Minnesota Broadcasters Annual Conference and Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner

*Minnesota Broadcasters Annual Conference and Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame 
Induction Ceremony and Dinner

September 29th-30th, 2025

JX Venue

Stillwater, Minnesota

*All times, speakers and sessions subject to change

Cast your line and reel in something extraordinary this Fall in scenic Stillwater, Minnesota, as we gather for the MBA Annual Conference and Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner! From cutting-edge technology to game-changing sales strategies and digital innovations, this is your chance to bait big ideas and net new inspiration. Don't miss this opportunity to anchor yourself in the future of broadcasting!

Monday, September 29th

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
$alesCA$Ting for the Future

Appearing:

Derron Steenbergen
Swagger Institute

"$et the Hook, Get the $ale: Customized $ales Training for Minnesota's Radio and TV $ales Professionals"

In today's rapidly evolving media landscape, effective sales strategies require more than just a strong pitch -- they demand insight, adaptability, and a deep understanding of client needs. This dynamic session is designed specifically for Minnesota's radio and TV sales professionals, offering tailored training that blends proven techniques with fresh, market-relevant approaches.

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Minnesota Broadcasters Annual Conference Welcome Reception

Tuesday, September 30th

7:00 a.m. 

Registration, Breakfast and Visit Vendors

8:30 a.m. 

MBA Annual Business Meeting

9:00 a.m. 

Tackle Box Break: Gear Up and Visit our Vendors

9:15 a.m.  

“CASTing Off: Opening Remarks, 2025 MBA Service to Minnesota Awards and 2025 Minnesota National Guard NCSA/PEP Awards”

“CAST off” the 2025 MBA Annual Conference with a warm welcome and a celebration of excellence in the community. This special opening session features remarks from MBA leadership and honors outstanding service to the community with the 2025 MBA Service to Minnesota Awards. We’ll also recognize the impactful partnership between Minnesota broadcasters and the Minnesota National Guard with the 2025 NCSA/PEP Awards. Join us as we celebrate those who exemplify the power of local broadcasting to inform, serve and inspire our communities.

9:45 a.m. 

“The Big Catch: Navigating the Waters Ahead for Broadcasters” - A Big Picture Panel Discussion

In the ever-changing currents of media, staying afloat—and ahead—takes more than luck. Cast your line into “The Big Catch,” a panel discussion where industry leaders take a deep dive into the future of broadcasting. From rough waters to untapped opportunities, we’ll explore the trends, tools, and tactics that can help broadcasters stay resilient, agile, and ready to reel in success. Whether you're trolling for new strategies or charting a new course, this is your chance to get the lay of the lake.

10:30 a.m. 

Laura Ivey
Director of Research
Edison Research

“Share of Ear”

Edison Research’s “Share of Ear” is a quarterly study that tracks how Americans spend their time listening to audio, encompassing all platforms and devices. It provides detailed insights into ad-supported audio consumption, including AM/FM radio, streaming services, and podcasts, as well as other forms like audiobooks and owned music. Laura Ivey, Director of Research for Edison Research will highlight insights from the most recent research results.

11:00 a.m.

Erin Callaghan
President of Enterprise Partnerships
Futuri

“How AI is Reshaping the Future of Broadcasting”

AI is reshaping how every industry operates. We’ll focus on what this actually means for your revenue, your audience and your competitive advantage. No Silicon Valley hype – just real talk.

11:30 a.m. 

“Lunch with Reeling in Trust: A Fireside Chat on Local Programming”

Drop a line, grab a plate, and settle in for a lunch-hour fireside chat that gets to the heart of what keeps communities hooked: trust in local programming. Just like a good day on the lake, building audience loyalty takes patience, skill, and the right bait. In this thoughtful conversation, we’ll cast into the deep on how broadcasters can foster credibility, connect with their audience, and keep viewers and listeners coming back for more. It’s time to reel in insight and share the stories that make waves.

12:30 p.m. 

Keynote Presentation: Announced August 2025

1:45 p.m. 

Tackle Box Break: Gear Up and Visit our Vendors

2:00 p.m. 

“Casting the Future: Voices from the Next Generation of Broadcasters”

Every great angler knows the importance of fresh bait—and the same goes for our industry. Join us as we cast a line toward the future with a lively panel discussion featuring rising voices in broadcasting. Hear directly from the next generation as they share what drew them into the field, the challenges they’re navigating, and the ideas they’re bringing to the surface. It’s a chance to listen, learn, and discover how the future of broadcasting is already making ripples across the industry.

2:30 p.m.

“Finding the Signal in the Splash: Navigating the Noise in St. Paul and on Capitol Hill”

From the State Capitol to Capitol Hill, decisions made by lawmakers and the FCC have lasting impacts on Minnesota’s broadcasters. In this dynamic and informative session, leading policy experts will break down the key legislative and regulatory issues facing the future of our industry. Tom Hanson and Andrea Rau of Winthrop & Weinstine will give you a look ahead at the 2026 legislative session, Josh Pollack of the National Association of Broadcasters will offer an insider’s look at the top issues on Capitol Hill and MBA Legal Hotline Attorney, David Oxenford of Wilkinson|Barker|Knauer will cut through the noise in Washington and explain the latest happenings at the FCC.

3:00 p.m. 

April Carty-Sipp
Executive Vice President Industry Affairs
National Association of Broadcasters

“Hooked on the Horizon: AI, Ownership & the Power of the Broadcast Current”

As broadcasters cast their lines into uncharted waters, new forces like AI, media consolidation, and evolving content landscapes are reshaping the entire ecosystem. In this forward-looking session, we’ll explore how to stay on top of the wave—leveraging emerging technologies, navigating ownership trends, and harnessing the enduring power of local towers. Whether you're deep in the weeds or trolling for opportunity, this conversation will help you bait the hook for the next era of broadcasting.

3:45 p.m. 

Closing Remarks and Visit Vendors

4:00 p.m. 

MBA Annual Conference and Vendor Booths Close

More speakers and presentations to be announced!

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame Happy Hour and Social

7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner

Hotel Room Block

Hotel Crosby
232 Main Street N
Stillwater, MN 55082

$221.64 including tax

Book by calling Hotel Crosby at 651-967-7100. Tell them that you are booking under the
"Minnesota Broadcasters Association 2025" room block.

The deadline for the hotel room block at Hotel Crosby is Monday, September 15, 2025.

Sponsorship/Exhibitors

Welcome Reception Sponsor

Meal Sponsors

Session Sponsors

Keynote Sponsor

Vendors

Interested in becoming a sponsor or exhibitor? Please reach out to Rosanne Rybak at rosanne.rybak@minnesotabroadcasters.com or call the MBA Office at 612-926-8123.