A Professional Development Mini-Conference
hosted by the PRSA Lookout Chapter and the Cleveland Media Association
Friday, Oct. 3, 2008 • 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Southern Adventist University • Collegedale, Tenn.
What really lies below the surface of these generational labels? Find out what makes your target audience, your co-workers and even you tick? What motivates people from generation to generation? What do they value, need and expect? This professional development event is designed to help you better understand your publics and yourself.
SCHEDULE
8:30 - 9:45 a.m.
Opening Session and Keynote Presentation
"Zap the Gap"
Discover creative approaches that will enhance your daily communication strategies with individuals from across the generations.
Speaker: Meagan Johnson, generational humorist
10 - 11 a.m.
Breakout Session - Round 1
"Managing the Generations"
Whether you're hiring and supervising individuals from another generation or trying to build and maintain relationships with multiple generations, you'll learn about the values and expectations that each generation brings to the workplace.
Facilitator: Meagan Johnson, generational humorist
"Writing to Reach the Generations"
Few communication professionals are targeting only a single generational audience, so this session is designed to help you understand practical strategies of writing to attract and retain readers both young and old.
Facilitators: Amy O. Williams and Joan Garrett, Chattanooga Times-Free Press
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Breakout Session - Round 2
Sessions will be repeated to allow you to attend both sessions.
Professional Networking Luncheon
Enjoy a catered luncheon while you network with area communication professionals.
1 - 2 p.m.
"Connecting with Audiences of All Ages"
Participate in a discussion with representative of traditional media--newspaper, radio and television--to discover how they are meeting the challenge of attracting and communicating with audiences that span four generations.
(through Sept. 26, 2008)
| Member (CMA or PRSA) | $55 | The conference fee includes access to all conference sessions, materials, refreshments and lunch. |
| Non-Member Professional | $70 | |
| Student* | $35* |
* OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS: Thanks to a generous offer by the Unum Corporation, students can attend the conference at no cost. Students must still pre-register and pay their registration fee in advance, but on the day of the conference when they check in they will receive their money back.
Meagan Johnson
From Phoenix, Ariz., Meagan Johnson, certified speaking professional, is passionate about connecting generations. A graduate of Arizona State University, she earned her bachelor's degree in marketing. Since 1997, Johnson has traveled the world and become known as the generational humorist for the innovative approach she takes in dealing with generational communication styles. Some of her clients include Harley-Davidson Motor Co., American Express, Pepsi and Cadillac.
Amy O. Williams
Williams is a business reporter at the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Before coming to the paper in September 2007, she was an award-winning reporter at the Memphis Daily News, a business journal in Memphis, Tenn. She has worked at several weekly newspapers and has freelanced for Memphis Parent Magazine and the Memphis Commercial Appeal. Along with writing about local businesses, she is one of the lead writers for the Times Free Press' baby boomer generation project. Williams has also written many stories about the twenty and thirty-something generations.
Joan Garrett
With a master’s in community journalism from the University of Alabama, Garrett serves as a higher education and special projects reporter on the metro desk for the Chattanooga Times Free Press and has written baby boomer stories for the paper’s generation project. She is also creating a Web site
with blogging, video, audio and an interactive map to reach individuals in their twenties and thirties who are accustomed to getting information online. In addition, she has worked at the Shelby County Reporter, Tuscaloosa News and Hartford Courant.
Who will benefit from attending this event?
Anyone who communicates on a regular basis with the various age groups will have the opportunity to gain useful insight into the similarities and differences among generations. Attendees will learn how to reach their target audiences and how to apply knowledge of generational differences to their leadership styles within the workplace.
Do I have to stay for the entire conference?
No, we understand that you may have other commitments that may prevent you from attending every session from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. While each session is planned for your benefit, you are welcome to attend any combination of breakout sessions, lunch or the media panel discussion after lunch.
Will the price be adjusted if I can only attend part of the event?
Unfortunately, no. The price will not be adjusted if you are unable to take advantage of every aspect of the event.
Is lunch included in the price?
Absolutely. A catered lunch will be provided. Please let us know of any specific dietary needs (i.e., vegetarian) when you register.
How do I get to the conference location?
The conference will be held at the Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church (4829 College Drive East, Collegedale, TN 37315) on the campus of Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tenn., conveniently located between Chattanooga and Cleveland.
From Cleveland, Tenn., take Interstate 75 south to Exit 11. Turn left onto Lee Highway. At the second stoplight on Lee Highway, turn right onto Little Debbie Parkway. When Little Debbie Parkway ends, turn left onto Apison Pike. Continue on Apison Pike through Collegedale. Go straight at the traffic light and follow the road around the bend. Turn right at the four-way stop onto University Drive. There will be signs posted to direct you to convenient parking.
Approximate driving time from Cleveland: 20 minutes
From Chattanooga, Tenn., take Interstate 75 north to Exit 11. Turn right onto Lee Highway. At the first stoplight, turn right onto Little Debbie Parkway. When Little Debbie Parkway ends, turn left onto Apison Pike. Continue on Apison Pike through Collegedale. Go straight at the traffic light and follow the road around the bend. Turn right at the four-way stop onto University Drive. There will be signs posted to direct you to convenient parking.
Approximate driving time from downtown Chattanooga: 35 minutes
Signs will be posted on campus to direct you to reserved parking for the event.
Who is sponsoring this event?
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