SESSION FAQ

---

How does MediaFest work with three organizations – ACP, CMA, and SPJ – running it?

ACP and CMA choose sessions aimed at students, while SPJ chooses those aimed at pros.

Of course, anyone can attend any session. Advanced students often prefer pro sessions, while pros who need refreshers will sometimes sit in student sessions.

When will I know if my session is accepted?

If you submitted by June 1, then no later than Tuesday, July 1. It takes that long because, well, we’ll explain below.

When is the deadline to submit sessions?

The main deadline has passed, but we’re still accepting sessions. However, those that came in by June 1 have priority. You can still submit by scrolling to the bottom of our homepage.

What’s the selection process?

First, sessions submitted through the form are separated by category. We don’t want, say, a dozen sessions about feature writing but only one about news writing.

Second, we run each category list by folks we trust. We get their opinions.

Third, a committee chaired by MediaFest convention director Michael Koretzky (and including members of ACP, CMA, and SPJ) reviews everything, especially the days and times you said you were available.

Fourth, this group chooses the sessions.

Fifth, the convention director tries to make them all fit neatly into the available time slots. That’s tougher than it sounds, so it takes a while from the time your session is accepted until it’s actually scheduled. The convention director will notify you once it is.

Do speakers get free or discounted convention registration?

Sadly, no. We hope teaching is its own reward, because we’re three journalism organizations with tight budgets.

Do speakers have to pay convention registration?

That depends. Are you swooping in to present your awesome session and swooping out? Then, no. Are you sticking around to visit other sessions and programs? Then, yes. Will we ever know? Probably not. We rely on the honor system, the social contract, and your own sense of guilt.

What about AV and all that?

Once we choose sessions, we’ll give presenters all the details they need. No sense bugging you with that right now.

Any other questions, contact us below…