From the Newseum:
WASHINGTON — The 15th annual National Freedom of Information Day conference to be held at the Newseum will bring together groups concerned with freedom of information and open records, including FOI advocates, government officials, lawyers, librarians, journalists and educators.
Held each year in part to commemorate the March 16th birth date of James Madison, the conference is conducted in partnership with the American Library Association, OpenTheGovernment.org, the Project on Government Oversight, and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. The event is also part of the annual Sunshine Week initiative sponsored by the American Society of News Editors and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.
The 2013 conference will feature a keynote discussion with noted First Amendment attorney Floyd Abrams, subject of a new book by author and law professor Ronald L.K.Collins. There will also be a discussion of a soon-to-be-released video documentary, "Whistleblowers."
During the conference, the American Library Association will announce its annual James Madison Award recipient, an award presented to individuals or groups that have championed, protected and promoted public access to government information and the public's right to know.
In morning sessions, OpenTheGovernment.org will present its 8th annual Sunshine Week examination of the state of openness in the federal government, focusing this year on outlook for President Barack Obama's second term.
There is no charge to attend the conference, but attendees are encouraged to register in advance to guarantee seating. To register, please contact Ashlie Hampton at ahampton@freedomforum.org or 202/292-6288. When registering, please provide your name, title, affiliation and contact information for agenda updates and other news.
Visit National Freedom of Information Day at the Newseum.