Everything you need to know about the 2015 MNA Convention.
Convention by the Numbers
148th Annual MNA Convention
695 attendees pre-registered for the Convention
24 breakout sessions offered
141 “First Timers” registered (give those with a purple ribbon a warm welcome!)
53,400 calories in the 25 lb Pearsons Nut Roll donated to the MNI Silent Auction
24th Year at the DoubleTree by Hilton (formerly the Sheraton AND the Radisson)
577 awards to give away at the Better Newspaper Contest Banquet
3,882 entries submitted in the 2013-2014 Better Newspaper Contests
17 Trade Show Vendors to visit at Convention
16 different name badge ribbons (how many do you have?)
825 – approximate number of meals served during Convention
81 MNA Members who serve on various committees
9 MNA Staff members who make all of the convention magic happen
Convention Pre-Registration
Pre-registration ends Monday, January 26 at 5:00 p.m. If you want a guaranteed ticket to any convention meal function, your best bet is to pre-register. The BNC banquet has sold out in recent years.
On-site convention registration begins at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28. Visit the Convention Registration desk in the Grand Ballroom foyer to sign up on site.
Support MNI at the MNA Convention
There are lots of opportunities to support training and educational programs presented by the Minnesota News Media Institute at the MNA Convention! Bring some cash, and step right up to the Wall of Wine, where you can select two bottles for $25. You might even pull a bottle worth more than $50!
Take your chances with the 2015 MNI Raffle. Tickets are just $20/each and the winner takes home $500 cash!
One more chance to win big – the MNI Silent Auction! We’ve got a variety of fabulous gifts you can take home for the right bid: sports memorabilia, brewery and beer packages, theater and sporting event tickets, overnight packages, artwork…the 25lb Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll (it’s baaaaaack!). Be the highest bidder and support MNI’s good work.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28
MNA Board and Committee meetings are scheduled today between 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Click here for the full Wednesday meeting schedule.
Welcome Reception 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Join us Wednesday evening, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., in the Grand Ballroom East for a Convention Welcome Reception! Join fellow convention attendees for
a special wine, beer and liquor tasting experience with local vendors. Take time to view the winning entries in the Better Newspaper Contest, visit with trade show vendors and reconnect with MNA friends. A cash bar will be available.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29
Registration Desk Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Trade Show/Silent Auction Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Convention sessions begin at 9:30 a.m. Click here for the program.
BNC Reception (Grand Ballroom foyer area): 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
BNC Banquet (Grand Ballroom): 6:30 p.m.
Dinner guests: 6:30 p.m. | Dessert-only guests: 7:00 p.m. | Awards begin 7:15 p.m.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30
Registration Desk Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Trade Show Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Silent Auction Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Convention sessions begin at 9:30 a.m. Click here for the program.
MNA Annual Meeting: 3:30 p.m. (Veranda 1-2)
Special thanks to our generous convention sponsors:
