The Ontario Association of Broadcasters (OAB) upcoming conference, Nov. 7-8, will be focused on helping its industry members “find the way” forward in a challenging time for media.
Connection 2023 Committee Chair Jody Brooker says “find the way” emerged as a natural theme in the session planning process this year, with an emphasis on keeping up the positive energy and optimism attendees of Connection 2022 walked away with.
“What we said when we went into this is we want to keep up the enthusiasm,” Brooker told Broadcast Dialogue. “Times for some of our members have been really brutal, but we want to stay on a positive note, moving foward.”
Among the sessions curated by the committee are how broadcasters can capitalize on new technology, the new reality of remote work, and how programmers can adapt to new digital tools.
“The leadership room has a whole session on HR and how people are working differently, we also have a news panel because it’s been a challenging couple of years for news, and a full panel on radio programming and how stations can align with their online presence,” she added.
This year’s sales keynote, delivered by Trey Morris of the Center for Sales Strategy, will explore strategies for winning high-value appointments.
The event’s closing keynote takes a look at new revenue streams, digital options and lessons learned, highlighting companies who are adapting and advancing with today’s changing media landscape.
“Engagement is what it’s all about, hidden revenue streams, ways we can make money on this,” said Brooker. “Delivering better results and more revenue.”
OAB is also introducing its first-ever Radio Sales Star initiative this year, encouraging account execs to present successfully-executed pitches. Three have been chosen to share their presentations.
“It sparks sharing and interaction,” said Brooker, General Sales Manager for Quinte Broadcasting. “Maybe somebody who did a successful campaign in Belleville, could do it in Durham or Ottawa. Yes, you can keep your cards close, but we can all share ideas that can be used in other markets.”
Brooker believes the energy of last year’s event – OAB’s first full conference, post-pandemic – will carry over.
“I know right now that last year’s feeling got people excited. There’s an appetite to connect and that enthusiasm will carry over from last year. I can tell from my own team, they’re cranked up and ready to go. The feel of the conference is going to be upbeat and up-tempo. They’re going to feel positive and energized when they leave this thing. That’s what the whole profession is supposed to be about – it should be fun and crazy and a little wild and that’s what we want.”
On the cusp of being sold out, limited tickets for Connection 2023 are still available. Learn more here.
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