Journalism Institute plans Tableau Software training on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.

A trainer from Tableau, a unique software tool to create an interactive web graphic, is offering a two-hour, hands-on class Oct. 3 at the National Press Club.

The free software can transform a pile of data into an eye-catching web graphic for a website or blog. The software allows journalists and bloggers to visualize data fast and publish it interactively to the web without programming.

This event is sponsored by the National Press Club Journalism Institute and the National Press Club's Professional Development Committee. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Register by clicking here. Members should log in to get the discount code.

Ellie Fields, senior director of product marketing for Tableau, plans to cover the basics of using Tableau to quickly create maps and charts and post them to your website. Fields will also review advanced features of this free software and provide real-life examples of reporters and news organizations who used Tableau to transform dull data into great graphics.

NOTE: This will be the morning of the first presidential debate. For some, a late night might afford some morning leeway for training. But please do not reserve a spot if debate coverage will prevent you from attending.