2024 Annual Convention

Join us at OPA's 2024 Annual Convention on June 7-8 to celebrate Oklahoma newspapers and news media at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. It's a great opportunity to connect with your peers, attend great informational sessions, gather new revenue ideas, and pick up your contest awards!  Don't miss it! 

Early Bird registration fees extended to May 31!

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SPONSORED BY:

Citizen Potawatomi Nation
The Chickasaw Nation
eType Services
AT&T
Inasmuch Foundation
Hilliary Communications

If you would like to sponsor the 2024 Convention please visit okpress.com/sponsors for more info then contact Lisa Sutliff.

DETAILS:

• Dates: Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8
• Who should attend: Publishers, editors, advertising managers, circulation managers, reporters, advertising representatives, all staff are welcome!
• Location: Sheraton Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City
• Friday afternoon features a session, followed by dinner and a fun competition of SINGO, which everyone can play!
• Saturday offers educational and idea sessions for staff and managers. It concludes with the Better Newspaper Contest Awards Banquet to celebrate Oklahoma newspapers!
• Please note that distribution of political material is not permitted at event.

SCHEDULING NOTE:

Political Veterans Go Inside the Issues
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
For 21 years, Pat Hall and Jim Dunlap have hosted an Oklahoma political insider television program, giving lively perspective on happenings at the State Capitol. Hall is a Democrat, Dunlap a Republican.  Together they give insight on current political races, and answer questions about the current legislative session.

REGISTER TO ATTEND    VIEW FULL SCHEDULE

DOWNLOADS:

• Program Agenda
• Registration form
• T-shirt & Banquet Seating form

VENUE/HOTEL INFORMATION: 

• Sheraton Hotel, One N. Broadway Ave., Oklahoma City, OK  73102  
  (website: sheratonokc.com)
• Rate: $119 per night for 1 king or 2 double beds (plus taxes/fees)
  
• Room  reservations are now closed. 
  

SCHEDULE:

• Friday, June 7: After the general business meeting (no fee), hear from Bruce Willingham of the McCurtain Gazette about the audio recording heard across the country.
  
• Friday evening: Enjoy visiting and music as we have a fun time playing SINGO during the welcome dinner!
• Saturday morning, June 8: Breakfast is followed by J.C. Watts, former U.S. Congressman from Oklahoma, and a Q&A session with incoming leadership from the state legislature.
• Saturday afternoon's sessions include: two editorial sessions, two revenue sessions, Speed Topics (It’s like speed dating – conference style!) and the ice cream social & blooper show!  Bring multiple staff for education, ideas and laughs!
• The Saturday Luncheon and the Awards Night will include presentation of multiple awards, including the Better Newspaper Contest awards in the evening.
  
• View the full detailed schedule at the link below!

VIEW FULL SCHEDULE

REGISTRATION FEES:

Early Bird rates now available until May 31!
If you are not attending the entire convention, please register under "Individual Sessions/Meals" where you pay for only those events you plan to attend.

REGISTER ONLINE

College Students and Educators may attend the Convention's educational SESSIONS at no cost. However, payment is required for any MEALS you'll attend. Registration is required for both sessions and meals. Register with individual sessions/meals and enter PROMO CODE "college2024" at checkout for free sessions.

ORDER T-SHIRT

T-SHIRTS: Remember this year's convention by collecting the 2024 OPA T-shirt. The FRONT of the sand-colored shirt features "Catch the Wave, 2024 Oklahoma Press Association Convention." The bottom right corner features the OPA Logo. (Click on the shirt image to open a larger view.) It is a new SOFT, tri-blend, high-quality material that you'll enjoy for years to come. Order your shirt when you register for the convention or buy it now! Shirts can be picked up when you arrive at the convention. They will not be mailed. Order deadline: May 17 Cost: $20 each.

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT: Bring your tossing skills to ONF's Cornhole Tournament to benefit the ONF Internship Program!   The event raises funds for Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation's internship program, which funds at least 17 college students working in professional newsrooms each summer.

QUESTIONS:

SPONSORS:

A BIG THANK YOU to our fantastic sponsors!

	Citizen Potawatomi Nation represents more than 38,000 tribal members.  It offers more than 50 tribal government programs and commercial enterprises providing services to Potawatomi citizens and neighboring communities. With more than 2,200 employees, the CPN operates a variety of tribally owned commercial enterprises, including First National Bank and Trust Co. and the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort, host of OPA's 2023 Convention. The Hownikan is the official publication of the CPN and is an affiliate member of the OPA.
	The Chickasaw Nation is economically strong, culturally vibrant and full of energetic people dedicated to the preservation of family, community and heritage. Since the 1980s, its tribal government has focused on building an economically diverse base to generate funds to support programs and services to Indian people.
	eType Services has helped more than 500 clients in more than 40 states thrive in the digital world. Its products and services are designed for small and medium-sized newspapers seeking to reach more readers — and increase revenue — through digital circulation. Our industry-leading e-Edition, web and mobile products can be up-and-running quickly and do not require additional staff or infrastructure. Plus, we offer unlimited technical support, no startup costs and low monthly fees.
	AT&T has been a leader in connecting people and businesses since Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone more than 145 years ago. It is leading the charge with nationwide fast, reliable and secure 5G coupled with growing, multi-gig fiber internet service. It is strengthening its network to enable everything from smarter homes and cities to high-quality remote healthcare, augmented and virtual reality and sophisticated new workplace collaboration tools.
	Inasmuch Foundation champions journalism, education, human services, and community to improve the quality of life for Oklahomans. The Foundation seeks to build strong networks of journalists and journalism organizations to inform communities and create an engaged citizenry. It has funded the Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation's Internship Program since 2008.
	Hilliary Communications provides telephone service to more than 19,000 customers in 22 counties throughout Oklahoma & Texas. The company also offers IP television service and internet speeds up to 1 Gig. Hilliary Communications continuously researches the marketplace for innovations and strives to improve underdeveloped areas, offering services that exceed customer expectations.

If you would like to sponsor the 2024 Convention please visit okpress.com/sponsors for more info then contact Lisa Sutliff.

VENDORS:

To have a vendor's table at the 2024 Convention please visit okpress.com/sponsors for more info then contact Lisa Sutliff.

PICTURES:

• 2023 Convention: All photos
• 2022 Convention: All photos
• 2021 Convention: All photos
• 2020 Convention: Postponed due to COVID-19. Read release.
• 2019 Convention: All photos
  
• 2018 Convention: Friday events, Saturday events and award winners
• 2017 Convention: Snapshots, Scavenger Hunt, NewsFlash and award winners