2009 Fall Conference Program
The MPA Fall Conference is scheduled for Oct. 16-17 at Point Lookout in Northport, a beautiful resort less than an hour’s drive from Augusta and Bangor near the village of Lincolnville. All accommodations are luxury 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and a limited number of 3-bedroom cabins with plenty of open space and privacy. All cabins include a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker; color TV with DVD player; and wireless Internet service. A limited number of cabins have been reserved for MPA conference attendees, so make your reservations soon at 1-800-515-3611.
Here is the schedule for the weekend.
Friday, Oct. 16
4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Registration
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Social hour
7 p.m. Fellowship Bowling Tournament, chaired by the St. John Valley Times
Saturday, Oct. 17
8 – 9 a.m. Continental breakfast
9 – 10 a.m. Covering Law Enforcement Activities
Steve McCausland, Director of Public Information for the Maine Department of Public Safety will lead a discussion on balancing the publics right-to-know with the necessity of maintaining confidentiality in some investigations. Although Maine is one of the safest states, several high-profile crimes in recent years have opened up new questions abut coverage and posted some new challenges for the media.
10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Legislative Review: Mixed message for media
Attorney Sigmund Shutz of Preti-Flaherty has been invited to recap the 124th Legislative session and how it affects our industry. Shutz concentrates his practice in media law and represents news organizations on First Amendment matters, libel and privacy law, state and federal sunshine laws, newsgathering and related matters.
10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Social Networking: Views from the new generation
Web sites such as Facebook and My Space and instant communication methods like Twitter have prompted traditional media to examine how to get their messages to a new generation. Justin Ellis, who authors NXT: The Next Generation for the Press Herald, will give an overview on the best way to reach young readers and viewers, and his experiences with new media.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Fenceviewer: It’s OK to peek at this site
Many newspapers are reviewing their policies on free access to their Web sites, including several in Maine. The Ellsworth American and Mount Desert Islander have taken down their free Web sites and replaced them with limited access to selected features. Readers now have the option of a paid digital subscription to a full version of either paper. General Manager Terry Carlisle and IT manager/webmaster Chris Crockett will give a presentation on Fenceviewer and its success as a marketing tool.
12:30 – 2 p.m. Hall of Fame Luncheon
2 p.m. Annual business meeting and vote on proposed by-law changes
5:30 – 7 p.m. Fellowship Fund-Raising Auction
Here’s your chance to bid on a variety of gifts, weekend getaways, souvenirs and other goodies with all proceeds going toward the MPA Fellowship Fund. Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available. Donated items are welcome and needed for this auction.
7 p.m. Dinner and Awards Presentation
The 2009 Better Newspaper Contest winners will be announced along with the General Excellence Awards, Journalist of the Year and the winners of the Bob Drake Young Writer’s award.
