Start your time off in Atlanta with an intense preconference workshop led by some of the leading experts in the field today. Space is extremely limited to maintain a workshop-like atmosphere, so sign up today!

All workshops take place 9:00 AM–NOON on Wednesday, March 21.

Magazines 101

Designed for editors who are looking for a comprehensive overview on alumni and university magazines, this fast-paced and highly visual workshop will explore the essentials of magazine planning, writing and editing, design and production. You'll see lots of samples of magazines that are doing it right—and wrong, learn where to find inspiration and leave with solid tips on how to make strategic tweaks that will take your magazine to new heights.
Speaker: Teresa Scalzo, Director of Publications, Editor of the Carleton College Voice, Carleton College

Communicating in a Crisis: Key Tools and Lessons Learned

Crises don't only happen at large institutions of higher education. When the unthinkable happens at any college or university, a lean communications office with few people wearing many "hats" can be overwhelmed.

But it's possible to survive, even thrive, using the very advantages that are inherent in a smaller institution and a small shop. Let those of us who have been there, done that walk you through the lessons we have learned. Help identify what strengths your own team has that you can call on in times of trouble. Magazine editors and those who manage an institution's voice can help craft the lasting words to describe incidents and their impact, and your magazine will be crucial in ensuring that your institution continues to be defined by its mission and not by a single crisis.

The session will begin with a crisis communications 101 primer, include a case study of crises at Frostburg State University, and discuss best practices from across higher education. The session will conclude with a safe zone to share your experiences with the speakers and your peers. You will walk away from the session with advice on how to deal with situations you know are on the horizon, those you are facing currently or those you most fear. The session provides an opportunity for you to get your feet wet and develop a plan to be a go-to resource for your campus.

Speakers: Teresa Valerio Parrot, Principal, TVP Communications; Bernard Davisson, II, Vice President for University Advancement; and Liz Medcalf, Director of News Media Services, Frostburg State University.