The 2017 ACP Convention will be held April 26-28 at
Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611.

READ ABOUT SPEAKERS AND WORKSHOPS

Wednesday, April 26
9 a.m. Display Setup — Exhibit Hall
3 p.m. Registration opens — Borwell
5:30 p.m. Opening Worship — The Rev. John Buchanan — Buchanan Chapel
6:15 p.m. Reception & First Timers’ Welcome (Drinks & Light Supper Buffet) — Anderson Hall

Thursday, April 27
8 a.m.
  • Registration opens — Borwell
  • Speakers Check-In — Borwell
  • Continental Breakfast — Borwell
8:45 a.m. Morning Worship — Buchanan Chapel
9:15 –10:30 p.m.

Professional Development Workshops
Session 1

  • Reporting the News: Rob Wildeboer, WBEZ — 4E
  • Marketing: Kevin Shanley, Heidi Thompson — The Virtuous Cycle of Digital Marketing — 4F
  • Editorial: Patrick Reardon — Writing the Feature Story, from Idea Through Research, Publication and Beyond — 5F
10:45 — Noon

Professional Development Workshops
Session 2

  • Online: Tim Nafziger: Towards Thicker Engagement: Case studies on converting online readers to donors
  • Video/Online: Tim Frakes — Video for Web and Broadcast — 4E
12:15 – 1:45 p.m. Lunch & Keynote Address by Eboo Patel in the Exhibit Hall (Borwell)
2 — 3 p.m. Panel: Practical Approaches to Building Bridges — Borwell
3 — 3:45 p.m. Coffee Break and Discussion in the Exhibit Hall — Borwell
4 — 5:15 p.m. ACP General Session/Business Meeting — Borwell
5:30 – 10:00 p.m. Optional: Dinner with Cambey & West at Baisi Thai (free for attendees) and/or the 8 p.m. Main Stage show at The Second City comedy club ($29 per ticket)

Friday, April 28
8 a.m. 
  • Registration — Borwell
  • Speakers Check-In — Borwell
  • Continental Breakfast — Borwell
8:45 a.m.  Morning Worship
9:15 – 10:30 a.m. Professional Development Workshops
Session 3

  • Editorial: Bill Thorn — It’s All About the Lede. Why compelling leads are necessary for multi-platform communications, and some tips for crafting them — 4E
  • Podcasting 101: Christian Piatt — Integrating Podcasts in Your Communications Program — 4F
  • Marketing: Matt Paolelli, Catholic Extension — Case Study of Integrated Marketing — Flat Francis, Digital Catholic Summer Camp, and More: Social Media Campaigns That Work — 5F
10:45 a.m. — Noon Professional Development Workshops
Session 4

  • Editorial: Heidi Schlumpf — 5 Tips for Writing Profiles with Personality
  • Reader Experience: Sarah Zylstra — How to write about controversial topics — 4E
  • Podcasting/Online II: Christian Piatt — In-Depth Session on Setting Up Your Podcast — 4F
  • Design: Virginia Mann — Infographics for Cross-Platform Media — 5F
Noon – 2 p.m. Luncheon and Keynote Speaker (Dr. Ganoune Diop) — Borwell
2 p.m. Exhibit Hall Networking
Afternoon Free Time
6:30 – 11:00 p.m. Awards Reception & Banquet — Borwell

Saturday & Sunday
All Day Optional: Extra one or two days and nights in Chicago
8:30 a.m.
Saturday		 ACP Board: Planning meeting for coming year. New Board orientation, committee assignments, monthly meeting schedule.