The Student Publication Association is delighted to welcome Roxy-Moon Dahal Hodson as our new Conference and Events Officer. 

Originally from South Wales, Roxy-Moon is an English student at King’s College London. She is currently working as the Essays Editor of Strand Magazine. 

A self-professed conversationalist, Roxy enjoys connecting and collaborating with others and believes this is key to navigating networking and events. She is focused on pushing for more working-class representation in the creative industry and is proud of her working life in the hospitality sector. Roxy’s writing is infused with a fascination for people no matter what the section, and it attempts to bring interesting topics to the forefront of journalism.

Appointment Background

Following the resignation of Talia Andrea, elected at our AGM in Bristol during #SPANC24, as Conference and Events Officer in August 2024, Roxy-Moon takes over the post via co-option with immediate effect. She will serve until #SPANC25. 

As per the SPA’s Governing Documents, a vacant position of the Executive Committee must be filled by an election. However, the position can be temporarily filled by co-option pending an election (to be held in person or online). The timing and nature of this election process is left to the discretion of the Executive and Trustee Board. 

After extensive consultation, with the best interests of our members always to the fore, it was decided by the full SPA 2024/25 team that the most straightforward path forward was to appoint a candidate via co-option and let them serve until #SPANC25. The significant disruption, and diversion of resources, that an open election process, even if held online, would entail was deemed not appropriate or right for our members given the existing plans for workshops, trainings, and regional awards over the coming weeks.

Any questions on this matter can be directed to chair@spajournalism.com 

Looking ahead

Commenting on the appointment, SPA Chair 2024/25 Jack Walsh said, ‘’I’m thrilled to have Roxy-Moon join us as the new Conference and Events Officer. I look forward to working with her over the coming months to bring our members an expanded set of regional awards and of course, our big set piece national conference, #SPANC25, next year. To Talia, I extend my appreciation on behalf of the entire SPA for the work completed during her tenure, and wish her the very best as she embarks on new opportunities.’’

Roxy-Moon will take over planning the SPA’s regional awards straight away as well as the national conference, #SPANC25. More information on regionals will be made available to all members over the coming weeks. The bidding process for #SPANC25 is currently open. Set to conclude on the 13th of October, prospective bidders are encouraged to reach out to Roxy-Moon before submitting to arrange a meeting. An announcement on the location for #SPANC25 will be made before the end of the year.

Roxy-Moon can be contacted via events@spajournalism.com.