Western Kansas Mini-Convention

Details

Want to learn how to find, train and motivate your sales staff?

Want some simple steps to jumpstart your newspaper operation?

Need some tips on how to reduce your credit card fees?

How about some advice on storytelling, or upgrading your equipment and software?

You can get all that at this year’s Western Kansas Mini-Convention on Friday, Oct.4 in Dodge City.

Peter Wagner, an Iowa publisher who got high marks at this year’s annual convention in Topeka, will headline this year’s Mini-Convention at the Boot Hill Casino and Resort.

His weekly newspaper, the N’West Iowa Review in Sheldon, has been called the best weekly newspaper in America by “American Journalism Review.

Wagner’s presentations on how to build print advertising sales are always a hit.

The mini-convention is a one-day seminar held each year in the western half of the state that allows most KPA members to drive in and home the same day, saving on hotel expenses.

Other breakout sessions are being planned for the event. Steve Haynes will lead a session on writing and KPA staff members will provide updates on the association’s activities.

A packet of information will be sent out soon with hotel rate information.

If you have questions, please contact Emily Bradbury, KPA member services director.

Here is the tentative schedule:

9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. — “You Can Enjoy a Positive, Profitable, Long Lasting Future at Your Community Newspaper,” with Peter Wagner.

11 a.m. to noon — “Finding, Training and Motivating Your Local Sales Team,” with Peter Wagner.

Noon — Lunch and presentation by Sara Marstall, KPA advertising director, “How to Expand Your Clients’ Reach Through KPA’s Trade Desk.”

1 p.m. to 2 p.m. breakout — “Avoiding Credit Card Fee Gotcha’s!” with Mike Higgins, a new KPA partner.

1 p.m. to 2 p.m. breakout  — “The Craft of Storytelling,” with Steve Haynes.

2:15 to 3:15 p.m. breakout  — “Upgrading Doesn’t Have to Be a Budget Breaker,” with Ron Fields, KPA technology consultant.

2:15 to 3:15 p.m. breakout  — Emily Bradbury, KPA member services director, will discuss changes in the AOE contest, convention, membership requirements and the dues structure.

Fees are $75 for the first KPA member and $65 for others from the same newspaper. Non-member fee is $100. The fees include lunch and refreshments.

Sleeping rooms are available at the Hampton Inn and Suites next to the conference center at the KPA rate of $109. Call (620) 225-0000 by Sept. 26 to make reservations and ensure availability. The room rate includes a full breakfast.