The Society of Professional Obituary Writers will hold its 2009 Convention at the Residence Inn Charlotte Uptown, 404 S. Mint St., Charlotte, N.C., April 23-25, 2009.

The event includes a Thursday evening get-together, professional development sessions Friday and Saturday, and the presentation of the 2009 SPOW Awards for obituary writing.

Gerry Hostetler, who wrote an obituary column called "It's a Matter of Life" for the Charlotte Observer until retiring in early July 2008, will be the local host.

Unfortunately, the legendary Jim Nicholson, retired Philadelphia Daily News obit writer who won the first SPOW Lifetime Achievement Award, won't be able to speak at the convention after all. He has commitments that will keep him out of the country until the summer of 2009.

Who else would you like to have speak to us? Would you like to give a presentation? What subjects should we discuss?

We're especially looking for journalists and others from the Charlotte area and the southeastern states to conduct workshop sessions, to be involved in program selection and to help Gerry with planning and execution of the event.

Send suggestions, presentation proposals and offers of help to convention@obitwriters.org.

Although the convention sessions will be geared toward professional development of obit writers, the convention will be open to anyone who wants to pay the registration fee. Registration fees will be announced soon.

Information on the hotel and room rates for the convention, visit our Reservations page.

Convention details, including progams and registration, will be posted as they become available. Session descriptions will be announced well in advance of the convention.

Direct questions, suggestions and comments to us at convention@obitwriters.org.