The 2026 Annual Conference Workshops and Presentations
DAY 2 of 2
Friday, May 1, 2026
8:30 - 9:00 AM Registration
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Exhibit Hall Open
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Morning Workshops
9:00 - 10:00 AM
From PEG to Communications Department: Managing the Pivot
As municipal landscapes shift, many community media centers are evolving into the backbone of their city's Communications Department. This transition is a powerful opportunity to redefine your department’s identity and expand your service model. This session provides a roadmap for managing the move without losing your station's core mission. We’ll discuss how to manage internal political dynamics, align your production skills with PR goals, and position your team as an indispensable strategic asset to administration. Learn how to lead the change rather than just reacting to it.
Media Fest
A showcase of our Best of the Midwest Fest Winners!
10:15 - 11:15 AM
ADA 2026: Practical Workflows for the New Digital Mandate
With the DOJ’s final rule on web and mobile accessibility taking effect, community media stations face a high bar for captions and audio descriptions. This session moves beyond the "what" and into the "how." We’ll hear from a station manager navigating full-scale compliance, discuss the legal and logistical reasons for shifting toward VOD-only strategies, and provide a technical masterclass on using Adobe Premiere to automate the heavy lifting of accessibility. Bring your questions and your current workflows for a session focused on staying on the right side of the law.
Any Signal, Anywhere: Mastering Modern Field Transmission
Join LiveU for a deep dive into the technology that keeps content creators connected when traditional networks fail. From the "smart multi-tool" capabilities of the LU900Q to the AI-driven carrier switching of LiveU IQ, we will explore how to build a resilient, future-proof remote production kit. We’ll also look at how LEO satellite integration is changing the game for rural coverage and high-congestion events. If you produce live news, sports, or community events in the field, this session will show you how to leverage AI and 5G to ensure a flawless stream every time.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Podcasting with Purpose
Starting a podcast is easy. Sustaining one with meaningful, intentional content is the real challenge. This session moves beyond equipment and technical setup to focus on establishing a long-term content strategy for municipal podcasting.
Using examples from the City of Waukesha, this presentation explores how a podcast can humanize leadership, highlight city initiatives, explore local history, and respond to resident-driven questions. Attendees will also learn how thoughtful episode planning, including structured question outlines shared in advance and how that can create stronger conversations and more relaxed guests. The session will cover strategies for balancing planned content with timely topics while building trust with both guests and listeners, ensuring the podcast remains relevant, engaging, and purposeful over time.
Cultivating Community Allies: The Power of a Friends Group
Your station provides a vital voice for the community—but who speaks for the station when the budget is on the line? A "Friends" group does more than just raise money; it builds a loyal base of ambassadors and advocates. In this session, we’ll dive into the dual role of a non-profit support group: promoting station awareness and providing the "extra" resources that move a station from basic operations to community excellence. From funding specialized youth programs to hosting local recognition events, discover how to recruit a board that shares your vision and empowers your station to reach its full potential.
12:30 - 1:30 PM Friday Showcase
Navigating the AI Current: Real-World Workflows
AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it is actively reshaping how we produce, edit, and distribute local content. This session moves beyond the hype to showcase the practical, day-to-day AI tools that media professionals are using right now to streamline their operations. Whether it is automating transcripts for ADA compliance or using AI-driven carrier switching for flawless field transmissions, our panel of peers will share their actual "in-the-trenches" workflows. Attendees will see firsthand how to integrate these tools into existing production pipelines without losing the human heart of their stories.
Closing Luncheon 1:30 - 2:45 PM
Plot & Plan
As our time at the river’s edge comes to a close, this final session is designed to turn the "what" and "how" of the past few days into a concrete "when" and "where" for you or your organization. This interactive "plot and plan" workshop serves as the bridge between conference inspiration and local implementation. This is your time to move beyond theory and put practical strategies into a structured action plan.
