The 2024 Annual Conference Workshops and Presentations

DAY 1 of 2
Thursday, May 16, 2024


8:00 - NOON Registration

9:00 - 11:00 AM Preconference Workshops

9:00 - 11:00 AM

The Social Dilemma

How to create and implement an effective social media strategy to drive brand awareness of your media center. We’ll also cover legal considerations for your social media site, how and when to livestream on your social media sites and what content works best on social media.

Andrea Finn, Royal Credit Union
Alexis Roux-Seboe, Royal Credit Union
Sara Larsen
, Four Peas Consulting
Dr. Mary Worley
, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire


9:00 - 10:00 AM

Who Watches This Stuff?

Find out who is viewing your programs and how to use those analytics to increase the relevance of your programming and your media center to your community.

David Ballerstein, Communications Specialist, City of Marshfield
Patrick Andrews, TelVue
Aaron Rigby, Cablecast

9:00 - 10:00 AM

LPFM Insider Meeting

Topics to include incorporating podcasts into your media center, doing remotes, how to generate revenue, FCC rules and regulations, available syndicated content, and more.

Paul Bame, Prometheus Radio

10:10 - 11:10 AM

Two (or More) of Us

How to work effectively with city departments, area non-profit organizations, and other sources of local media to produce relevant content for your community.

Ann Schweisguth, South Washington County Telecommunications Commission
Jason Egerstrom, Senior Community Relations Coordinator, City of Woodbury

10:10 - 11:10 AM

Talking Heads

Talk shows are the beating heart of much original media center programming. This workshop will look at how to host, what questions to ask, how to put guests at ease, and how to film discussions in an engaging fashion.

Janice Newman, Producer
Dave Perez
, The Dave Perez Show
Amanda Gilbert
, Communications Specialist, City of Janesville

11:00 AM - 6:30 pm Exhibit Hall Open

Noon - 1:15 PM Opening Lunch and Keynote Presentation

Welcome

Jake Timm, President, WCM Board of Directors
Ross Rowe, Chair, Midwest Region of the Alliance for Community Media
Aaron White, Eau Claire Economic Development

Keynote Presentation: Artificial Intelligence and Community Media

We’ll look at the promises and pitfalls of AI systems and applications like ChatGPT and how AI is changing the future of journalism, media, and media centers.

Alex Smith, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Department Chair, Computer Science
Daniell Krawczyk, Municipal Captioning
Janice Newman, Producer

1:30 - 4:00 PM 2 Sets of 2 Concurrent Workshops

1:30 - 2:30 PM

Communication Collaboration

Is your media center working with a communications manager? Is that manager you? We’ll talk about how to collaborate and combine resources to implement marketing strategies for your community that include video, social media, website, newsletters, and more.

Tom Loucks, Communications Manager, City of Marshfield
Lisa Sanford, Communications Manager, City of Fitchburg
Jeremy Crosby, Director of FACTv, City of Fitchburg

Video is Easy, Audio is Hard

We’ll examine best practices for getting good audio both live and in post-production. Also, the latest products to help you get the best possible sound.

Paul Bame, Prometheus Radio
Nick Nitti, Audiobiz
Jason Keagy, Peak Systems Group


2:30 PM - 3:00 PM -
Time to network and visit the exhibitors.

3:00 - 4:00 PM

Beyond Cable

How to build a brand beyond your video service provider to strengthen your relevance in today’s weakening cable TV environment. We’ll look at delivering content and marketing your center across your website, mobile apps, over-the-top platforms, and social media.

Chris Morgan, Cablecast
Denise Rolfe, TelVue
Elliot Wesen, Castus

Refining Your Craft: The Art of Storytelling for Your Audience

Tired of editing tutorials that leave you lost? Anyone can learn the technical aspects of video editing, but true captivation comes from the power of storytelling. This workshop is your gateway to crafting videos that resonate, inspire, and leave audiences wanting more. Join us on a journey to unlock the secrets of video storytelling. Whether you're creating trailers, social media magic, or anything in between, this workshop equips you to understand your audience and craft narratives that spark emotions, drive action, or ignite thought. We'll delve into powerful storytelling techniques, taking your video creations from good to captivating. Get ready to transform your content and take your storytelling to the next level!

Steve Dayton, Fireside Productions
Austin Bower, AB Videography
Will Nimmow, Monona Community Media


4:15 PM - 5:00 PM

WCM ANNUAL MEETING

5:00 - 6:30 PM Exhibitors Reception

Meet and talk with Our Exhibitors and join us for appetizers, drinks and good conversation.

6:30 - 10:00 Best of the Midwest Media Fest Banquet and Show