Tennessee Press Association Summer Convention

Tennessee Press Association

Summer Convention
"Scenic City Summit"

June 14-16, 2012

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Registration information    Hotel        Vendor Information    Schedule of events

Sessions/Presenters      Riverbend VIP Experience   Presidential Installation

Sponsors   TPA/TPS/TPAF business    Area attractions   Convention Committee

HOTEL DEADLINE: Friday, May 18

DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, May 18

Kudos to Gregg K. Jones, Jones Media Inc., on being the first to register for the convention!

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Riverbend VIP Experience
sponsored by Chattanooga Times Free Press

Riverbend Festival
www.riverbendfestival.com
The Riverbend Festival is an internationally award winning 9 day music festival! Located in the heart of Chattanooga, Tennessee there is no better way to enjoy your summer. Riverbend takes place on the 21st Century Waterfront along the Tennessee River. Boasting six stages with over 100 bands featuring world class entertainment ranging from classic rock, jam bands, country, urban and bluegrass! Riverbend draws over 650,000 patrons annually. Convention attendees can find information on the Festival’s line-up for other nights at www.riverbendfestival.com. Information on how to purchase admission pins is included. Children 10 years old and under are admitted free.

Saturday, June 16
6:00 p.m.                        Shuttle to the Riverfront area, board boat at 6:30 p.m.
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.              River Gorge Explorer: Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while cruising “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon,”
                                       aboard the Tennessee Aquarium catamaran.
8:30 - 9:30 p.m.              Riverbend VIP: The River Gorge Explorer will dock at the floating Coca-Cola Stage, where guests will enjoy VIP access and amenities.
9:30 - 11:30 p.m.            Performance by Chattanooga native and American Idol runner-up Lauren Alaina
11:15 p.m.                      Fireworks
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Convention Schedule
Schedule is tentative and subject to change. Please refer to on-site program at convention.
6/4/12

Thursday, June 14
10:00 a.m.     Newspaper Definition Committee Meeting
Noon              Registration opens
1:00 p.m.       TPA Board of Directors Meeting
2:45 p.m.       TPA Business Session
3:30 p.m.     TPA Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting
5:30 p.m.     Reception at Hunter Museum of Art (until 7:30)

Friday, June 15
7:45 a.m.     Registration opens
8:00 a.m.     “Challenges Ahead: A look at the public policy landscape and future threats, strengths, weaknesses and opportunities”
9:00 a.m.     “The Cost of Not Using Social Media”
9:00 a.m.     “Customer Service” - Kevin Slimp
10:30 a.m.    “Online Comments Pros and Cons”
10:30 a.m.    “75 Minutes of Everything: Tips from InDesign, Photoshop, Flash, Acrobat & More” - Kevin Slimp
Noon               Luncheon: Clay Bennett, speaker, “Drawing Conclusions”
1:30 p.m.        Optional Activities in area or see new movie “Deadline,” based on book by North Carolina journalist
5:30 p.m.      Cocktails, dinner and TPA Presidential Installation on Lookout Mountain (until 9:00 p.m.)

Saturday, June 16
9:00 a.m.     TPS Stockholders Meeting & membership presentation
10:00 a.m.     “12 Quick Ideas to Generate Income on Newspaper Websites”
11:15 a.m.     “Exploring Non-Traditional Revenue Streams"—Jason Taylor, president, Chattanooga Times Free Press
12:30 p.m.      Optional activities
6:00 p.m.        Riverbend Experience (until 11:30 p.m.)

                           6:30 p.m. – Begin boarding the River Gorge Explorer
                          7:00 - 8:30 – River Gorge Explorer: Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while cruising “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon,” aboard the Tennessee Aquarium catamaran.
                           8:30 - 9:30 – Riverbend VIP: The River Gorge Explorer will dock at the floating Coca-Cola Stage, where guests will enjoy VIP access and amenities.
                          9:30 - 11:30 – Performance by Chattanooga native and American Idol runner-up Lauren Alaina
                          11:15 – Fireworks
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Convention Sessions/Presenters

Friday, June 15

Challenges Ahead: A look at the public policy landscape and future threats, strengths, weaknesses and opportunities
Presented by: Frank Gibson, TPA Public Policy Director

The Cost of Not Using Social Media
A panel discussion presented by:
Ed Bourn, Director of Targeted & Digital Initiatives, Chattanooga Times Free Press
Phil Fernandez, Bristol Herald Courier
Jack Lail, Multimedia Editor, Knoxville News Sentinel
Introduction and moderated by Jon Moss, Moss Media Labs

Customer Service: A Common Sense Approach
Presented by: Kevin Slimp, Director, Institute of Newspaper Technology

Online Comments Pros and Cons
A panel discussion presented by:
Eric Barnes, Publisher, The Daily News, Memphis
Alison Gerber, Managing Editor, Chattanooga Times Free Press
Jack McElroy, Editor, Knoxville News Sentinel

75 Minutes of Everything: Tips from InDesign, Photoshop, Flash, Acrobat & More
Presented by: Kevin Slimp, director, Institute of Newspaper Technology

Drawing Conclusions
Presented by: Clay Bennett, Pultizer Prize-winning cartoonist, Chattanooga Times Free Press

Saturday, June 16

12 Quick Ideas to Generate Income on Newspaper Websites
Presented by: Kevin Slimp, director, Institute of Newspaper Technology

Exploring Non-Traditional Revenue Streams
Presented by: Jason Taylor, president, Chattanooga Times Free Press
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TPA, TPS and TPAF business to be conducted

Election and Installation of 2012-2013 Officers
TPA will elect a new president, vice president for non-dailies, treasurer, and directors for districts 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 and during the Business Session on Thursday, June 14. TPA President Jeffrey D. Fishman, publisher of The Tullahoma News, will pass the gavel to TPA’s new president at the Installation Ceremony during the dinner at Rock City on June 15. Michael Williams, publisher of The Paris Post-Intelligencer, is slated to be TPA’s 2012-2013 president.

Boards and membership meetings
Important committee, board and membership meetings will occur during the convention. Membership participation is encouraged.

Tennessee Press Association Board of Directors Meeting
The TPA Board of Directors will meet to discuss association business.

Tennessee Press Association Business Session
This is an important semi-annual meeting of the TPA membership. Members will elect the 2012-2013 officers and directors at this meeting.

Tennessee Press Association Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting
This is a semi-annual meeting of the Foundation.

Tennessee Press Service Stockholders’ Meeting
This is the annual meeting of TPS Stockholders, which includes every TPA member newspaper. Stockholders will receive an annual report and vote to elect representatives to the Tennessee Press Service Board of Directors. Stockholders will also hear from David Wells, the new TPS advertising director, at this meeting.

Newspaper Definition Committee Meeting
Tentatively scheduled for Thursday, June 14 at 10:00 a.m.

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Installation dinner at Rock City
Friday, June 15

Enjoy cocktails and stunning views at Lovers' Leap and then celebrate the installation of TPA's new president at a dinner at the Rock City Pavillion.
Master of Ceremonies: Jeffrey D. Fishman, TPA President, The Tullahoma News
Speaker: Michael Williams, Incoming TPA President, The Paris Post-Intelligencer

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Convention Sponsors

Chattanooga Times Free Press

The Meeting Company
Solid Rock

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Hotel Information

srhlobby NOTE: The hotel does not have any doubles for Thursday, June 14. But, they have them for Friday and Saturday nights.

Here are the options:

Option 1:
Make a reservation for a Junior King Suite. It has a King bed and a separate living room with a pull out sofa.

Option 2:
Make a reservation for June 14 for a Deluxe King with a pull out sofa. AND, ask them to note that you want a double if at all possible.
THEN, make a second reservation for June 15 and/or 16 in a double room.
With this option you would have to switch rooms on Friday if a double is not available on Thursday.

The hotel contact is going to help us watch for any doubles that come available on the 14th to get them to our members who need them. Please let Robyn Gentile know if you need a double room so she can follow up with the hotel for you.

srh The Sheraton Read House Hotel is nestled in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. The historic hotel has been elegantly renovated. Guests will find modern amenities such as complimentary high speed internet access, a state-of-the-art workout facility and a fabulous indoor swimming pool.

Enjoy fine dining at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Porter’s Steakhouse. The Sheraton also boasts its own Starbucks Coffeehouse.

Guests experience classic comforts and modern flair at The Sheraton Read House Hotel Chattanooga.

The hotel is on the free shuttle route and just blocks away from the Tennessee Aquarium, restaurants, shopping and other attractions.

                                                                             RESERVATIONS: (423) 266-4121
                                                                             TPA RATE: $119 plus tax, per night (Rate includes valet parking)
                                                                             DEADLINE: Friday, May 18
                                                                             LOCATION: 827 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
                                                                             WEB SITE: www.sheraton.com/chattanooga

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TPA Registration

DEADLINES: Friday, May 18 for hotel reservations

Friday, May 18 TPA discounted registration.

Contact TPA at (865) 584-5761 with any questions about registration.

The cut off date for pre-registration and guaranteed meal tickets is Friday, June 8. Registering after this date will incur a $25 late fee. All participants must pay a registration fee, except those ages 2 and under.

Discount/Refund/Cancellation Policy: Advance registrations postmarked by May 18 may deduct $10 from each person's registration fee. Refunds authorized when cancellation received by 5:00 p.m. on June 8, 2012. Late cancellations and no-shows forfeit refunds and will be billed for any outstanding charges.

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Vendor Information

Download Vendor Registration forms

The cost to exhibit at the 2012 Tennessee Press Association Summer Convention is $225 for members and associates, $250 for non-members. Convention meals and activities require additional fees.

You may exhibit during the days/times listed below and set your own hours within these time frames.
Exhibit dates and times:
Thursday, June 14 Noon - 5:00 p.m.
Friday, June 15 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 16 8:00 a.m. - Noon

Your exhibit space will be located near the convention registration area. You will be provided with a 6-foot skirted table and electrical access. You will also receive a complimentary copy of the Tennessee Newspaper Directory and a roster of attendees in advance of the convention.

Questions about vendor registration?
Contact Robyn Gentile, TPA member services manager, at (865) 584-5761, ext. 105

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Summer Convention Committee

Lyndsi Sebastian, Chair, Chattanooga Times Free Press
Lynn Richardson, Herald & Tribune, Jonesborough
Chris Vass, Chattanooga Times Free Press
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Area Attractions

Things to See and Do

Find a more complete list of things to see and do in Chattanooga at www.discoversceniccity.org.

TPA Members will receive a Riverbend VIP Experience courtesy of the Chattanooga Times Free Press on Saturday, June 16. Convention attendees will be treated to a private cruise on the River Gorge Explorer with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and then dock at the Festival’s Coca-Cola stage for VIP access to the finale show featuring Lauren Alaina.
Convention attendees can find information on the Festival’s line-up for other nights at www.riverbendfestival.com. Information on how to purchase admission pins is included. Children 10 years old and under are admitted free.

Bluff View Art District
(423) 265-5033 www.bluffviewartdistrict.com
A creative haven that specializes in the visual, culinary and landscape arts. The historic neighborhood sits high atop a bluff overlooking the Tennessee River.

Chattanooga Ducks
(423) 756-3825 www.chattanoogaducks.com
Board an authentic WWII amphibious landing craft built specifically for the D-Day invasion. Enjoy an historic tour through downtown Chattanooga and then splash into the Tennessee River for a tour of the river and the Chattanooga Waterfront.

Coolidge Park
www.chattanooga.gov
Coolidge Park features a beautifully restored carousel, a pavilion, an interactive play fountain, and lots of open space. It is part of the Tennessee River Park, a 15-mile long public greenway along the Tennessee River.

Creative Discovery Museum
(423) 756-2738 www.cdmfun.org
The Creative Discovery Museum is full of ‘WOW’ for adults and kids. With a wide variety of fun, hands-on exhibits, the Museum inspires a love for learning through play.
TPA has a limited number of admission tickets for this attraction on a first-come, first-served basis.

Delta Queen
www.deltaqueenhotel.net
Moored on the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga, the Delta Queen Hotel offers ambiance and history to all who come aboard. Have lunch at the restaurant or a guided stroll through history. www. deltaqueenhotel.net.

Hang Gliding, Lookout Mountain Flight Park & Training Center
(706) 398-3541 www.hanglide.com
From 1-time-only thrill-seekers to ambitious students with much loftier goals, we have a training package designed to meet any goal.

Hunter Museum of American Art
(423) 267-0968 www.huntermuseum.org
Built on a ninety-foot limestone bluff overlooking the Tennessee River and comprised of a 1904 classical revival mansion and a contemporary structure, the Hunter Museum of American Art houses the finest collection of American art in the Southeast. TPAers will visit the Hunter Museum for the Thursday evening reception.

IMAX 3D Theater
(423) 266-4629 www.tnaqua.org
From the far reaches of our solar system to the ocean depths of planet earth, IMAX takes you to places you’ve only imagined. With crystal clear, larger than life 3D images that leap off a six-story screen, you’ll feel as if you’re part of the action.

Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park
(706) 866-5681 www.lakewinnie.com
For over 83 years, the park has offered fun for all ages with over 36 rides, games, food concessions, paddleboats, miniature golf, and a shaded picnic area.

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
(423) 821-4224 www.ridetheincline.com
The thrill of riding ‘America’s Most Amazing Mile’ has delighted guests for more than a century. The breathtaking 72.7 % grade of the track near the top gives the Incline the distinction of being the world’s steepest passenger railway.

NorthShore Shopping & More
www.northshorechattanooga.com
Beautifully situated on the Tennessee River just across from the landmark aquarium, the NorthShore is perhaps Chattanooga’s most eclectic neighborhood, offering the best in local dining, shopping and living. Here you’ll find boutiques, restaurants, coffeehouses, galleries, salons and day spas.

River Gorge Explorer
(423) 265-2650 www.tnaqua.org
Cruise into a natural wonder aboard the Aquarium’s sleek new boat, the River Gorge Explorer. This 70-passenger high-speed catamaran is the first of its kind in the Southeast.
Experience ‘Tennessee’s Grand Canyon’ as it is meant to be seen—from the water.
TPAers will have the opportunity to cruise on this catamaran as part of the Saturday evening “Riverbend VIP Experience” sponsored by the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Rock City Gardens
(706) 820-2531 www.seerockcity.com
Wind your way through massive rock boulders and enjoy the quiet woodland paths and gardens. Stand mightily upon world-famous Lover’s Leap and wrap yourself in the magnificent view. TPAers will visit Lover’s Leap as part of the Friday evening dinner.

Ruby Falls
(423) 821-2544 www.rubyfalls.com
Ruby Falls, a thundering 145-foot waterfall is located deep within Lookout Mountain and has been thrilling visitors for over 70 years.

Tennessee Aquarium
(423) 265-0695 www.tnaqua.org
The Tennessee Aquarium takes visitors on a remarkable journey from the mountains to the sea. In the newest gallery, Penguins’ Rock, see macaroni and gentoo penguins waddle, walk and dive into the water to rocket past you.

Tennessee Valley Railroad
(423) 894-8028 www.tvrail.com
Ride ‘Railroading’s Golden Age’ aboard the Tennessee Valley Railroad’s restored vintage trains. All Aboard for a family adventure in Chattanooga!

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