Day 1, Monday, November 9

1:00-1:30 PM
Registration

1:30-1:45 
Welcome & Introductions

1:45-3:00
Keynote Session
Before You Can Determine Where You Want to Go, You Have to Know Where You Are
Pittsburgh Regional Indicators provides a model statistical picture of life in the 22 counties surrounding our conference site. John Craig will welcome you to Pittsburgh and challenge you to use honest data to make informed decisions about your region-or your institution. Can you start a conversation around the facts?
Speaker: John G. Craig Jr., President, Pittsburgh Regional Indicators

3:00-3:30
Literature Exchange and Network Break

3:30-5:00
Capturing the Vibe
Good design not only informs but also conveys the character and spirit of an institution. Rick Landesberg of Landesberg Design offers strategies for producing expressive communications whether you have a decent budget or not; whether you have (or are) a designer or not.
Speaker: Rick Landesberg, Principal, Landesberg Design

5:00-6:00
Networking Reception
Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar.

6:15
Conference Adjourns for the Day

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Day 2, Tuesday, November 10

8:00-9:00 AM
Continental Breakfast/Roundtable Discussions
Join your faculty and colleagues for informal topical discussions during breakfast.

9:00-10:15
Elective Sessions (choose one)

• Storytelling Essentials: The Art and Strategy of Brand Stories
  As much as we think and talk about branding and storytelling these days, we often fail to consider the essentials of a good story-character, plot, dialogue, scene, place, point of view, and sensory detail. Higher education brand strategist and institutional storyteller Andrea Jarrell, who has worked with Stanford, Swarthmore and Yale among other independent schools, colleges and universities, leads a workshop on the craft of brand storytelling.
• Give 'Em What They Want
  Who wants to produce a publication that no one will read? Learn how to survey your constituents so that your communications sing their tune. Plus, get a preview of results from the CASE Members Magazine Readership Survey, drawn from more than 25,000 alumni magazine readers across the country.

10:30-11:45
Elective Sessions (choose one)

• Power to Your People
  Forward thinking colleges and universities are embracing social media tools and empowering their communities to take action. We'll dissect recent and forthcoming higher-ed websites that harness the energy and enthusiasm of students, faculty, staff, alumni networks and local communities to make a positive impact on behalf of the their institutions. And we'll look outside higher-ed at easy to emulate ideas and approaches that are popping up in the business world.
• Smart Content for Educated Readers
  Don't underestimate your audience's level of sophistication when it comes to recognizing smart content. And don't overestimate their willingness to spend time reading your publication. Learn how to plan content that gets noticed. Discuss where to find inspiration and whom you should be copying.

NOON-1:30 PM
Lunch on your own

1:45-3:00
Elective Sessions (choose one)

• The Case for Magazines
  Cutting your budget? Trimming your staff? Don't touch that magazine! We'll make the case for magazines as the best, most cost-efficient way to engage alumni and other constituents. Learn how to cut magazine costs without compromising quality.
• Social Branding
  What does branding look like when social media makes it possible for your target audiences to be both the creators and receivers of your brand message? How can institutions convey a clear and potent brand when they are not in control? We'll look at the ways institutions are combining the essence of their brand stories - mission, history, mascots, mottos, school colors - and the tools of social media to turn up the volume on their brands with the help of their communities.

3:15-4:30
A Different Look at Design and Print Professionals
You think you know your designer's world-but do you? Really? And if you see your printing rep as "just a salesman," could you be shortchanging yourself? Writer, designer, and printing consultant Ken Morris wants to give you a fresh appreciation for those professions-and maybe save you money along the way.

4:45-5:45
Publications Triple Play
Bring three copies of your publicationor your url, add three experts and stir things up. In just three minutes, you'll have instant ideas about how to improve your magazine, web site,viewbook, case statement or newsletter. Can't take a little criticism? Just come to watch this off-the-wall hour of uplifting entertainment.

6:30
Conference Adjourns for the Day
Dine Around In Pittsburgh
Join other conference attendees and your faculty for informal dinners in and around Pittsburgh. Dinners are dutch-treat and not covered in your registration fee.

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Day 3, Wednesday, November 11

8:00-9:00 AM
Continental Breakfast/Roundtable Discussions
Join your faculty and colleagues for informal topical discussions during breakfast.

9:00-10:15
Recession Innovation
Budget cuts, hiring freezes, and purchasing restrictions can be a nightmare. But smart publications professionals are discovering a surprising plus side to a negative economy.. Talent-from freelancer writers to photographers, illustrators and market researchers-is more available and economical. And the powers-that-be are more open to trying new strategies and taking chances. Conference participants are invited to share their strategies in an open session led by our faculty.

10:30-11:45
Portability and Flexibility in the Modern World of Photography
Ian Bradshaw, who has become America's leading education photographer, will discuss how the world of photography has changed today. He will explain why trying to go cheap with photography is counter-productive and will suggest several ways to use top photographers to reduce photo costs, without sacrificing the quality needed to produce results. In an era when doing the same or more, for less, is commonplace, Ian will share how best to utilize your photographer and maximize your publications across campus.
Speaker: Ian Bradshaw, international award-winning photographer

NOON
Conference Adjourns

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