Jen Madden
S.C. Press Association
803-750-9561
jmadden@scpress.org
You don't want to miss seeing more than 350 of your Palmetto State newspaper friends at the 2017 Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation, presented by AT&T, during the weekend of March 17-18, at The Marriott in lively downtown Columbia. The Annual Meeting will feature educational sessions, networking events and more in our jam-packed schedule, plus more than 800 awards to present! All sessions and networking events are free and open to all SCPA members. Tickets are required for meal functions.
Schedule of Events
Friday, March 17 | |
3 p.m. – midnight | News Contest Winners’ Exhibits Open |
Atrium, The Marriott | |
3 – 5 p.m. | Executive Committee Meeting |
Palmetto I, The Marriott | |
5:30 – 6:15 p.m. | Mix and Mingle with SCPA Executive Committee and Staff |
Marriott Rocks at Midlands' Lounge | |
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6:30 p.m. |
Group Dinner Located in a historic 19th century Firehouse, Villa Tronco serves the traditional Italian cuisine that Mama Tronco introduced to Columbia more than 75 years ago. Family owned and operated for four generations, Villa Tronco offers authentic and aromatic recipes, old-world atmosphere, and warm Italian hospitality. Guests will enjoy an entrée, salad, bread, Carmella's famous cheesecake and beverage of choice (Beer, wine, tea, or soda). Registration is required for this event as there is limited seating. |
Saturday, March 18 | |
8:30 a.m. | Registration, Sponsor Tables and News Contest Winners’ Exhibits Open |
Atrium, The Marriott |
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9:15 – 9:25 a.m. | SCPA Business Meeting & Election of Officers |
Carolina Ballroom F-H, The Marriott | |
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Secrets of Successful Multiplatform Journalists with Allen Breed, Associated Press National Writer/Videographer and Tim Rogers, Carolinas News Editor for Associated Press |
Carolina Ballroom F-H, The Marriott | |
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10:45 – 11:45 a.m. | Democracy Can’t Survive on Memes Alone… Why Newspaper Journalism Matters Now More Than Ever with Paula Ellis |
Carolina Ballroom F-H, The Marriott | |
Paula Ellis, senior associate at the Kettering Foundation and trustee of the Poynter Institute, will give us a national and local view of newspaper credibility and reflect on dramatic shifts in the news industry. Nationally, trust in media is at an historic low. Are local newspapers tarred with the same image problems? If so, how do we improve our image and credibility? How does all of this impact the need for aggressive journalism? Have people quit listening to the press and written us off as liars? Paula will offer her ideas on the vital role of newspapers in a democracy, with time for questions. Paula is former publisher of The Sun News and former managing editor of The State. She previously served as vice president for strategic initiatives for the Knight Foundation. Throughout her career as a news, corporate and civic leader, Paula has developed deep experience in national and community issues. |
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Noon – 2:15 p.m. | Weekly Newspaper & Associate Member Awards Luncheon |
Carolina Ballroom A-E, The Marriott Cost to attend: $45 |
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2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Counselors Off The Cuff |
Carolina Ballroom F-H, The Marriott | |
Join SCPA Executive Director Bill Rogers and SCPA Attorneys Taylor Smith and Jay Bender for a no-holds-barred discussion. All general or specific topics/questions are fair game, but of course we suspect the conversation will include at least some talk of open government and First Amendment issues. | |
6 – 7:30 p.m. | President’s Reception |
Atrium, The Marriott | |
7:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Daily Newspaper Awards Dinner |
Carolina Ballroom A-E, The Marriott Cost to attend: $65 |
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Following the Daily Awards Dinner, the Marriott Rocks at Midlands' Lounge and patio area will stay open for celebratory cocktails. Or venture out onto Main Street, where there are several bars and restaurants within walking distance. |
Hotel Information
The deadline to get your discounted room rate has passed and our group block is full, but you can still make a reservation using The Marriott's standard rate.
Get a T-Shirt
Purchase a t-shirt to show pride in our industry and raise funds for SCPA's FOI Fund, which helps newspapers fight open government battles. Shirt features Robert Ariail's popular cartoon. Shirts will also be available for purchase at the Annual Meeting registration desk. Limited quantities available. Sizes S, M, L, XL and XXL available. If you pick your shirt up at the Annual Meeting, there is no shipping cost. If you need us to ship your shirt, there's an additional $5 shipping cost. View shirt here!
Special thanks to our Annual Meeting Sponsors!
Sponsor the Annual Meeting
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
AT&T
PLATINUM SPONSORS:
Experience Columbia SC
GOLD SPONSORS:
Associated Press
Municipal Association of South Carolina
TownNews.com
USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
SCANA
Allen Press, Inc
Carl Muller, Attorney at Law, P.A.
Harrison & Radeker, P.A.
SILVER SPONSORS:
Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina
McLeod Fraser and Cone, LLC
Sonoco
Winthrop University
Wyche Law Firm
NTVB Media
Aiken Leader & Printing
NEWSCYCLE Solutions
BRONZE SPONSOR:
Mather Economics
Monday, March 6 is the deadline to register!
If you have any questions, contact Jen Madden or Bill Rogers or call SCPA at (803) 750-9561.