Each week, MediaShift posts an ongoing list of upcoming events in the digital media and journalism world. These will be a mix of MediaShift-produced events and other events. If we’re missing any major events, or you’d like to pay to promote your event in the “featured event” spot of our weekly post, please contact Mark Glaser at mark [at] mediashift [dot] org. Any non-MediaShift events in the “featured event” slot are paid placements. Also, be sure to sign up for our events email newsletter to get notifications about future MediaShift events.
Featured Event
Hack the Gender Gap: A Women’s IoT Hackathon at WVU
April 1-3, 2016
Reed College of Media, WVU, Morgantown, WV
There’s a serious gender gap when it comes to representation of women in the media and tech businesses. That’s why MediaShift and the Reed College of Media at West Virginia University will convene college-age women from around the country to envision their role and influence in the emerging “smart-world” market and opportunities for entrepreneurship. The weekend will kick off Friday evening with a discussion among top women in media and tech. Then, students will break into teams to create their own startup ideas around hardware + journalism, presenting them to judges on Sunday. From smart-objects to beacons, sensors and augmented reality, this hands-on Makeathon introduces women as first-generation makers in media and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Info page here.
Register here.
JANUARY 2016
Medill Club of New York’s “How to Win at Social Media and Launch a Killer Career” Panel Discussion
Jan. 12, 2016
Wix Lounge, 235 West 23rd St, New York, NY
Want to hear from industry pros who have turned their hobbies into money-making career ventures? Join us for our crash-course in branding, social media and networking. Our panelists include Andrea Bartz and Brenna Ehrlich, creators of Stuff Hipsters Hate; Stephanie Smith, author of 300 Sandwiches book and blog; Aliza Licht former DKNY PR Girl and author of Leave Your Mark; and Tammy Tibbetts, founder of She’s the First non-profit. Doors open at 6:30. Presentation to begin at 7, and networking reception to follow. Wine, soft drinks, and appetizers will be served. Questions? Contact Alyssa Karas at alyssakaras@gmail.com or Christina Amoroso at christina.m.amoroso@gmail.
More information and registration here.
Super Researcher: Find People, Dig Deeper and Get Your Facts Right
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2016, 6:30-8pm ET
CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, New York, NY
Find even the most elusive sources. Dig up hard-to-find information. Avoid embarrassing mistakes in your news stories. In this series of four short workshops, CUNY J-School Chief Librarian Barbara Gray, the former director of news research at the New York Times, will guide you through the most accessible techniques for investigating people and verifying the facts, including Facebook, Google+, Geofencing, Geolocation, mostly free and low-cost databases, WikiLeaks and many more. Each workshop meets at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m. at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism.
Thursday, January 7: Finding People Fast (Even If They Don’t Want to Be Found)
Thursday, January 14: Newsgathering With Social Media
Thursday, January 21: Bulletproofing Your Reporting
Thursday, January 28: Super-Searching Google and Beyond
Attend an individual workshop for $48 or purchase the whole series for $149.
Register here.
Future of Education Technology Conference
Jan. 12-15, 2015
Orlando, FL
For 36 years, FETC has brought together more than 8,500 education leaders and technology experts to exchange techniques and strategies for teaching and learning success. Known worldwide for its outstanding program, FETC provides educators and administrators the opportunity to explore the integration of technology across the curriculum — from kindergarten to college — through hands-on exposure to the latest hardware, software and successful strategies.
More information and registration here.
Are the Media Being Trumped? The News on Presidential Campaigns’ Political Discourse
Jan. 13, 2015
1706 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington D.C.
Join the Society of Professional Journalists for a discussion on media coverage of the presidential races. Panelists are Politico Campaign Pro Editor Scott Bland, ThinkProgress political reporter Alice Ollstein, Bloomberg News First Word DC Team Leader Derek Wallbank and Washington Post media critic/blogger Erik Wemple. These experts will discuss how media coverage is affecting political discourse, what the polls say and the outlook for hot-button issues in the primaries and general election. And how a new breed of amateur candidates led by Donald Trump are influencing media coverage. The moderator is Communications Daily’s Jonathan Make. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and panel starts at 7. Students in particular are encouraged to attend at no cost. Beverages and light refreshments will be provided: $5 for National Press Club and Society of Professional Journalist members, $10 for all others.
More information and registration here.
SF Periscope Summit
Jan. 14, 2016, 7pm PT – Jan. 17, 2015, 3pm PT
San Francisco, CA
Scopers from all over the world will once again fly in to celebrate and share knowledge about community, social and live streaming. Speakers and audiences will be streaming to hundreds of thousands of people each day showcasing your space.
More information and registration here.
Audience-Driven Leadership: How to Build Product Focused Newsrooms and Manage Change
Jan. 14, 2016, 10am – 5:30pm ET
CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, New York, NY
Learn what it takes to lead an audience-focused newsroom and build competitive news products from The Washington Post’s Cory Haik, NYC Now editor Michael Owen, CUNY’s Jeff Jarvis and others at this exciting, one-day event in NYC, co-sponsored by American Society of News Editors (ASNE) and the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. You’ll get a hands on introduction to Design Thinking and practical advice on how to use analytics strategically. We’ll discuss the keys to establishing a product culture while producing great journalism — then brainstorm your next great news product. The cost is $249, $140 for ASNE members. Lunch and a networking reception are included.
Register here.
Excellence in Journalism 2016 Call for Programs Submission
Jan. 27, 2016
The Radio Television Digital News Association, National Association of Hispanic Journalists and Society of Professional Journalists are accepting program proposals for their Excellence in Journalism 2016 Convention.
Submit ideas for conference sessions and collaboration interests here.
The Latino Vote: Myth v. Reality
Jan. 29, 2016, 9am ET
Columbia Journalism School, New York, NY
Join us for the first of two daylong conferences intended to dispel myths about the Latino vote and encourage more accurate, thorough political coverage of the 2016 national elections. (A second program next September will focus on the final coverage of the election.) The conference, organized jointly by Columbia Journalism School and Telemundo, will feature discussions about demographics, recaps about the major issues of interest to Latino communities, provide tools to reporters to better research candidates’ voting records, ways to understand and then use polls and political strategists will offer a roadmap for how the national parties are likely to pursue ethnic voters. The program is open only to professional working journalists, including freelancers and journalism students.
More information here.
FEBRUARY 2016 AND BEYOND
Digital Entertainment World
Feb. 9-11, 2016
Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, Los Angeles, CA
From digital content creation to monetization, Digital Entertainment World is where you want to be if you are in the business of creating or monetizing digital entertainment content. DEW 2016 celebrates the visionary content creators and technology innovators who are creating the engaging products and experiences driving the future of connected entertainment.
More information and registration here.
Code/Media Conference
Feb.17-18, 2016
Dana Point, CA
Produced by senior editor Peter Kafka, in conjunction with Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg, this exclusive conference will get you up close and personal with media heavyweights and the tech innovators who want to get into the ring with them. Code/Media will bring together the most influential minds in media and technology for two days of intimate gatherings and game-changing discussions. Re/code provides access to one-on-one conversations with industry leaders who are grappling with the risk and opportunity that comes with change. And we’ll give you plenty of time to socialize, in an invigorating, stimulating and luxurious setting.
More information and registration here.
BVE 2016
Feb. 23-25, 2016
London, U.K.
BVE is the UK’s largest event for professionals involved in taking content from creation to consumption. It attracts in excess of 15,000 visitors from more than 60 countries and combines expert-led free seminars with an exhibition that features 250+ of the leading manufacturers, distributors and resellers of professional production and broadcast equipment and systems.
More information and registration here.
Journalism Interactive 2016
Feb. 26-27, 2015
University of Florida
The Journalism Interactive Conference on journalism education and digital media is for journalism educators, and is designed to advance the national discourse on how journalism schools can best prepare students for work in the rapidly changing media environment.
Register here.
MARCH 2016
Ad:Tech New Delhi
Mar. 3-4, 2016
New Delhi
Ad:Tech is a conference and exhibition where the marketing, technology and media communities come together to share new ways of thinking, build strong partnerships, and define new strategies to address the key industry challenges and opportunities.
More information and registration here.
Digiday Publishing Summit Europe
Mar. 7-9, 2016
Bologna, Italy
The digital publishing landscape in Europe today faces a slew of opportunities to connect with readers. These include creating original content, adapting to the mobile transition, scaling video and making money on platforms. At the core, accountability to the consumer and the industry is critical. The Digiday Publishing Summit in Bologna, Italy will address challenges facing legacy publishers and young start-up vying for audiences and spending dollars.
Register here.
Digital Book World Conference and Expo
Mar. 7-9, 2016
New York Hilton Midtown
The Digital Book World Conference + Expo is the premier event for publishers and content providers of all sizes and business models who plan to come out on top of publishing’s digital transformation. Stay nimble in this digital-first, global content market and capitalize on every opportunity, with the help of digital media’s most innovative thinkers and influencers. Get the perspective of both publishing leaders and visionaries from outside the industry. n.
Register here, early bird registration ends December 15.
Digital Media Strategies 2016
Mar. 9-10, 2016
Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG
Digital Media Strategies brings together a global audience of over 400 CEOs and senior leaders. Over three days of case studies, analysis, workshops, training, round table discussions and tailored networking opportunities, it focuses on the key strategic challenges behind developing a profitable and sustainable media business in a digital world. Now in its fourth year, Digital Media Strategies has become the key event for addressing the big-picture challenges facing the industry, focusing not on PR pitches, but instead on honest, in-depth case studies which go deeper than the surface trends.
Register here, early bird registration ends December 15.
SXSW 2016
Mar. 11-20, 2016
Austin, TX
The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conferences & Festivals offer the unique convergence of original music, independent films and emerging technologies. Fostering creative and professional growth alike, SXSW® is the premier destination for discovery. Year after year, the event is a launching pad for new creative content. New media presentations, music showcases and film screenings provide buzz-generating exposure for creators and compelling entertainment for audiences. Conference panel discussions present a forum for learning, business activity thrives at the Trade Shows and global networking opportunities abound. Intellectual and creative intermingling among industry leaders continues to spark new ideas and carve the path for the future of each ever-evolving field, long after the events’ conclusion.
Register here.
Ad:Tech Australia
Mar. 15-16, 2016
Sydney, Australia
Ad:Tech is a conference and exhibition where the marketing, technology and media communities come together to share new ways of thinking, build strong partnerships, and define new strategies to address the key industry challenges and opportunities.
More information and registration here.
BinderCon LA
Mar. 19-20, 2016
UCLA and Online, Everywhere
BinderCon is a professional development conference designed to empower women and gender non-conforming writers with the tools, connections and strategies they need to advance their careers. More than a conference, Binders is a community of writers working to increase the diversity of voices in the media and literary arts through conferences, workshops and other career-building events.
Register here.
The Collaboration Culture Symposium
Mar. 21-22, 2016
Reynolds Journalism Institute, 401 S. 9th St., Columbia, MO, 65211.
Today’s media companies are using collaboration as a way to stay ahead of rapid change. Efficient organizations understand their core capabilities, and what lies outside their expertise. Some are bartering core competencies in exchange for skills or products; others share technology, storytelling platforms and audience-facing insights. A new “collaboration culture” is emerging and collaboration is becoming the go-to strategy to make things work in the media industries. Join us for this can’t-miss opportunity to hear from the organizations leading the way in the collaborative space.
More information and registration here.
APRIL 2016 AND BEYOND
Hack the Gender Gap
Apr. 1-3, 2016
West Virginia University, Reed College of Media
There’s a serious gender gap when it comes to representation of women in the media and tech businesses. That’s why MediaShift and the Reed College of Media at West Virginia University will convene college-age women from around the country to envision their role and influence in the emerging “smart-world” market and opportunities for entrepreneurship. The weekend will kick off Friday evening with a discussion among top women in media and tech. Then, students will break into teams to create their own startup ideas around hardware + journalism, presenting them to judges on Sunday.
More information and registration here.
Ad Age Digital Conference
Apr. 5-6, 2016
Pier 36, New York, NY
At the 2016 Ad Age Digital Conference, marketers and agencies rethink their work, out loud. What is advertising now — an ad or an experience? How does it get done — and by whom? We hash out pressing industry issues like ad blocking, ad fraud and kickbacks. We set the agenda for the year ahead. No conversation is off the table as big brand, technology and media leaders answer tough questions head on with the Ad Age editorial team framing the conversation.
Register here.
International Symposium of Online Journalism
Apr. 15-16, 2016
University of Texas at Austin, TX
Since 1999, editors, producers, executives, and academics from around the country (and lately from around the world) have gathered in Austin every year (except 2000) to discuss the evolution of this new genre of journalism. The Symposium has been a small, but very intense conference that serves as a barometer for the state of Online Journalism.
Call for papers now underway; more information here.
LA Games Conference
Apr. 19, 2016
West Hollywood Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
Join the most influential decision-makers in the digital media industry at Digital Media Wire’s Annual LA Games Conference to network, do deals, and share ideas about the future of games and connected entertainment. Featuring two tracks with fireside chats, roundtables, panels and presentations on digital game investment, creation, distribution, marketing and monetization, the event brings together many of the elite in the industry for top sessions and power networking.
More information and registration here.
LOCALCON 2016
Apr. 20-22, 2016
Chelsea Football Stadium, London, U.K.
From London to Luxembourg, Paris to Prague, Hamburg to The Hague — the European market is a dense and fragmented opportunity for local marketing solutions providers. LOCALCON 2016 offers the best way to navigate and unlock the potential in this market. This event is essential for marketers, media and solutions providers operating in this dynamic space. Panels, presentations and exhibitions will equip attendees with the right connections and actionable takeaways.
More information and registration here.
Conference: Freedom of Information Act — 50 Years Later
Jun. 2-4, 2016
Columbia Journalism School, New York, NY
More information to come here.
Social Media Weekend 2016
Jun. 10-11, 2016
CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, 219 W 40th St., New York, NY
Catch up on the latest social media trends, tools and people with @Sree Sreenivasan and friends at CUNY J-School. The #smwknd will offer two very full days of insights and networking, Q&As with social stars, Sree’s State of Social presentation, free consultations with Social Media Doctors and more. We’ll drill into how the 2016 campaigns are taking advantage of evolving networks, and how you can evaluate and use messaging platforms to reach audiences in the U.S. and worldwide.
Information here.
Sept. 15-17, 2016
Hyatt Regency Denver, 650 15th Street, Denver, CO
Record-breaking numbers of journalists travel to ONA’s conference each year to learn about new tools, techniques and technologies, to discuss advancements and challenges in the industry, take advantage of the rare opportunity to network face-to-face, and share best practices with peers from all over the map.
Information here.
Excellence in Journalism 2016 Convention
Sep. 18-20, 2016
The Radio Television Digital News Association, National Association of Hispanic Journalists and Society of Professional Journalists present their Excellence in Journalism 2016 Convention.
More information to come here.
Ad:Tech London
Oct. 25-26, 2016
Old Billingsgate, London
Ad:Tech is a conference and exhibition where the marketing, technology and media communities come together to share new ways of thinking, build strong partnerships, and define new strategies to address the key industry challenges and opportunities. Ad:Tech London is where the U.K.’s marketing and media players meet for technology discovery, cutting-edge content and unrivaled networking.
More information and registration here.
Ad:Tech NY
Nov. 2-3, 2016
New York
Ad:Tech is a conference and exhibition where the marketing, technology and media communities come together to share new ways of thinking, build strong partnerships, and define new strategies to address the key industry challenges and opportunities.
More information and registration here.
For a roundup of must-go journalism conferences, see Contently’s list here.
UPDATE: This piece has been updated with information about LOCALCON 2016
Sonia Paul is a freelance journalist reporting in India and the U.S., and is the editorial assistant at MediaShift. Her work has appeared in a broad range of media, including the Al Jazeera Media Network, Caravan, Foreign Policy, Guardian, Mashable, New York Times, PRI’s The World, Roads & Kingdoms and VICE News. She previously produced the grant-funded podcast series Shizuoka Speaks, based in Japan. She is on Twitter and Instagram @sonipaul.