The Spring 2016 Convention was in Springfield at the Wyndham Hotel (formerly the Hilton) on April 22-24.
FRIDAY
INBA Board Meeting 12-4pm Conference Center 3
INBA Scholarship Interviews 4-8pm Conference Center 3
Registration 4-7pm Lobby
Opening Reception 7-??? 30th Floor
SATURDAY
Registration 8-9am 29th Floor Hallway
Welcome 8:45am
Session 1: 9-10:15am 29th Floor
*Reporter Roundtable on State Government*
Join a panel of statehouse reporters for a discussion about the happenings in Springfield. Illinois has gone nearly 11 months without a budget. How are reporters keeping an eye on the proceedings? What's the relationship between Governor Bruce Rauner and the legislative leaders? Panelists will also discuss the alarming trend of a shrinking press pool in Springfield. How can reporters around the state help fill that gap and hold the powerful accountable from their newsrooms?
Session 2: 10:30-11:30am 29th Floor
*Making Sense of Spreadsheets*
We all pay taxes, but do you know where your money goes? What exactly does it pay for, and how do you find an interesting story in the balance? This panel will discuss the expense side of the ledger and how decisions are made with your money. From townships to educators, this panel will explain who gets the biggest, and smallest, slice of the pie. Find out how you can tell interesting stories from the numbers and where to look for the details.
Lunch/Business Meeting 11:45-1pm 29th Floor
Session 3: 1:15-2:30pm 29th Floor
*Elections 2016: Gearing up for November*
From ballot busting at the county level to tales from the campaign trail in New York, this panel will get us ready for the next presidential election. Millions of dollars are being spent at the state level, how do we find the local stories and put the information into context? Who's your favorite politician to follow and what is the best advice for covering a town hall, a rally or a one-on-one?
Student Session 2:30-4:pm WICS-TV
Station tour, live shot workshop and tape critiques
Meetings:
Illinois Public Radio 3:00-3:45pm TBD
Associated Press 3:00-3:45pm TBD
INBA Foundation 4-4:45pm TBD
Cocktail Reception 5:15-6:15pm 29th Floor
Dinner 6:15-?? 29th Floor
Featured Speaker: Ray Suarez of Al-Jazeera America and PBS Newshour
Associated Press Awards
SINBA Awards
Past Presidents Reception 10:30pm – ??? 21st Floor
SUNDAY
Session 4: 9-10:30am 29th Floor
“Leadership in the Newsroom”
Newsroom managers talk about how to become a newsroom leader. What does it take to move up the ladder? How do you ask for a raise? The panel will discuss the barriers to success in the current newsroom climate and how can you walk around, under or through them. Learn great tips on personal and professional success from proven leaders. Learn how to maximize your strengths, navigate your next step and earn respect from colleagues. Learn what management looks for in effective leaders and why some employees rise to the top quickly and others stagnate. This is a leadership skills tutorial for the student and working journalist.
Brunch 11am-12pm 29th Floor
Tours of Abraham Lincoln Museum