I'm going to a session in [mumblemumblemumble...]

Montreal is a fantastic city with tons to do and see and enjoy.

But that's not all that you're looking for from NLGJA's 2009 National Convention & 6th Annual LGBT Media Summit.

Perhaps, like me, you're working on how to pronounce the names of the breakout session rooms in a way that isn't too terribly offensive to our French Canadian hosts. Auteuil? Alfred-Rouleau? Ete des Indiens?

Just me? Okay.

Then how about the sessions. You can read all the snappy blurbs we've written to describe breakouts on trainings and panels like Ad Wars and Training on the Side and What's My Plan B?

But why these panels?

Planning a convention is a bit like inviting a half dozen friends to dinner. Three folks are vegan, two aren't doing wheat right now and one won't eat anything beige. (You know what I'm saying. You've been there.)

For this year's program we've focused on creating sessions that can give you something to take back and put to use on Monday morning. Whether you're a freelancer or newsroom staffer, editor for an LGBT weekly or on-air talent for a major cable news network. Our goal was to offer training that would cross platforms and cross skill levels.

Okay now. Vaudreuil? Anjou?

Anyone?