Coming events.

The date for the cocktail reception for newsletter professionals at the National Press Club has been changed from October 17 (as reported in the last issue) to November 2, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Joel Whitaker of Whitaker Newsletters Inc. is on the NPC membership committee, which might explain the Club's reaching out to newsletter professionals.

The invitation reads: "How do you combine exclusive access to jobs, freelance coaching and career-building tools with a place to network, a library full of resources, professional development training, and the best bar in town?

"Come find out about the benefits of National Press Club membership at a cocktail reception for newsletter professionals.

"Complimentary appetizers and cocktails will be served while you meet with NPC members and your fellow newsletter professionals."

Joel says that initiation fees are waived for anyone attending the reception.

R.S.V.P. Sarah Driggs, director of membership recruitment, NPC, 202-662-7511 or [e-mail].

"Taming the e-Commerce Frontier: SEM, Conversion and Analytics to Drive Profits," Specialized Information Publishers Association's mid-year marketing conference, Dec. 6-8, 2006, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas (see lead article this issue).

Sessions include: successful new e-mail marketing strategies; e-zine secrets that drive open rates; new directions in search engine optimization;

the new rules of design and site navigation; and how to capitalize on a maturing blogosphere.

SIPA, 8201 Greensboro Drive, #300, McLean, VA 22102, 703-610-0260, fax [phone].