ASBPE’s 2023 National Conference will showcase “Heroes of B2B Media” — publications and journalists who are champions/heroes of their beats or within the industries they cover. We will spotlight champions of diversity. Our speakers, presenters and guests will demonstrate how they’ve succeeded in managing change, grown their audience, launched new products/publications, or pivoted to provide their readership/membership vital information and thought-provoking stories.

We’ll be hosting the 2023 National Conference and National Azbee Awards Banquet on May 11-12, 2023 at the Atlanta Marriott Suites Midtown in Atlanta, Ga. Don’t miss another exciting event full of educational programming and networking opportunities as only ASBPE can provide. Our national Azbee Awards banquet will honor the best in B2B journalism and publication design from around the nation. This annual celebration is a unique occasion to commemorate (and learn from) your colleagues in the business, trade and association press.

Join your ASBPE colleagues from across the U.S. for networking, best practices and great learning opportunities.

Register Today!       Why Attend?

 

2023 National Conference Keynote Speaker

ASBPE is please to announce that Nick Chiles, author and writer in residence for journalism at the University of Georgia, will be our keynote speaker at the 2023 National Conference in Atlanta. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear how this Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and in-demand author is helping to shape the future of our profession.

The Power of Story

Our brains are wired to respond to stories. We use stories to make sense of our world, to understand behavior, to remember important information. As storytellers, we have enormous power to shape the perceptions and emotions of others. It is an enduring superpower. Those who understand the power of narratives and how to manipulate them become the masters of all of our fates.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to feature Mr. Chiles as our keynote speaker this year,” says ASBPE President Cory Sekine-Pettite. “Once I heard about his new book, ‘In the Blink of an Eye: An Autobiography of Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf,’ and read about his extensive reporting and writing experience, I knew that he could provide our members with keen insights on how to get the best out of our interviewees as well as teach us to improve upon organizing and writing processes. Plus, I can only imagine the great number of interesting stories he can share from his newspaper days and from his work in both fiction and nonfiction books.”

About Nick Chiles
Nick Chiles is a writer in residence, teaching Feature Writing courses at the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Chiles’ teaching interests include narrative nonfiction, education reporting, cultural reporting, and magazine and feature writing. He is the author or co-author of 21 books. Previously, he was a reporter for the Dallas Morning News, the Star-Ledger of New Jersey and New York Newsday. He also has written for magazines such as The Atlantic, The Christian Science Monitor, Essence and Ebony. Chiles also was a magazine and a website editor-in-chief, and served as a professor at Columbia Journalism School, and at Princeton University. He is a consultant for the William Julius Wilson Institute at the Harlem Children’s Zone.

Among his many accolades, Chiles has won nearly 20 major journalism awards, including a 1992 Pulitzer Prize as part of a New York Newsday team. He has won a Green Eyeshade Award from the Society of Professional Journalists, several National Association of Black Journalists awards, an NAACP Image Award, and two National Education Reporting Awards presented by the Education Writers Association. He was the recipient of the Spencer Education Fellowship at Columbia University and the Ferris Fellowship at Princeton.

Read more about our other sessions below.

Registration Fees and Deadlines

Register Today!

2023 Conference Sessions Schedule

We are thrilled to once again host an in-person symposium and awards banquet for the best and brightest in the business-to-business and association publishing. Our forward-thinking programming will offer keen insights and professional advice for writers, editors, designers, publishers and others in the B2B media industry. We hope you’ll join us in Atlanta, and we know you’ll return home with a plethora of ideas for your publications and the audiences they serve.

Thursday, May 11

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. EDT, along with coffee and continental breakfast. Heroes of B2B Media will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. with opening remarks, followed by a fun networking game show session.

Keynote: The Power of Story

Time: 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
Speaker: Nick Chiles, Author & Writer in Residence, Journalism, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Georgia

Our brains are wired to respond to stories. We use stories to make sense of our world, to understand behavior, to remember important information. As storytellers, we have enormous power to shape the perceptions and emotions of others. It is an enduring superpower. Those who understand the power of narratives and how to manipulate them become the masters of all of our fates.

What Editors Can Learn from Freelancers about Project Management

Time: 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.
Panelists: Nicole Racadag, Senior Managing Editor, American College of Radiology; Heather Tunstall, President, Tunstall Content LLC and Corporate Content Director, Brand Media & Engagement, Meister Media Worldwide; and Brooke Turbyfill, Freelance Writer and Editor, Turbowords Editing
Moderator: Brooke Bilyj, Owner & Chief Content Officer, Bantamedia

Freelance journalists are constantly juggling multiple projects for multiple clients and publications, while trying to find productive ways to stay organized and in control of deadlines. Dropping the ball could mean losing business and even ruining your reputation. So how do freelancers approach project management to keep assignments running smoothly? And what can editors learn from freelancers to help them manage teams of writers more effectively?

This panel discussion will feature insights from freelance writers and editors who have learned to control (at least some of) the chaos that comes with content project management. We’ll share our systems, tools, tips and strategies for managing multiple projects efficiently, whether you’re a deadline-juggling freelancer or an editor juggling freelancers.

ASBPE Educational Foundation

Time: 11:45 – 11:55 a.m.

Hear about the programs, scholarships and awards supported by the ASBPE Educational Foundation. You can support these efforts by making a tax-deductible contribution. The Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization supporting education and excellence in the B2B media industry.

Bringing New Energy and Purpose to an Aging Brand

Time: 11:55 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.
Speakers: Mary Ellen Kuhn, Executive Editor, Food Technology Magazine, Institute of Food Technologists; Brian MacKenzie, Design and Production Manager, Publications, Institute of Food Technologists; and
Bill McDowell, Editor-in-Chief and Vice President, Content Strategy, Institute of Food Technologists

In this session, members of the Food Technology design and editorial team will discuss their approach to reimagining the Institute of Food Technologists’ 75-year-old flagship publication while staying true to its roots. The presentation will focus on the rationale, the process, and the implementation — work that led to the magazine’s 2022 national gold Azbee Award win in the Publication Redesign category. Team members will get candid about what worked best, what the pain points were, and what, in hindsight, we might have done differently.

ChatGPT: Hero, Horror Show, or Hogwash?

Time: Lunch begins at 12:40 p.m.; Lunch-and-Learn session from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Speaker: Samantha Enslen, President, Dragonfly Editorial

The internets have been awash lately with conversations about ChatGPT and other AI-based natural language processing tools. Stressed editors and writers have lots of questions. Are we going to lose our jobs? Are market rates for editorial salaries going to plummet? How can we identify bot-generated copy vs. real copy?

The threat of chatbots is real. But they offer a significant promise. They can help us get past writer’s block. Create quick first drafts. Identify key themes to include in our copy.

This session will summarize what we know today of the peril and promise of chatbots. And, most importantly, outline a strategy for ensuring our human-generated content is always superior to what a chatbot spits out.

How to Launch Your Own B2B Podcast

Time: 1:40 – 2:30 p.m.
Speakers: Brendan Howard, Podcast Host and Michael Castañeda, Audio Engineer & Owner, plasticAudio

How do an audio engineer in Southern California and a podcast host in Kansas plan, interview, record, edit and polish a podcast for a B2B publisher? Find out from the dynamic duo of Brendan Howard and Michael Castañeda. Bring any and all questions about reasons to podcast, how to podcast, why podcasts are better (or worse) than videos and written content, what equipment to use, and why you should stop worrying and just try it. Bonus! Join them during the conference to try out the podcast experience as an interviewee.

(Heroic) Lessons from Atlanta Journalism History

Time: 2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
Speakers: Leroy Chapman, Jr., Managing Editor, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution; Ricci de Forest, Founder and Proprietor, Madame CJ Walker Beauty Shoppe Museum and WERDStudio Museum; and Janice L. Ware, Publisher, The Atlanta Voice

From its beginnings as a major railroad center to its role in the Civil War and the American Civil Rights movement, to the 1996 Summer Olympic Games where Muhammad Ali lit the Olympic Flame in one of the Olympics’ most poignant moments, to serving as home to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, the city of Atlanta has been at the forefront of major news and issues that have resonated around the country and around the world. Hear perspective from tenured journalists, publishers and historians on lessons learned and advice for B2B publications to implement in their own work.

Open Networking Period

Time: 3:15 – 4:00 p.m.

ASBPE heard your feedback last year and has provided open networking time on both days. Use this time to network with fellow attendees, visit our sponsors, learn more about podcasting or meet ASBPE’s leadership.

Celebrating 20 Years of ASBPE’s Stephen Barr Award

Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Panelists: Kevin Davis, Managing Editor, ABA Journal; Megan Gates, Senior Editor, Security Management and Editor-in-Chief, Security Technology, ASIS International; and Meagan Parrish, Lead Editor, PharmaVoice, Industry Dive; with a special appearance from Adam Minter, Author and Columnist, Bloomberg Opinion
Moderator: Roy J. Harris, Jr., Freelancer and Semi-Retired B2B Journalist, Former Senior Editor, CFO Magazine

In recognition of the Stephen Barr Award for Feature Writing turning 20 this year, a special panel will feature past winners of the only Azbee Awards honor presented to an individual, rather than to a news organization. The Stephen Barr Award is judged on and recognizes inventiveness in reporting; insight and balance in presentation of a complex subject; depth of investigation; and impact among readers. Participating in a discussion on how these vital enterprising and investigative elements were applied in their past and current work are previous Barr winners, Megan Gates (2022), Meagan Parrish (2020) and Kevin Davis (2019), with a special appearance from Adam Minter, winner of the very first Barr Award, in 2004. The session will be moderated by Roy Harris, who worked with the late CFO reporter Stephen Barr.

Reception & National Azbee Awards of Excellence Banquet

Reception: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Banquet: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Following our first full day of conference sessions, the ASBPE Board of Directors will host a networking reception, followed by our 45th Annual Azbee Awards of Excellence national awards presentation and banquet. Don’t miss this exciting event of celebration and camaraderie! Your first drink is on ASBPE, then enjoy our cash bar!

Friday, May 11

Our welcome table opens at 8:30 a.m. EDT, along with coffee and continental breakfast. Heroes of B2B Media will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. with opening remarks.

You Were a Journalist — Now You’re the Boss

Time: 9:05 – 9:45 a.m.
Speaker: Meagan Parrish, Lead Editor, PharmaVoice, Industry Dive

You’ve succeeded as a journalist and now you’re becoming a manager. But no matter what skills got you here, there are areas in which you’ll need to grow.  

What do new managers need to know? This session will cover many of the basics of transitioning into leadership including time management, running great meetings, effective communication, the art of delegation, building high-performance teams, problem solving and more. 

Whether you’ve recently moved into management or are looking to make the leap, we’ll tackle many of the early challenges — and opportunities — you’ll likely face on the road ahead.

Open Networking Period

Time: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.

ASBPE heard your feedback last year and has provided open networking time on both days. Use this time to network with fellow attendees, visit our sponsors, learn more about podcasting or meet ASBPE’s leadership.

Style Matters: Are You Up-to-Date on the Latest Language that Supports DEI Efforts?

Time: 10:15 – 11:00 a.m.
Speakers: Chiriga “Zoe” Moore, Strategic Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Consultant, Grow with Zomo; and Nicole Racadag, Senior Managing Editor, American College of Radiology

Writers and editors need to be current in their use of inclusive language in writing and other communications efforts. How can B2B media professionals keep abreast of the latest language trends to be more inclusive in their publications and media? How can they explain to their colleagues and staff why using conscious and inclusive language is important? Finally, where do they go for the latest resources, including style guides geared toward specific groups? This panel discussion will offer best practices, advice and guidance on building this important resource.

Event Coverage Amid Change

Time: 11:10 – 11:55 a.m.
Speakers: Danica Tormohlen, Vice President of Content, Tarsus Group and Tess Vismale, CMP, DES, Founder and CEO, iSocialX

Trade shows, industry conferences and other events have always been great ways to connect with your reader audience and gather lots of news and trends for your publication’s pages, but the traditional ways of covering events may not cut it anymore, now that budgets are tighter, staffs are smaller and event producers are changing their priorities. B2B journalists need to know how to cover events in the most impactful ways possible, no matter whether the event is in person, online or a hybrid. Hear from two professionals with experience on multiple sides of the event industry as they share tips on how to get the most out of event coverage, including how to manage breaking news, determining which sessions and exhibitors will give you the best content, how to prioritize meeting requests and set your schedule in advance of the show, networking best practices, and why you should be considering video and social media as excellent channels to get event news to readers.

We’ll conclude by 12:00 p.m. after final remarks and request for attendee feedback. Hang out and mingle for a bit, and then, we hope you’ll stay to explore all Atlanta has to offer!

Conference Location & Hotel Block

Our 2023 conference sessions, reception and awards banquet will be held in the Atlanta Marriott Suites Midtown’s private, second floor Symphony and Theater rooms.

Location:  Atlanta Marriott Suites Midtown, 35 14th Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Reserve a room in ASBPE’s block:
ASBPE has reserved a block of rooms for the nights of May 10 and 11 for the reduced rate of $180.00 per night ($214.70 with tax and fees). This rate is available for three days before and after our event dates. Parking is available at the hotel for $16 per night.

Book your room online with the group rate for ASBPE’s 2023 National Conference or call the central reservations desk at (800) 228-9290 or (404) 876-8888 to book under the “2023 ASBPE National Conference” room block. Book your room by Wednesday, April 19, 2023 to receive the group rate.

Come for the conference, awards and networking. Stay to explore nature at Atlanta’s world-class Georgia Aquarium, Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical garden; shop and dine at Atlantic Station; visit Centennial Olympic Park; and find entertainment and culture at the Fox Theatre, Center for Puppetry Arts, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, the High Museum of Art, SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

About Our Sponsors

Supporting ASBPE’s national conference is the best way to show your support for the hard-working B2B journalists and publications that not only use your products and services, but endeavor to make us all better informed, hold officials accountable and improve the industries they cover. Read more about sponsoring ASBPE’s national conference.

GOLD SPONSOR

Dragonfly Editorial is your outsourced content partner, helping you with writing, editing, design, and content strategy. We’re an extension of your team, easing your workload and reducing your stress. We create clear, compelling content that meets your business needs and helps you shine.

SILVER SPONSORS

Brendan Howard is a high-energy podcast host who creates (or hops on board) custom podcast series to help B2B businesses with existing content streams looking to get into audio. A 20-year B2B publishing veteran, Howard makes genuine connections with people he interviews, asks unexpected questions and is willing to take the time to truly understand instead of accepting the first answer.

 

plasticAudio provides recording, editing and mixing to both independent and corporate podcasts, as well as tape syncs and field recordings for radio. Past clients include PayPal, New York Times Magazine, BBC, NPR, and ESPN. Current clients include Private Parts Unknown and Business Of Home.

 

Questions?

We love to hear from our members. If you have feedback for ASBPE, are interested in speaking at or becoming a sponsor for our 2023 conference, please get in touch with us at conference@asbpe.org.

If you have suggestions for a conference session topic, please complete our suggestion form.

Azbee Awards judges, did you know you can use your Azbee Bucks to cover a portion of your conference registration fees? Email info@asbpe.org for your coupon code!

Register Today!