2009 Midwest Journalism Conference this Friday and Saturday

March 27 & 28, 2009
Holiday Inn Select, Bloomington

Mark your calendars for the 2009 Midwest Journalism Conference! Join journalists from the Midwest for two days of professional development, networking and skills training.

DOWNLOAD A FULL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AND REGISTRATION FORM HERE

Some highlights:

Forgive Us Our Debts —Today’s news is heavy on the economy, and the news is not good. Reporters are finding themselves covering all kinds of things they may not have been really prepared for. Join our expert panel and learn more about how we got ourselves into the economic mess we’re in, what it’s going to take to get us out of the mess, and how reporters can make sense of it for the audience. Panelists will include a representative of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve, Rick Beeson, President of Park Midway Bank, a St. Paul based community bank, Nicole Midedendorf, owner of Strategic Financial and host of “More than Money” every Saturday on a Twin Cities radio station, and Darryl Dahlheimer, program manager for LSS Financial Counseling.

Revving Up Your Resume —Now more than ever, having a solid resume is important to get that all-important job. Panelists will offer advice on what they’re now looking for in resumes from potential employees, plus offer advice on how to best highlight multiple skills now that journalists are being asked to do more than just write. Panelists: John Bodette, St. Cloud Times; additional panelists TBD.

All a “Twitter” about Social Networking & Reporting—Bring your lap-tops for a fun and interactive session examining social networks and journalism. Facebook, MySpace and Twitter aren’t just for people to share information and pictures with friends and family. They are journalism resources for contacting people, gathering information and promoting your station. We will examine who is using social networks and why. We will show you how to search these sites for story information and contacts. We will examine the ethics of using pictures, information or contacts you can find on public spaces and what to do about things you find on a private space. There will also be active demonstration on how media businesses are using these sites for a new way to reach a younger and more non-traditional news audience. Moderator: John (JJ) Murray News Director, KWWL-TV. Panelists: Jason DeRusha Reporter/WCCO-TV, David Brauer Writer/Minnpost.com, Jennifer Jarvis Internet Director/KWWL TV

Business Reporting 101 (for non-business reporters) – With all the news on the economy, layoffs, and other business matters dominating the headlines, all reporters needs to be up to speed on their business-reporting skills. Seasoned business reporters will offer their tips, tricks, and resources for putting together well-researched, impactful business stories. Panelists: Chris Serres, business reporter, Star Tribune and Reporter TBA, Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal.

Send completed form and check payable to NBNA (Northwest Broadcast News Association), to:
Midwest Journalism Conference
P.O. Box 838
Sturgis, SD 57785
Questions? Call Christine Paige Diers (218) 779-9684, or email cpaigediers@gmail.com.