This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

I am hosting the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists convention in Salt Lake, June 27-29, and will be taking some time away from the drawing table to get things ready. Featured in my usual spot on the editorial page will be some of my talented colleagues who plan on attending. Today's cartoonist du jour is Steve Sack, who has been with the Minneapolis Star Tribune since 1981. Like many cartoonists today, he creates his initial work with pen and paper, then transfers it to the computer for the finishing touches and color. This last April it was announced that Steve had won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize.My big idea behind the Salt Lake AAEC Convention is to introduce my fellow Utahns to my profession and my peers (like Steve, who is a genuinely nice guy). The public will have greater access to our proceedings than ever before. In fact, you are welcome to register for the whole cartoonapalooza, regardless of drawing skills. Unlike the sharks depicted in Steve's cartoon, we don't bite. For the most part we are mild-mannered news people.There are things happening even now. Later this week The Leonardo, which is partnering with us on a number of events, is presenting an exhibition of cartoons by the great Washington Post cartoonist, Herbert Block (better known by his pen name, Herblock).The convention will include presentations, panels, the Cartoonist Death Match, and the Cartoons and Cocktails Gala-most of it open to the public, including a documentary on Herblock, which recently premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. I'm also excited to show off my beautiful Salt Lake to the out-of-towners. They have funny ideas about the place, mostly having to do with wives and alcohol.For more about the schedule and events, go to editorialcartoonists.comOne thing bothers me about Steve Sack. I have been with the Tribune since 1979; two years longer than he's been with the Star Tribune. It's possible I have been at my current job longer than any other practicing cartoonist in America - an honor one doesn't quite know how to feel about.