Make plans to take in the 2007 Super Conference in Winnipeg, May 9ÔÇô11: For the first time in their histories of national conferences, the Canadian Newspaper Association (CNA) and the Canadian Community Newspapers Association (CCNA) are partnering in a national newspaper conference. With the Canadian Circulation Management Association (CCMA) again partnering with CNA, the 2007 Super Conference will involve three large newspaper associations. Details are being gathered for the program and social nights. Some basic information is on the CCNA website at www.communitynews.ca/convention/2007.
Futurist to kick things off with ÔÇ£Managing the velocity of changeÔÇØ: Ian Morrison, a California-based futurist, will open the conference with a talk on the evolution of the newspaper business model. His theory is that companies must ride the first curveÔÇöa companyÔÇÖs traditional business carried out in a familiar corporate climateÔÇöto the all-important second curve. ThatÔÇÖs the future and the new technologies, new consumers and new markets that companies must command to survive and thrive. Wednesday, May 9, 3 p.m. More on Ian Morrison at http://www.ianmorrison.com.
Online whiz Rob Curley to showcase his ideas for websites: Rob Curley, arguably the most innovative online newspaper developer over the past decade, will show how hyper-local websites are a key future component of online publishing. Now with the Washington Post, Curley has plied his trade with the Naples News, the Lawrence World-Herald in Kansas, and Morris Communications. He was named Internet Pioneer of the Year by the NAA not long ago. For a look at the world and ideas of Rob Curley, go to: www.robcurley.com. Thursday keynote at 8:45 a.m.
Juan Antonio Giner on the world of free and compact newspapers: An outspoken observer of the changing newspaper business model and format, Juan Antonio Giner, formerly from Spain, will talk about whatÔÇÖs on most newspaper publishersÔÇÖ mindsÔÇöthe emerging North American trend toward free and compact newspapers. Friday, May 11, 10:45 a.m.
API with the latest on Newspaper Next: The American Press Institute unveiled its vaunted Newspaper Next Project in September. API calls it ÔÇ£A Blueprint for Transformation.ÔÇØ It sets out a path for newspapers to follow in transforming to successful multi-platform companies as they learn how to master disruptive innovation. By the time of the conference in May, many new strategies will have been tested. Speaker: Steve Buttry of API. Thursday, May 10, 2:30 p.m.
Tools for increasing ad revenue in the current environment: A leading advertising sales consultant, Peter Jackson of SalesStar Corp. in Savannah, fears that newspapers still sell advertising the way they did 50 years ago because sales reps often lack the skills to be effective in todayÔÇÖs competitive marketplace. Jackson offers new insight on what newspapers are missing when it comes to classified, online, and retail dollars.
Winnipeg Free Press hosting conference opening extravaganza: Andy Ritchie, publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press, is promising a fabulous extravaganza to showcase many of WinnipegÔÇÖs entertainment, artistic and cultural talents. The opening night dinner and show on May 9 will be held at the Regent Casino. Among the featured entertainers so far: Brian Glow, renowned illusionist; the Winnipeg Ballet School; and the Winnipeg Symphony.