Thomas Lin, New York Times senior producer, chats with freelancer Yuki Kaneshige during the opening reception of the 20th Annual AAJA National Convention on Wednesday night.Convention News Project Director Marian Liu, left, poses with Emma Carew, an AAJA Voices 2007 alumna, and Patrick Lee, a student with this year's project. | Credit: Audrey Kuo/Voices
Ken Morin, the "honorary male" of the Gund Kwok Asian Women Lion Dragon Dance Troupe, provided a steady drumbeat, accompanied by Connie Wong, far right, and Vivian Louie on cymbals and Carmen Chan, left, on the gong.Convention News Project Director Marian Liu, left, poses with Emma Carew, an AAJA Voices 2007 alumna, and Patrick Lee, a student with this year's project. | Credit: Audrey Kuo/Voices
In spite of her fascination with her father's name badge, Ashlee Tang, 5, said she has no interest in becoming a journalist. Instead, said Stanton Tang, news director for WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids, Mich., "I think she wants to be a princess."Convention News Project Director Marian Liu, left, poses with Emma Carew, an AAJA Voices 2007 alumna, and Patrick Lee, a student with this year's project. | Credit: Audrey Kuo/Voices
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino stopped by to address AAJA members.Convention News Project Director Marian Liu, left, poses with Emma Carew, an AAJA Voices 2007 alumna, and Patrick Lee, a student with this year's project. | Credit: Audrey Kuo/Voices
AAJA Secretary Doris Truong listens to Mayor Thomas M. Menino's speech, holding a stack of the convention bags she was distributing during the reception.Convention News Project Director Marian Liu, left, poses with Emma Carew, an AAJA Voices 2007 alumna, and Patrick Lee, a student with this year's project. | Credit: Audrey Kuo/Voices
AAJA President Sharon Chan welcomes AAJA members to the opening reception.Convention News Project Director Marian Liu, left, poses with Emma Carew, an AAJA Voices 2007 alumna, and Patrick Lee, a student with this year's project. | Credit: Audrey Kuo/Voices
Reception attendees jostle for position to take photos of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke — whose wife, Mona, is a former AAJA member.Convention News Project Director Marian Liu, left, poses with Emma Carew, an AAJA Voices 2007 alumna, and Patrick Lee, a student with this year's project. | Credit: Audrey Kuo/Voices
Gary Locke praised the association for empowering existing and aspiring journalists. "We really depend on a vigilant and active press to keep public officials accountable," he said. Locke dedicated most of his speech to the 2010 Census, arguing that an accurate count ensures equal governmental access and representation.Convention News Project Director Marian Liu, left, poses with Emma Carew, an AAJA Voices 2007 alumna, and Patrick Lee, a student with this year's project. | Credit: Audrey Kuo/Voices
Blue Night Quartet performed jazzy renditions of classic and pop songs, including "Big Spender" from the musical "Sweet Charity" and Coldplay's "Yellow."Convention News Project Director Marian Liu, left, poses with Emma Carew, an AAJA Voices 2007 alumna, and Patrick Lee, a student with this year's project. | Credit: Audrey Kuo/Voices
Wendy Sakuma, 7, stretched out on the floor of the Plaza Ballroom to enjoy the music of Blue Night Quartet. In the background, Sadie Lee, 4, strikes a pose.Convention News Project Director Marian Liu, left, poses with Emma Carew, an AAJA Voices 2007 alumna, and Patrick Lee, a student with this year's project. | Credit: Audrey Kuo/Voices
Frank Witsil, right, Detroit Free Press staff writer and AAJA Secretary candidate, talks with Boston Globe Editor Marty Baron.Convention News Project Director Marian Liu, left, poses with Emma Carew, an AAJA Voices 2007 alumna, and Patrick Lee, a student with this year's project. | Credit: Audrey Kuo/Voices
Yowei Shaw, an AAJA Voices student, takes a quick snack break after a full day of multimedia reporting.
National Convention Co-Chair Sangita Chandra, left, unwraps a scarf from AAJA President Sharon Chan. Chandra and Shirley Leung, the other co-chair, have been planning the Boston convention for the last 18 months. Chandra was excited to get the convention off the ground: "It's a relief, and we're really looking forward to this week."Convention News Project Director Marian Liu, left, poses with Emma Carew, an AAJA Voices 2007 alumna, and Patrick Lee, a student with this year's project. | Credit: Audrey Kuo/Voices
Convention News Project Director Marian Liu, left, poses with Emma Carew, an AAJA Voices 2007 alumna, and Patrick Lee, a student with this year's project. | Credit: Audrey Kuo/Voices
