MDDC Convention

MDDC Convention Sept. 5-7; Sessions Focus on Generating Business, Access, Internet, 9/11 and More

In 2002, newspapers are dealing with issues ranging from increasing profits to new technology. Join MDDC for an Annual Convention with sessions tackling the topics of generating business through marketing, access issues in the current climate, the relationship between newspapers and the Internet and more, Sept. 5-7 in Ocean City, MD.

Leading the discussions will be "Rate Doctor" Len Kubas on innovative approaches to newspaper marketing and advertising, Lucy Dalglish and top area media lawyers on access issues and your legal questions, and new media authority Gordon Borrell on charging for online content.

The Friday afternoon session with Kubas, president of Kubas Consultants, will focus on new approaches to strengthening a newspaper’s franchise while delivering more contribution and profits. Kubas is recognized as a leading expert on how newspapers must package and price advertising in order to remain the number one medium in years ahead and has worked with many newspapers over the last 25 yeaers on issues of preadership, circulation, advertising and marketing. He will discuss proven, practical approaches to making advertising more productive for both advertisers and newspapers.

Topics at his session will include implementing 10 pricing tactics while slaughtering 10 sacred cows, how to calculate the real value of an advertiser, preprint pricing strategies and tactics, new classified sale initiatives and many more ideas you can start implemeting immediately when you return to work.

David Handschuh, a photographer at the New York Daily News, will start Friday with his first-hand account and pictorial presentation of the of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

Next will come the Legal Roundtable. Dalglish, executive director for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, will lead off with a discussion of the Homeland Security Report and access issues since 9/11. MDDC Hotline Attorney Alice Lucan and other media attorneys will then answer your questions on current legal issues.

That will be followed by a panel discussion on Newspapers and the Internet. Participating in the discussion will be Borrell, executive director of Borrell & Associates, authors of NAA’s study The Free vs. Paid Debate. The pressure is on for profits and there is debate about giving content away on the Internet. Find out how other newspapers in the MDDC region are dealing with this.

There will also be plenty of time to relax, starting with a Thursday evening oceanfront reception and buffet dinner at the Princess Royale Hotel.

Kruger Pulp and Paper Sales will sponsor the hospitality suites on both Thursday and Friday nights.

Friday evening will feature the Past Presidents’ reception, sponsored by Papiers Stadacona, followed by the convention dinner. Friday’s entertainment will be a show featuring puppets, magic and audience participation provided by Jack Foreaker.

The annual MDDC golf tournament at The Bay Club, East Course in nearby Berlin, will conclude the convention on Saturday.

Room rate for the convention is $109 for oceanview/poolview suites. Be sure to request your preference. Contact the Princess Royale directly at 1-800-4-ROYALE by Aug. 4 and mention the MDDC Press Association to receive the convention rate.

Registration materials are available on the MDDC Web site at www.mddcpress.com.