September 30, 2024 - October 2, 2024
10 E Center St, Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic

Monday, September 30
*All times and speakers subject to change*

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - MBA Annual Conference Welcome Reception
Sponsored By:



Tuesday, October 1
*All times and speakers subject to change*

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. - Visit Vendors

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - MBA Business Meeting, Annual Conference Sessions, and Speakers

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - Minnesota Broadcasters Association Annual Meeting with remarks from MBA President, Wendy Paulson, MBA Board Chair, Jim Birkemeyer and MBA Vice Chair, Shelly Wilkes.

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. - "A New Era for Local Media" with Jim Brown of Borrell Associates. Since the birth of digital advertising 30 years ago, media usage has grown astronomically. Yet traditional local media have struggled to participate. Does your company have what it takes to grow your audience and meet advertisers' new demands of targeting and measurability? In this session, media analyst Jim Brown from Borrell Associates targets a clear opportunity for local media companies as Generative A.I. drives further proliferation of video and audio content, sending local businesses scurrying for a partner who can help them break through the noise. Sponsored by BOB-FM.

10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. - Break to visit vendors. Sponsored by Townsquare Media Duluth.

10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - "What will the Upcoming Election Mean for Broadcasters" with Nicole Gustafson, Senior Vice President of Government Relations of National Association of Broadcasters.

11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - "Minnesota Election Secruity and Voter Access/Participation" with Minnesota Secretary of State, Steve Simon.

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Insight on Happenings in Washington DC Including a Look at Issues Taking Place at the FCC” with MBA Legal Hotline Attorney, David Oxenford of Wilkinson|Barker|Knauer and Rick Kaplan, Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President, Legal and Regulatory Affairs at National Association of Broadcasters.

12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. Lunch, visit vendors and networking. Lunch sponsored by R&J Broadcasting, Inc., Division of Emergency Communication Networks, and Smarts Broadcast Systems.

12:45 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. "Minnesota Legislative Updates and a Look Ahead at What's in Store in St. Paul in 2025" with Tom Hanson and Andrea Rau from Winthrop & Weinstine. Sponsored by Winthrop & Weinstine.

1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. "The Presidential Election and a Look Inside the Washington DC Beltway" with Major Garrett of CBS News. Sponsored by WCCO-TV.

2:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Break to visit vendors. Sponsored by WDIO-TV.

2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. "Deepfakes in Advertising, Political Advertising, Transparency Concerns" with MBA Legal Hotline Attorney, Mark Anfinson

2:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. "Fun is Good" Keynote Presentation from Mike Veeck
Mike Veeck's story is a rollercoaster of inspiration and entertainment, from his pioneering days with the St. Paul Saints to his current ventures like investing in an Irish soccer club and owning a ballclub in Joliet, Illinois. Join us for a look into his journey, sprinkled with vintage takes that will keep you hooked. Plus, get an inside peek into the Netflix documentary, "The Saint of Second Chances." Don't miss out on this chance to be uplifted and rediscover your fun and creativity with Mike's captivating stories. Sponsored by Big Deals Media and Marketron.

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Happy Hour Reception - 2024 Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame Induction
Sponsored by:


7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Dinner - 2024 Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner
Master of Ceremonies: 2022 MN Broadcasters Hall of Fame Inductee, Dave Lee
Sponsored by:


2024 Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame Inductees


Wednesday, October 2nd
*All times and speakers subject to change*

MBA Annual Conference Sessions and Speakers 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sponsored by:

9:00 a.m. - "What Local Advertisers Want from Agencies and Local Media Companies" with Jim Brown of Borrell Associates. In this session, Jim Brown, president of Borrell Associates will use data from Borrell's survey and panel of thousands of local businesses across the country to share what's important to them. From how they make decisions about advertising to how they view local media companies and agencies, you'll learn why local marketers are slowly moving from novice to master marketers and how you can better meet their changing needs.

10:00 a.m. - "It's Not the Sale, It's the Story. Retain and Grow Clients by Focusing on Their Journey" with Kelli Frieler of Vibrant Impact. Clients crave more than just ads--they need partners and guides who understand their unique challenges and goals. By leading with curiosity and listening to client needs, you can transform your role from vendor to trusted advisor, driving long-term success for your clients and your business. The digital landscape has become more commoditized; there's a lot of competition, and most are selling all the same things. Stand out and stay connected by doubling down on your storytelling. Use storytelling to build trust, secure wins, and retain your clients.

11:15 a.m. - Lunch and networking. Sponsored by R&J Broadcasting, Inc., Division of Emergency Communication Networks, and Smarts Broadcast Systems.

12:30 p.m. - There are many industries that rely on radio and TV to be successful. Get updates from the retailers, housing and restaurant industries with Mara Humphrey, President & CEO of Minnesota Credit Union Network, Josh McFall, CEO of Minnesota Realtors, Bruce Nustad, President of Minnesota Retailers Association, James Vagle, President & CEO of Housing First Minnesota, and Angie Whitcomb, President & CEO of Hospitality Minnesota. The panel will be moderated by Dan Mayasich of KSTP-TV.

1:15 p.m. - "Modern Sales Strategies to Create Urgency & Sell Value" with L'areal Lipkins of Lipkins Consulting Group" In today's digital-first world, selling the unique value of radio and TV can be challenging. During this interactive workshop, L'areal will teach you practical sales strategies to showcase radio and TV's distinct advantages. You'll learn how to master the sales process, set up your sales opportunities for success, and ask questions that uncover your client's needs and demonstrate radio and TV's superior reach and effectiveness. Through Q&A and role-playing exercises, you'll apply what you learn to upcoming sales opportunities while receiving real-time sales coaching. Don't miss this chance to elevate your sales game and deliver more value to your clients!

4:00 p.m. - MBA Annual Conference Closing Remarks

Hotel Room Block Information
Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Mayo Clinic Area
225 South Broadway, Rochester, MN 55904
(2 blocks south of Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area)
$189.00/per night plus all applicable taxes and fees
Book a room by calling 507-285-1234.
Mention the RMS Minnesota Broadcasters Association Conference.
CLICK HERE to book online.
Room Block Night Dates: 9/30/2024 and 10/1/2024
Room Block Deadline is Monday, September 9, 2024.

Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area (SOLD OUT)
10 East Center Street, Rochester, MN 55904
(Location of MBA Annual Conference and Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame Induction)
$269.00/night plus all applicable taxes and fees
Book a room by calling 507-258-5757.
Mention the RMS Minnesota Broadcasters Association Conference.
CLICK HERE to book online.
Room Block Night Dates: 9/30/2024 and 10/1/2024
Room Block Deadline is Monday, September 9, 2024.

Parking
(Rates Subject to Change)
$26 - Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area Valet Parking
$18 - Hilton Garden Inn Mayo Clinic Area Valet Parking