First of WV Press Association’s ‘Family Friendly’ events with support of West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine: Family invited at no cost
WV Press News Release
CHARLESTON, W.VA. — Newspaper representatives from across the state are joining with the West Virginia Press Association for Convention 2023 this weekend – Aug. 11-12 – in Charleston.
With a Charleston Dirty Birds Baseball Game, a tour of the Charleston Gazette-Mail, seminars on artificial intelligence, advertising, the National Guard, working with Congressional offices, awards presentations and plenty of networking and socializing opportunities, the West Virginia Press Association is reaching out to media industry officials from across the state to Charleston.
“Each year we gather for networking and training,” said Don Smith, WV Press executive director. “So much is changing in our society and in our industry. We are looking at new trends, learning about activities around our state, recognizing the best newspaper work from 2022, and working to make it all accessible and family friendly. Convention is a great opportunity to learn and meet people.”
In addition to the newspaper industry, WV Press is opening two education sessions to all media and the public:
- “An Update on Social Security” by David Certner, AARP Legislative Counsel and Director of Legislative Policy for Government Affairs at 4 p.m. on Aug. 11
- “Artificial Intelligence, ethics and its implications for communications” by Amy Cyphert, Lecturer in Law at the West Virginia University College of Law and the Director of the ASPIRE Office at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 12.
“WV Press works to feature the City of Charleston. ‘Live at the Levee’ is happening at Haddad Riverfront Park on Friday night. Enjoy the reception at our convention and then wander outside to enjoy all the entertainment and events. Charleston has a lot to offer,” Smith said.
WV Press thanks its corporate partners – AARP-WV, WVU News and Information, and the West Virginia Press Association Foundation — for their support of the convention. West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine – the “Family Sponsor” and other sponsors who are making the convention affordable and worth the time. Thanks to WVSOM, all attendees can bring family at no additional cost and make the weekend a family event.
2023 WV Press Association Convention Agenda
Four Points by Sheraton, 600 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV 25301
Thursday, Aug. 10
Board meetings:
1 p.m. – WVPA/WVPS Board Meetings – Mountain State Suite.
3:30 p.m. – WVPA Foundation Trustees Meeting– Mountain State Suite.
6 p.m. – Board Event and Social at GoMart Baseball Park and Dirty Birds Game – sponsored by the West Virginia Press Association Foundation – GoMart Ball Park – Suites – Tickets provided.
8 p.m. – Hospitality Suite – sponsored by Highmark – Room number posted in Capitol Suite B.
Friday, Aug. 11
8 a.m. – Continental Breakfast – presented by ONE – Our Next Energy – Conference Area.
9:30 a.m. – Tour of Charleston Gazette-Mail facility in Charleston – Walk three blocks to 1001 Virginia St. East, Charleston. 25301.
Noon – Ad Awards Luncheon – sponsored by The Health Plan and featuring comments by W.Va. Governor Jim Justice – Capitol Suite A.
2:30 p.m. – Education Session – sponsored by GameChanger — “WV National Guard Update.” Attendees will hear about the National Guard’s service activities and recruitment advertising efforts with Edwin L. “Bo” Wriston, West Virginia National Guard, Public Affairs Specialist, and his team – Capitol Suite C.
2:30 p.m. – Education Session – sponsored by West Virginia Press Services — “Pulse presentation on Sales Tools.” Attendees will learn about a data-driven prospecting, engagement and proposal tool that succeeds for local media sales organizations. Whether selling digital, events or good old ROP reps will quickly be able to identify, pursue and close new business, the key to growth. It works from the comfort of a laptop in the office and from any mobile device – Capitol Suite B.
3:45 p.m. – Education Session – Sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE) — “Working with Congressional Offices,” sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway Energy. Attendees will learn how best to work with the Congressional Offices of West Virginia’s elected officials from staff representatives of US Senator Joe Manchin and US Senator Shelley Moore Capitol. There will also be updates on Social Security from David Certner, AARP Legislative Counsel and Director of Legislative Policy for Government Affairs; and on the “News & Small Business Support Act” from Steven Waldman, chair of the Rebuild Local News Coalition and co-cofounder of Report for America – Capitol Suite C.
6 p.m. – The WV Press Association’s Annual President’s Reception – in honor of WVPA President Perry Nardo, sponsored by AARP WV and featuring comments by U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito – Capitol Suite A.
8 p.m. – Outdoor entertainment at “Live at the Levee” and networking in the WV Press Hospitality Suite — sponsored by Highmark – Downtown Charleston and Hospitality Suite Room number posted in Capitol Suite B.
Saturday, Aug. 12
8 a.m. – Continental Breakfast – presented by ONE – Our Next Energy – Conference area.
8:30 a.m. Membership Meeting – The WV Press Association’s annual general membership meeting – Capitol Suite C.
10:3O a.m. – Education Session – sponsored by City National Bank – “Artificial intelligence, ethics and its implications for communications.” Attendees will hear Amy Cyphert, Lecturer in Law at the West Virginia University College of Law and the Director of the ASPIRE Office, present a session on the impact of artificial intelligence’s potential impact on media and communications – Capitol Suite C.
12:30 a.m. – Editorial Awards Luncheon – sponsored by West Virginia University and featuring comments by U.S. Senator Joe Manchin – Capitol Suite A.
West Virginia press also thanks and acknowledges it other sponsors:
- WV Tourism is sponsoring all conference internet, video recording and social media – #WVPress.
- The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority is sponsoring the Registration Pavilion.
- The West Virginia Nursery & Landscaping Association is sponsoring the 2023 Convention Swag Bags for all attendees.
WV Press also thanks our “Friends of the WVPA” for helping make convention possible:
- Asher Agency
- Vandalia Health
- The Affiliated Construction Trades of West Virginia
- The Associated Press
The registration form is attached or you can register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-west-virginia-press-association-convention-tickets-659453131067
NOTE: The convention location is Four Points by Sheraton on the banks of the Kanawha River in Charleston.
Attendees can reserve a room online. https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1655843198258&key=GRP&app=resvlink
The WV Press Group ID, if still available, is (WV Press Association). The room rate: $139-179 per night. You can also call 1-888-236-2427 or 304-344-4092 or visit www.marriott.com
With a lot of activity in Charleston, Smith said the rooms are limited so he is encouraging everyone to reserve their room as soon as possible.
