2023 National Press Club 'Press vs. Politicians' Spelling Bee

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Sep 20 2023

WHEN:

Sep 20, 2023 at 7:00pm

CONTACT INFO:

Kate Helster

[email protected]

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The relationship between members of Congress and the journalists who cover them can be testy at times. But it will be all fun and games as lawmakers and reporters square off in the Press vs. Politicians Spelling Bee at the legendary National Press Club in downtown Washington on Wednesday, Sept. 20. More than 200 journalists, politicians, and spelling fanatics will join us to cheer spellers as they spar while enjoying refreshments.

The first such event was held in 1913, with newly elected President Woodrow Wilson in the audience for the inaugural showdown, which was won by members of the House and Senate. The Press vs. Politicians Spelling Bee was reinstated on its 100th anniversary in 2013 and has become a Washington tradition since. After a brief intermission during the pandemic the Spelling Bee returned in full force last year with a win for team-Journalist!

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the Bee will start at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the door, along with a cash bar and complimentary snacks.

Our Spellebrity official for the Bee is 1980 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion and official pronouncer for the Bee Dr. Jacques A. Bailly and 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion Dev Shah.

Team Press

Amy Wang, National Politics Reporter, The Washington Post
Mark Walker, Investigative Reporter, The New York Times
James Graff, Justice and Judiciary Editor, The Wall Street Journal
Catalina Camia, Deputy News Director, Bloomberg Industry Group
Fawn Johnson, News Director, Bloomberg Industry Group

Team Politician

Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH)
Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA)
Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA)
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)
Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI)

Proceeds from the Spelling Bee support the Club's nonprofit affiliate, the NPC Journalism Institute (EIN: 52-1750908). NPCJI serves 8,000+ journalists annually through its training, press freedom efforts, scholarships and more. Contact NPCJI Development Manager Mitch Harle for sponsorships: [email protected], (713) 492-1556.