

"I know it sounds funny to say that," he said. "But we are in the middle of a media scandal that directly affects our community."

Barry said he is looking forward to lively discussions about the election next year, given the timing.

In addition to political discussions, Avila said the convention will include more professional development and fewer breakouts sessions with multiple events to allow time for sightseeing.

"This year was a trip to the Gaslamp," Avila said. "Next year will be a quick walk to Dupont Circle."

And NLGJA is planning well into the future, Avila said.

The next three years will take NLGJA to Washington, NLGJA's home base; Montreal, the first international city to host the convention; and San Francisco, NLGJA's birthplace, Avila said.

For the first time, NLGJA has its next three convention locations planned and booked, he said.

Avila said planning for the 2009 convention in Montreal is in progress as well.

"Montreal, this past year, did amazing things to try to get us out there," he said.

The city of Montreal has been working with NLGJA to secure hotels, preview nightclubs and prepare to ship equipment to Canada, Avila said.

Avila said NLGJA is aiming to ensure that there are no added complications for members attending the convention in Montreal.

There are members of NLGJA who work with Canadian bureaus and other journalism organizations have had conventions in Canada, Avila said.

And Montreal has been especially eager to host the NLGJA convention, he said.

"Montreal more than rolled out the red carpet," he said. "They have really been thoughtful and generous."