2005 Annual Conference


2005 Annual Conference
September 24-29, 2005 Texas Highways, Host
See the group photo!
Contents for This Page
	Program Schedule (This section updated September 4, 2005. See the "NEW" graphic.)
	Things You Need to Know (This section updated June 28, 2005)
	Thank You, Sponsors
Program Schedule
Friday, September 23
All Day		Board of Directors & Presidents Council Arrivals and Check-in
7:00 p.m.		Board of Directors/Presidents Council Dinner
Saturday, September 24
All Day		General arrivals and check-in
8:00 a.m.		Board/Presidents Council Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.		Board Meeting
12:00 p.m.		Board Lunch
1:30 p.m.		Resume Board Meeting, if necessary
5:30 p.m.		Welcome Reception
6:30 - 7:15 p.m.		Yanaguana Cruise on the San Antonio River
			Join us for margaritas, mariachis, and a leisurely cruise on river barges along San Antonio's world famous River Walk.
7:30 p.m.		Dinner buffet
9:00 - 11:00 p.m.		Hospitality Suite Open
Sunday, September 25
All Day		Registration continues
8:00 a.m.		Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m.		Opening General Session
			Face the Future--What Lies Ahead for Regional Magazines
				Dave Garlock, magazine consultant and Magazine Program Head at the University of Texas at Austin, sparks a candid discussion on the current status of regional magazines and trends for the future. What works? What doesn't? We'll talk Web sites, coverlines, attracting Baby Boomers and even younger readers, writing better articles, alternatives to direct-mail marketing, and branching out through TV shows, workshops, and travel tours.
10:15 a.m.		Break
10:30 a.m.		General Session
			Hits & Misses
				It was the best of times; it was the worst of times--and it'll be a fun time as *Oklahoma Today* Publisher Joan Henderson shares the "oh boy's" and "uh-ohs..." of '04. (Joan has stepped in for *Adirondack Life* Publisher Tom Hughes, who must care for his seriously ill mother.)
12:00 p.m.		Lunch
1:30 p.m.		General Session
			Dave Becomes Dr. Phil: Ways to Improve Communications Between Editorial, Marketing, and Circulation
				Marketing from Mars? Editorial from Venus? Right hand wondering what the left hand is doing? How's that workin' for you? Dave Garlock (consultant and Magazine Program Head, University of Texas at Austin) challenges us to "git reee-uhl" and find ways to become a cohesive, functioning team, even when you know you're right and more knowledgeable than the next guy.
2:45 p.m.		Break
3:00 - 4:15 p.m.		General Session
			Kick It Up a Notch: Coverlines That Sell
				The Emeril Lagasse of coverlines, Meta-Margret Carson, Vice President of Consumer Marketing at Texas Monthly, shares her recipes for newsstand success, from finding the magic words, to cover design, to distribution and placement. Bam!
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.		Board Trolleys for Dinner and Entertainment at House of Blues
			Enjoy a wonderful selection of Southern-style food and libations, and the fabulous sounds of one of the House of Blues premier gospel groups, featuring the incredible Sylvia St. James as the Mistress of Ceremonies.
9:00 - 11:00 p.m.		Hospitality Suite open
Monday, September 26
8:00 a.m.		Continental breakfast
9:00 a.m.		Concurrent Sessions (Choose 1 of 3)
			1. Marketing CSI: Promotional Programs That Work
					Hey there, super sleuths. Planning, facilitating, executing, and analyzing all elements of a magazine's marketing program involve digging for evidence of what works and what doesn't. Come to this session ready to roll up your sleeves to uncover the elements of a great plan with some of IRMA's best marketers.
			2. Evolution of a Magazine: You've Come A Long Way, Baby
					No-holds-barred magazine redesign: Art Director Mark Mahorsky, who spearheaded the design makeover at *Texas Parks & Wildlife* (IRMA Magazine of the Year in 1999 and 2003), dishes the scoop on how to preserve your brand while freshening your look.
			3. IRMA Gets Her Groove Back: Stellar Special Issues, Best-ofs With Oomph, and Inspiring Planning Meetings
					Tired of Top 10 lists? Sick of Santa, pumpkins, and other seasonal expectations? Running out of scenic spots? If you'd rather have a root canal than attend a planning meeting, this is the session for you. We'll energize that editorial calendar with fresh ideas, and breathe new life into business-as-usual.
10:15 a.m.		Break
10:30 a.m.		Concurrent Sessions (Choose 1 of 3)
			1. Where Have All the Prospects Gone? Finding New Subscribers
					Increases in Internet use, privacy issues, and the rising cost of postage and paper, combined with declining prospect sources and response rates, can make finding new subscribers a publishing nightmare. This interactive session allows participants to share thoughts and help turn lemons into lemonade. Facilitated by *Texas Highways* Marketing Manager Cindy Leffingwell, who has served as a publisher's in-house broker and list manager since 1988, and Jim Hall, Vice President Brokerage, of Chilcutt Direct Marketing. Please bring samples and response rates.
			2. Extreme Makeover: Magazine Critique
					We'll talk shop in parties of five. Think of it as a spa treatment for your magazine--relax while your peers peel away the pages to expose what's working and massage what's not. You'll come away with renewed vim and vigor.
			3. Get the Picture: Prints on Demand
					A new Pennsylvania-based company makes it possible to offer your readers high-quality posters and fine prints of images you select from each issue. Learn about how Magazineprints.com is already partnering with some IRMA members in an innovative way to add revenue to your ancillary program.
12:00 p.m.		Lunch (Acenar Restaurant)
			With its fresh approach to riverfront dining in San Antonio, Acenar delivers cutting-edge Tex-Mex cuisine in a friendly, hip, and relaxing dining environment.
1:30 - 2:45 p.m.		Concurrent Sessions (Choose 1 of 2)
			1. Short 'n' Swweeet: Inventing and Reinventing Departments
					Bored with book reviews? Letters to the Editor spread too thin? If you're sweating the small stuff, let our panel add some pizazz.
			2. The Proper Care and Feeding of Subscribers
					Find our how your fellow IRMA magazines strategize to maximize renewal performance. We'll explore the causes of poor renewal performance; recapturing the ones that slipped away; the importance of timing; special rates and premiums; renewing by telephone; grace copies; taking advantage of surveys; in-book renewal promotion; and much more. This session is a good opportunity to learn from each other, so please bring sample copies of your renewal series.
5:30 p.m.		Group Photo
6:00 p.m.		Reception and Cocktails (Empire Theatre)
			In 1988, the City of San Antonio brought the decaying Empire Theatre, and through the efforts of the Las Casas Foundation, funds were raised to restore the Empire to its original luster. Six pounds of gold leafing and precise metallic detailing again embellish the remarkable plasterwork. A copper eagle, originally mounted atop the marquee and feared lost, was found and restored, and again soars triumphantly above the Empire entrance. In 1999, the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
7:00 p.m.		Awards Dinner (Empire Theatre)
			It is fitting that the 25th Annual IRMA Awards, on their Silver Anniversary, be presented in the same city as the 1st Awards. Throughout these years, IRMA magazines have advanced aggressively to the excellence achieved today. May the 50th, 100th anniversary and beyond be celebrated right here in good ol' San Antone.
9:30 - 11:00 p.m.		Hospitality Suite open
Tuesday, September 27
8:00 a.m.		Continental breakfast
9:00 a.m.		General Session
			Moving to a Fully Digital Workflow in 10 (Easy) Steps
				Our experts reveal the latest technology for a fully digital workflow and the efficiencies and cost savings that result. Learn the value of PDF; Open Systems and why this standard is important to creative and prepress teams; Job Definition Format (JDF) technology and how it helps bridge the gap between production and management information systems. The 10-step process will help you transition from native file submission to PDF workflow with online proofing.
10:15 a.m.		Break
10:30 a.m.		Concurrent Sessions (Choose 1 of 3)
			1. Conquering Digital Hide & Seek
					In photography, perfection can be captured in a few hundredths of a second. Unfortunately, cataloging and organizing those valuable images takes longer--often much longer. Photographer Michael Sidoric (founder of the audio-visual production company, Informedia) discusses the latest advances in digital asset management and archiving, and provides direction and ideas for evaluating your needs and finding a solution that will provide creative freedom (and security), so you and your photographers can focus on capturing that perfect image--not trying to find it.
			2. Selling Integrated Advertising Programs
					What are the keys to selling that combine Web site, e-newsletter, event sponsorship, and advertising into a complete marketing package? We'll learn from magazines working on this kind of integration and those considering it.
			3. 50 Ways to Love & Leave Your Freelancers
					Are you and your freelance contributors ships in the night? Are your writers' arms tired from patting themselves on the back? Do your photographers shout "Show me the money!" over the phone? Two career freelancers share tips on improving relationships and contractual agreements with editors. How do we inspire the best work from writers and photographers, every time? Remember, we're in this together.
12:00 p.m.		Lunch
1:30 p.m.		Concurrent Sessions (Choose 1 of 2)
			1. Creating Digital Editions
					As digital delivery of magazines becomes more popular, how do regionals keep up with the times? Learn more about this growing segment of the industry from Michele Chaboudy, Chief Marketing Officer at Austin-based NewsStand, Inc., the worldwide leader in digital distribution for newspapers and magazines.
			2. Fresh Blood: Attracting Younger Readers
					Cher is not the only one out there looking for younger admirers. Our panel of super nannies covers the latest ways to stay (or get) hip (while remaining loyal to your base) and reach the young and the restless in this digital age.
2:45 p.m.		Free Afternoon: Play in SA
			Remember the Alamo...and the River Walk, the Mercado, the Botanical Garden, and a multitude of museums, too! Roam as you wish, or join one of our *Texas Highways* staff-guided excursions.
6:00 p.m.		Dinner On Your Own
			Step outside the Hotel Valencia and eat your way down the River Walk. So many restaurants and so little time! Have a drink at one, move on to another for dinner, and stroll across the bridge for dessert at a third--the gastronomic possibilities are almost endless.
8:00 - 11:00 p.m.		Hospitality Suite open
Wednesday, September 28
8:00 a.m.		Continental breakfast
9:00 a.m.		Concurrent Sessions (Choose 1 of 2)
			1. DJ on Design
					DJ Stout--with international design consultancy Pentagram Design; named one of I.D. magazines top 50 design innovators in 2004--reveals the creative process behind his latest daredevilry in magazine design (and redesign).
			2. Surf's Up: Web Sites That Enhance Your Magazine, and Your Bottom Line
					Examine the recent redesign of TH online and how subtle changes made big improvements for the visitor's experience. Also surf Web sites of a few other publications, looking at some that offer a rich experience, and some that don't (non-IRMA members, of course?).
10:15 a.m.		Break
10:30 a.m.		Concurrent Sessions (Choose 1 of 2)
			1. The Big Picture: Photo Editing as a Team
					DJ Stout (with international design consultancy Pentagram Design; award-winning Art Director of Texas Monthly, 1987-1999) discusses how the art director, photo editor, and editor bring different viewpoints to bear on finding and creating the perfect imagery to bring a story topic to life. Find which type of photography, and photographer, enhances your publication. Visualize that perfect opening lead, and make it reality. Learn when to use stock, and when to commission new photography.
			2. Ancillary Roadshow
					What's hot? What's not? Discover today's top-sellers in the ancillary world. Our panelists share their successes and slipups--we hope you will, too.
12:00 p.m.		Lunch (Acenar Restaurant)
1:30 p.m.		IRMA Membership Meeting
2:45 p.m.		Free Afternoon
			Explore on your own (and remember the Alamo...).
6:00 p.m.		Board buses for Pedrotti Ranch and Dinner
			The Western-town facade will let you know you have arrived. We enter the saloon and mosey on over to the bar before diving into a menu of BBQ brisket, mesquite-grilled chicken, and all the trimmings, including pinto beans, slaw, potato salad, homemade breads, and dessert. Before the night is over, everyone will be dancing the "Cotton Eyed Joe."
9:00 - 11:00 p.m.		Hospitality Suite open
Thursday, September 29
All Day		Checkout and departures
		Breakfast on your own
12:00 p.m.		Official Hotel Checkout Time
Thanks for your company in San Antonio! Have a safe trip home. Lake Superior Magazine will welcome you next year in Minnesota!
Top of Page
Things You Need to Know
Dates	September 24-29, 2005 Board of Directors and Presidents Council should arrive September 23, 2005. (Register by August 23, 2005, to get the lower fees.) (Book your room at The Hotel Valencia by August 27, 2005.)
The Hotel	The Hotel Valencia is located on the picturesque and fascinating River Walk in downtown San Antonio. Bus and trolley service provides convenience in getting to other places you may wish to visit in the vicinity. The Hotel Valencia is ideal for access to dining and entertainment including the Alamo.
Reservations	The special conference room rate is $120 per night. Call toll free (866) 842-0100 from within the U.S. or (210) 220-3000 from elsewhere. Register online to save the telephone toll by going to reservations at www.hotelvalencia.com. (The code for the special conference rate is in the eSignature, Vol 6 No 3. Get it from the Download page in the Members-Only area of www.regionalmagazines.org.
Weather & Clothing	Dress for comfort. Expect warm temperatures, day and night. We will dress up only for the annual group photograph and awards dinner.
		San Antonio averages:
			September High temperature: 89�F Low temperature: 69�F Precipitation: 3"
			October High temperature: 82�F Low temperature: 59�F Precipitation: 3"
			Sunrise: 7:23 a.m. Sunset: 7:30 p.m.
Shipping Materials	Ship materials for arrival after September 20 to:
			IRMA Conference attn: John Thomas Hotel Valencia 150 E Houston St San Antonio TX 78205 USA (phone: 210-227-9700) Be sure to identify your magazine or company for easy sorting at the hotel.
Airport Transportation	No transportation will be provided by IRMA. However, the airport shuttle to San Antonio area hotels is SATRANS. Tickets may be purchased at airport ticket booths located outside the terminals from 7:00 a.m. to midnight daily. You may also schedule a pick-up for your return with the hotel concierge. Pick-ups are every 30 minutes from 4:30 a.m. to midnight. Ticket prices are $9 for a one-way ticket and $16 for a round-trip ticket. Discount coupons are available from the hotel concierge for a one-way ticket. Please note that this service makes multiple stops at downtown hotels. Taxi service from the San Antonio airport to The Hotel Valencia is approximately $18 one way.
Set your Watches	Texas will be on Central Daylight Time during the conference.
Other Questions or Concerns	If you have any questions at all, please pick up the phone and call Kathy Murphy at (512) 486-5882 or Jack Lowry at (512) 486-5859. You may also contact Herman Kelly at us002848@earthlink.net.
Conference Registration	Forms necessary for registration will be available from the Download page of the Members-Only area of www.regionalmagazines.org. If you are a member and don't have the necessary password, please contact IRMA's Executive Director.
Top of Page
Thank You, Sponsors
	Banta Publications Group
		2215 York Road, Suite 400 Oak Brook, IL 60523 Phone: (630) 575-2020 Fax: (630) 575-2010 Web site: www.banta.com
	Communications Data Services, Inc.
		1901 Bell Avenue Des Moines, IA 50315-1099 Phone: (515) 246-6920. Fax: (515) 246-6882 Web site: www.cdsfulfillment.com
	Kable Fulfillment Services
		306 E Hitt Street Mt. Morris, IL 61054 Phone: (815) 734-5959. Fax: (815) 734-5228 Web site: www.kable.com
	The Lane Press, Inc.
		PO Box 130 Burlington, VT 05402, USA Phone: (800) 733-3740. Fax: (802) 865-1714 Web site: www.lanepress.com
Top of Page

E-mail IRMA�s Executive Director with comments.
Copyright � 1999�2008 International Regional Magazine Association, Inc.
Last modified: March 25, 2008