*Additional sessions pending. Check back daily for updated information.
Thursday, March 6
12:00 – 4:00 pm
WNA/WNAF/WNAS Board of Directors meeting
The Wisconsin Newspaper Association, WNA Foundation and WNA Services boards of directors will hold a meeting prior to the start of the WNA Convention.
5:00 – 8:00 pm
Openness in Government Awards Dinner
Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, a nonprofit group that works to protect access to public meetings and records, will host its annual Openness in Government Awards, or Opees and Guest Speaker – Jim Malewitz.
This is open for anyone wanting to attend, but you must register.
There will be a cocktail hour reception at 5 pm, followed by dinner at 6 and a program at 6:45. The program will consist of a presentation by Wisconsin Watch, an overview of developments regarding open government in Wisconsin, and the handing out of the 19th annual Opee Awards.
8:00 – 10:00 pm
President’s Reception
Join us for a relaxed reception to unwind, mingle, and enjoy drinks celebrating the WNA President Kris O’Leary. Raise a glass with your friends and colleagues, relax, and chat about the upcoming sessions at convention.
Friday, March 7
Capitol Ballroom
Michael Bolden, the CEO and executive director of the American Press Institute, will offer a comprehensive vision for the future of local news, essential for those invested in community well-being and journalism. He will highlight the opportunity to use challenges as catalysts for innovation, forging a future for local journalism that is more robust, inclusive, and deeply connected to the communities it serves.
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Capitol Ballroom
In today’s fast-paced news environment, staying ahead of the curve is essential for reporters. This session will explore the most innovative and effective tools available for modern-day reporting, from data journalism platforms to AI-powered research assistants.
Attendees will learn about a variety of software and technologies designed to streamline the reporting process, enhance storytelling, and improve accuracy and efficiency.
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University Room AB
n a world in which not everyone understands the value of local news, how can journalists make connections with potential readers? With potential sources? In this session, we’ll get inside the mindset of emerging audiences. We’ll look at how people get information in an increasingly complex media environment and how journalists can engage strategically with people they’re not already reaching.
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University CD
About a quarter of all adults say they get news from YouTube, not to mention recipes, reviews, and finding things to do in their communities. Join Bill Day from Magid as he shares the latest research and lessons from the field on engaging viewers and unlocking revenue from YouTube in 2025. *Beneficial for both news and sales.
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Capitol Ballroom
WNA Foundation will celebrate Wisconsin’s outstanding student journalists, announcing the winners in its college and high school Better Newspaper Contests.
Kelly Lecker, Wisconsin State Journal Executive Editor, will be the guest speaker. Lecker will cover the work that goes into covering the first hours after a school shooting, obstacles the media has faced and issue stories that can help further the conversation around issues such as gun violence, school safety and mental health.
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Capitol Ballroom
Connect with soon-to-be graduates eager to begin their careers in the Wisconsin newspaper industry.
- Network with students enthusiastic about working in the newspaper industry.
- Conduct on-the-spot interviews and discover potential hires.
- Highlight your organization’s brand/presence in the Wisconsin newspaper industry.
If you would like to reserve a space at the Jobs Fair please REGISTER
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University AB
Our research shows that 94% of people say AI use in journalism should be disclosed. In this session, we’ll look at emerging standards for AI ethics policies and disclosures. We’ll also talk about what the public does and does not understand about AI and the opportunity local journalists have to earn trust through transparency and model responsible exploration of new technology.
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University Room CD
Join Bill Day from Magid as he shares the latest research from their consumer tracking studies. Learn how consumers feel about the state of their personal economy, their spending plans for the year, and what you need to know to help them navigate the year ahead. You’ll walk away with actionable intelligence you can use to inform your reporting, shape your subscription messages and inform your pitch tomorrow.
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Conference 5
Edenborg will be joined by Ava Smith, Indian Trail High School and Academy; Simon Mehring, Stoughton High School; Ella Corbin, Superior High School; and they will discuss how they lead their staffs, focusing on the following topics:
- What are some strategies for leading a newspaper team and recruiting staff?
- Who is your content for, students or a wider audience? How do you adapt the content for these audiences?
- What are your strategies for promoting your newspapers and getting people to read the content, both in print and online?
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University AB
Panel discussion about innovative ways for newspapers to think about business models, funding and covering community news.
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University Room CD
The best sales teams everywhere succeed by solving problems for their clients, not simply by selling them the product du jour. Join Bill Day with Magid as he shares the latest research from local advertisers on what they want from your sales team, they challenges they face in their marketing efforts and how you can help them solve their problems and sell your solutions. You’ll walk away from this hands-on training session with concrete tools to strengthen your sales teams and improve your sales efforts.
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University AB
Join media law experts Brian and Max from Godfrey & Kahn for the latest on Wisconsin government and open records.
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University Room CD
Discover effective strategies to identify potential advertisers across various sectors and offer tailored advertising opportunities in print, online platforms, and events.
This session will present numerous advertising ideas.
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Capitol Ballroom
Wisconsin Newspaper Association members will hold a brief meeting. All are welcome and WNA members are especially encouraged to attend this annual meeting, during which new officers will be elected.
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University Room
Toast your friends and colleagues, unwind and discuss the day’s events before settling in for the annual awards dinner.
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Capitol Ballroom
The Better Newspaper Contest Awards Banquet salutes the achievements of Wisconsin newspapers.
We’ll highlight the best work of Wisconsin’s news photographers, memorialize newspaper veterans we lost over the last year, our Better Newspaper Contests, Best of Division and the Daily and Weekly Newspapers of the Year.
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