HSPA and the Foundation have most everything set for the Annual Conference next month.
Nationally respected speakers, revenue-focused round-table topics, golf, food (and beverages of course) – it’s all a go at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis and Southern Dunes Golf Course.
Just one thing is missing. YOU.
Newspaper publishers, executives, editors, and advertising and circulation staffs are invited register by Aug. 21 for reduced registration and to guarantee a spot in the HSPA hotel block.
Registration is available online by clicking here or via brochures that newspapers received by mail.
The two-day event Thursday-Friday, Sept. 25-26 promises revenue-generating information and networking opportunities for Indiana newspaper professionals. Registrants may choose the Annual Conference events they want to attend and pay just for those functions.
FORE!
The festivities start in the afternoon on Sept. 25 with the North vs. South Golf Challenge.
The golf outing is perfect for networking, plus it raises a little money for the HSPA Foundation, said Jack Pate, publisher of the Evansville Courier & Press and president of the Foundation’s board of directors.
“I know from experience that the contacts and business conversations happening on the course will more than pay for my investment in the entire conference,” Pate said. “There is always an idea or a contact I make that is worth the small investment.”
With a new golf outing format this year, participants don’t have to be a golfer to participate.
For a small donation to the Foundation, participants can be a cart buddy or an extra putter with a golf foursome and still enjoy the networking opportunities.
“I hope to see you out on the course to have some fun, discuss a little business and support the great work the HSPA Foundation does in protecting the First Amendment in Indiana,” Pate said.
Fun and function
That evening after the golf outing, conference attendees will meet at the JW Marriott for the Governor’s Reception. Gov. Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, attended last year and have been invited this year.
The conference revs up first thing in the morning Sept. 26 with breakfast, followed by a full schedule of speakers and round-tables. It goes through the evening for those opting to attend the advertising reception, dinner and awards gala.
This year’s Annual Conference carries the theme “Focus on the Future,” with topics designed to help Indiana newspapers stay current and increase revenues.
Bringing publishers and other executives, editors, advertising managers and executives, and circulation executives all together in one location will give every newspaper, big or small, a unique opportunity to hear what others are doing well, said Patrick Lanman, owner of Vevay Media Group and past president of the HSPA Foundation board of directors.
“Attendees can expect to learn from others’ successes and mistakes to avoid – from both national speakers and our Hoosier newspaper peers,” Lanman said. “With ideas on advertising, maintaining and growing audiences, and more, there’s something for every paper at this conference.”
“If you stay home, you’re going to miss a tremendous opportunity,” he said.
Speakers and more
Annual Conference speakers will include:
- Ken Paulson, president of the First Amendment Center, dean of the College of Mass Communication at Middle Tennessee State University and former editor in chief of USA Today. He will address paid content and a free press.
- Val Hoeppner, who will offer workable strategies to use social media effectively for newspapers. The former photojournalist and multimedia director turned trainer presented a hands-on workshop several years ago in Indianapolis and received rave reviews.
- Daniel Schaub, McClatchy Co.’s corporate director for audience development, who will convey ways to develop leadership and will explain converting from circulation to audience development through multiple products.
- Kevin Slimp, a newspaper consultant and trainer, who will speak on customer service and the future of newspapers.
- Larry Maynard, a newspaper consultant who will discuss ways to improve sales across platforms. Maynard works with newspapers to improve advertising, operational and financial performance.
- Mark Cohen, publisher of The Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal and Ohio.com, who will give tips on developing long-term relationships with clients to build new revenue. He will address strategies from pre-call prep to closing the deal.
A plethora of round-table topics will provide time for sharing ideas at the end of the day.
After the conference, advertising professionals and publishers will stay as the HSPA Foundation hosts its Advertising Awards Gala with reception and dinner.
The fine print
The early-bird registration rates include these options: golf ($115); the Governor’s Reception, including dinner ($75); the Friday conference, including breakfast and lunch ($75); and the Advertising Awards Gala, including reception and dinner ($50).
To compare, someone attending the 2014 Thursday evening event, Friday conference and Friday advertising gala will pay $5 more than last year, which included only one dinner.
No separate dinner following the golf outing means a lower registration fee to play. And anyone playing in the Foundation’s fundraiser for the first time receives a $25 discount.
How to register
Please complete the form on the back of the brochure newspapers received by mail, or click here to register online now.
Attendees will make their hotel registrations online through the link on the HSPA Foundation website. The event group rate, along with an HSPA subsidy, make the room rate $145 plus parking and taxes.
Newspapers who participate in HSPA’s ICAN advertising program also receive an additional $75 off a room on Sept. 25.
For more information or to register, click here or call (317) 803-4774.
