A free workshop on how to get free publicity with appearances by actual journalists might sound too good to be true. It isn't.

The Hawaii Chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association is presenting just such a workshop from 6:30 to 8 p.m. tonight in the first-floor conference room at 605 Kapiolani Blvd.

AAJA presenters will talk about how to write a good press release and how to give a good interview, as well as who you can contact with your shiny new release and when you should do so.

Honolulu Star-Bulletin features section reporter, blogger and social media user Jason Genegabus will be among the panelists sharing expertise and, likely, a few laughs.

Yesterday was sort of the registration deadline, but that was mostly “;to get an idea of how much stuff to buy for refreshments,”; said organizer Yu Shing Ting, a reporter for Star-Bulletin sister-publication MidWeek.

“;People can still RSVP ... or even just show up,”; she said. Reservations, if you are so inclined, can be made at 235-5881, extension 343, or via .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Tech-biz honors coming

The Hawaii Venture Capital Association is rolling out its first honors for technology entrepreneurs on Friday evening.

“;Technology is really the future and the marketplace is global,”; said HVCA President Bill Spencer. Not to take anything away from bricks-and-mortar businesses, but HVCA's focus on technology “;is to really build our economy and create exports and balance the economy when tourism is not there fulfilling its potential.”;

“;We're very interested in demonstrating how important technology is to improving our economy,”; he said.

It will honor technology entrepreneurs, to be named at the event, in four categories: a young entrepreneur; clean technology; digital media and invention.

Nominees were identified by HVCA members and the winners were vetted by its 12-member board of directors, Spencer said.

The event is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Plaza Club and the cost varies, but starts at $50 for members of HVCA and affiliated organizations.

Reservations are being taken by Gail at 262-7329 or can be made online.

The HVCA Web site invites entrepreneurs to get listed in its database with no membership requirement. The registration is at the “;Entrepreneur Listing”; link on its drop-down “;Join Us”; menu.

Without endorsing anyone, HVCA randomly selects an entrepreneur of the day whose listing will appear as a link in HVCA e-mails and online.

“;We're all about supporting entrepreneurs and making sure there's enough (venture capital) money to support them,”; Spencer said.