2012 MNA Convention

2012 MNA Convention

By on January 1, 2012 in Latest News, Member News

2012 MNA Convention | January 26-27

NOW THAT THE CONVENTION IS OVER I’M LOOKING FOR…

Odds n’ Ends

Better Newspaper Contest Follow-Up

Speaker Handouts

Special Awards Given at Convention

Friend of Minnesota Newspapers Award

Dave Pyle, outgoing Minnesota bureau chief, Associated Press and Bill Albrecht, president, Media Network of Central Ohio, were honored with 2012 Friend of Minnesota Newspapers Awards.

Pyle was recognized for his dedication to Minnesota newspapers: he served for thirty-three with the Minnesota AP, serving twenty-one years as bureau chief and for many years on the MNA Journalism Education Committee.

Albrecht, who served on the MNA Board of Directors for several years, until he left for Ohio, was honored for his dedication to the Minnesota Newspaper Association and its members. While serving on the MNA Board of Directors, and several MNA committees, Albrecht has been a resource and voice of reason throughout the years, and continues to share his insights as a Minnesota News Media Institute trainer.

Half Century Club

Two new members were inducted to the Half Century Club: Donald Heinzman and Howard Lestrud, both of ECM Publishers, Coon Rapids.

Heinzman, originally from Mankato, started his newspaper career in 1947 covering high school sports for the Mankato Free Press. He has worked for many publications throughout the years, including the Elk River Star News and ECM Publishers, where he is still and editorial writer today.

Howard Lestrud, originally from Albert Lea, started his newspaper career at the Austin Daily Herald, as a student. After spending time in Austin, Albert Lea, and Winona, he settled at the Forest Lake Times and later ECM Publishers.

Heinzman and Lestrud nominated each other for the honor, and have enjoyed working together at ECM Publishers.

CLICK HERE for more information.

MNA Ad Contest Winners

  • 1st:  Karla Mikkelson – Alexandria Echo Press – $150
  • 2nd: Staff of the Detroit Lakes Tribune – $100
  • 3rd: Jean Doran Matua – Kimball Tri County News – $50

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Check out the Convention Program before you arrive!

Join the Minnesota Newspaper Association for two exciting days of continuing education, networking and celebration.  We’ve got new and exciting programs and speakers in 2012, as well as your old favorites.

NEW! in 2012: HALF PRICE REGISTRATION for first-time attendees!

Convention highlights include luncheon keynotes from “The Savvy Traveler,” renowned travel reporter Rudy Maxa (Thursday) and New York Times Media Reporter, and Minnesota native, David Carr (Friday).  Attendees will have more than 20 general sessions on reporting, advertising, management, design (and more!) to choose from, including the perennial favorites, “Best of the Best” and the 2012 Legal Update with MNA Attorney Mark Anfinson.  Special guest presenters this year include globetrotting Adobe expert Russell Viers, State Economist Tom Stinson and State Demographer Tom Gillaspy, photographer Mark Teskey, and many, many more!

Gather Thursday evening to celebrate winners in the 2010-2011 Better Newspaper Contest, at the annual Better Newspaper Contest Banquet.  This year, both professional and college awards will be presented on Thursday evening. Join Minnesota’s legislative leaders on Friday morning for the Minnesota News Media Institute and League of Women Voters Minnesota Policy Breakfast.

Convention Schedule now available! Updated 01.18.12

HOTEL INFORMATION- GROUP RATE EXPIRES JAN. 19

We are excited to offer a special $99 room rate for the 2012 MNA Convention.  Mention group code “MNA” when you call to make your reservation: 1-800-222-8733.  To book your room online, click here.  The special group pricing expires on Thursday, January 19.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington is located near Highways 100 & 494 in Bloomington, MN.  Free parking is available on site.

7800 Normandale Blvd.
Bloomington, MN 55439

TRADE SHOW INFORMATION – SPONSORED BY BEST BUY

The MNA trade show is a unique opportunity to showcase your products and services and connect with our members and their decision makers, representing nearly 400 newspapers. Of the many newspaper association conventions, ours is among the biggest and the BEST in the nation! Over 600 attended our 2011 convention.

MEDIA LAB/WIN A iPAD2, GALAXYTAB 8.9, OR GALAXYTAB 10.1

Join the Minnesota News Media Institute in the Grand Ballroom East to enjoy the Media Lab and win a Verizon iPad2, AT&T GalaxyTab 8.9 or a BestBuy WiFi GalaxyTab 10.1!

HALF CENTURY CLUB

Is there someone on your staff who has worked in the newspaper industry for 50 years or more?  Nominate them for membership in the Half Century Club! Nominees must have worked in the newspaper industry for 50 years or more.  Half Century Club inductees are honored at the Friday luncheon during the 2012 Convention (Jan. 27) and receive a certificate commemorating their 50 years of service to the newspaper industry.

The deadline for Half Century Club nominations is December 31, 2011.

Questions? Contact MNA at 800-279-2979 or e-mail member@mna.org.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

As a sponsor for the 145th Annual MNA Convention and Trade Show, we will provide unique opportunities to get your name and company information in the hands of the more than 600 attendees – including owners, publishers and editors – representing the 300+ newspapers in Minnesota who attend this event. Convention sponsorship opportunities include recognition in all promotional materials, programs and signage where applicable.

SILENT AUCTION

The 2012 Minnesota Newspaper Association Convention Silent Auction will once again support the Minnesota News Media Institute. The Minnesota News Media Institute is a partnership of the more than 360 members of the Minnesota Newspaper Association, working and making a difference for the future of Minnesota’s news media by providing training to all newspaper or news media professionals, scholarship and internship opportunities to students, and public forums for the general public to discuss media related issues.

WALL OF WINE

Convention attendees will pay $10 to select a cork (3 for $25). The cork will have a number that corresponds to a bottle of wine on the wall. Participants will receive the bottle that matches the number on the cork (all labels will be hidden). Your “lucky cork” could yield an outstanding local or international wine.

2012 MNA PRINT AD DESIGN CONTEST

Show off your creative skills and win cash prizes in the “MNA Ad Design Contest!” Each contest entry should consist of three (3) quarter page print ads.  The deadline to submit entries to MNA is January 20, 2012.

All entries will be on display at the MNA Convention and judged by attending MNA members.  Winners will be announced during the “Better Newspaper Contest” awards banquet on Thursday evening.

The topic this year is “Public Notice.” Contest ads should focus on the effectiveness of newspapers delivering crucial information to the communities they serve.

According to an annual survey of towns represented by community newspapers conducted by the National Newspaper Association and the research division of the Reynolds Journalism Institute at the Missouri School of Journalism, 80 percent of the public believes governments should be required to publish public notices in newspapers.  The message is clear: people want the notices in their newspapers.

CONVENTION MEETING SCHEDULE

Wednesday, January 25  
10:00 a.m.  MNMI Board of Directors (Vista 2202)
11:00 a.m.  MNA Board of Directors (Vista 2202)
1:30 p.m.   J.Ed. Committee (Bloomington)
2:30 p.m.   Member Services Committee (Bloomington)
3:00 p.m.   Legislative Committee (Edina)
AP Board Meeting (Vista 2204)
MNF Board Meeting (Vista 2206)
3:45 p.m.   Advertising & New Media Committee (Vista 2203)

Thursday, January 26  
4:00 p.m.   Forum Communications Meeting (Edina)

Friday, January 27 
1:30 p.m.   MFPA General Meeting (Veranda 1 & 2)
3:00 p.m.   MFPA Annual Meeting (Veranda 1 & 2)
3:30 p.m.   MNA Annual Meeting (Veranda 3 & 4)