Minnesota Broadcasters Association Annual Conference and MBA Excellence Awards

Name: Minnesota Broadcasters Association Annual Conference and MBA Excellence Awards
Start: 2026-10-07
End: 2026-10-09
Location: Confluence Hotel

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Confluence Hotel

10/7/2026 - 10/8/2026

Event Details

Location

The Confluence Hotel

200 2nd St W

Hastings, MN 55033

*All times and speakers subject to change*

Speakers include:

Brigadier General Joe Sharkey of the Minnesota National Guard

Jeff Schmidt, VP of Professional Development, RAB

Kelli Frieler, CEO of Vibrant Impact

David Oxenford, Partner, Wilkinson|Barker|Knauer

Pierre Bouvard, Chief Insights Officer, Cumulus Media and Westwood One

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon

Sam Richter, Expert on Generative AI, ChatGPT, and AI-Powered Digital Intelligence

Sue Keenom, SVP State, International, Board Relations, NAB

Josh Pollack, SVP Government Relations, NAB

Hunter Pinke

FULL AGENDA

Wednesday, October 7th

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Free Headshots for MBA Members from Ava LaRue Photography

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sessions and Vendor Expo

"The Sales Confluence"

Sponsored by:

Join us on October 7^th during the MBA Annual Conference for "The Sales Confluence." This is a dynamic opportunity designed specifically for radio and TV sales professionals. This dedicated day will feature industry experts, practical sales strategies, emerging trends, and ideas to help broadcasters strengthen client relationship and get results.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into today’s evolving media landscape while networking with colleagues across Minnesota. Whether you’re a seasoned sales manager or new to the industry, this day will provide the tools, inspiration, and connections needed to drive success in today’s competitive marketplace.

Featured Speakers: Pierre Bouvard, Chief Insights Officer for Cumulus Media and Westwood One, Jeff Schmidt, SVP of Professional Development of RAB, Kelli Frieler, CEO of Vibrant Impact along with a special presentation from Dustin Wilson of Marketron.

Perception vs. Reality
Pierre Bouvard, Chief Insights Officer, Cumulus Media and Westwood One

The biggest radio myths, according to Advertiser Perceptions, contrasted with hard data reality from Nielsen, Edison, and many research firms.

Pierre Bouvard is Chief Insights Officer for Cumulus Media and Westwood One and leads their Audio Active Group, a full-service advisory offering national brands media planning recommendations, creative best practices, and measurement services. The Audio Active Group weekly blog published weekly case studies and audio insights.

The AI, AI, OH! Workshop

Do You Know AI? More Importantly, Does AI Know You?

Co-Presenters: Kelli Frieler, Vibrant Impact & Jeff Schmidt, RAB

Your clients are already using AI—and asking it for a second opinion before they spend. Are you ready for that conversation?

This hands-on workshop starts with how sellers and managers can use AI right now to prospect smarter, prepare better, uncover insights and improve the sales process. Then we’ll flip the conversation: You may be learning how to use AI, but does AI know you?

Broadcast has a great story. The problem is, much of that story lives inside our communities—in places AI can’t see. So when advertisers ask ChatGPT where to spend their money, broadcast may never make the answer. We’ll explore what AI tells advertisers when we’re not in the room, why broadcast may be missing from the answer, and what sellers, managers and stations can start doing now to change that.

You’ll leave with an actionable roadmap for both sides of the AI equation: how to use AI to maximize your sales process—and how to maximize your station’s visibility through AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), so when advertisers ask AI, you’re part of the answer.

6:00 p.m. Minnesota Broadcasters Excellence Awards Happy Hour

Sponsored by:

7:00 p.m. Minnesota Broadcasters Excellence Awards Dinner
Emcee: Ian Leonard, Chief Meteorologist, FOX9
View MBA Excellence Awards Finalists

Sponsored By:

Thursday, October 8th

7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sessions and Vendor Expo

7:00 a.m. Breakfast and Vendors Open

9:00 a.m. MBA Annual Business Meeting

9:45 a.m. Break and Visit Vendors

10:00 a.m. Secretary of State Steve Simon

10:30 a.m. Grassroots Advocacy: Why it is Important for Minnesota Broadcasters to Engage
Joe Johnston, Director of Public Affairs, KSTP-TV
Sue Keenom, SVP State, International, Board Relations, National Association of Broadcasters
Josh Pollack, SVP Government Relations, National Association of Broadcasters

Broadcasting’s future is shaped not only in our stations and communities, but also in state capitals and on Capitol Hill. Join Joe Johnston of KSTP-TV along with Sue Keenom and Josh Pollack from the National Association of Broadcasters for an engaging discussion of policy issues, legislative priorities, and regulatory challenges impacting local radio and television stations. Learn why broadcaster advocacy is more important than ever, how your voice can influence decisions on the state and federal level, and practical ways every station can build stronger relationships with elected officials. Discover how collective advocacy protects local broadcasting’s ability to serve communities, innovate, and remain an essential source of trusted news, emergency information, and entertainment for generations to come.

Plus, participate in a live advocacy simulation!

11:15 a.m. Where Did the Dollars Go? A Discussion with Advertising Agencies

Advertising budgets are evolving, but that doesn’t mean opportunities for broadcasters are disappearing. Join agency leaders for an insightful conversation about where marketing dollars are being invested, what drives today’s buying decisions, and how advertisers evaluate the effectiveness of local radio and television. Panelists will discuss emerging trends, client expectations, the role of digital and integrated campaigns, and what broadcasters can do to capture a larger share of advertising budgets. Gain valuable insight into how agencies think, what they need from media partners, and how your station can become an indispensable part of a client’s marketing strategy.

12:00 p.m. Lunch and Visit Vendors

12:45 p.m. Presentation of Awards from LTC Christopher Bingham of the Minnesota Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion

1:00 p.m. Leading Through Uncertainty When Trust, Communication, and Leadership are Critical to Successful Outcomes
Brigadier General Joe Sharkey
Minnesota National Guard

Brigadier General Joe Sharkey brings a unique combination of real-world leadership experience, community credibility, and a message that directly resonates with the broadcast industry. As the 34^th Infantry Division Commander, he has led through some of the most complex and visible moments in our state’s recent history. He’ll bring great perspective in how to lead through uncertainty when trust, communication, and leadership are critical to successful outcomes.

1:45 p.m. Washington Update: FCC, Congress & Legal Issues Every Broadcaster Should Know
David Oxenford, Partner, Wilkinson|Barker|Knauer

The regulatory landscape continues to evolve, and broadcasters need to stay ahead of the changes. David Oxenford provides a comprehensive update on FCC proceedings, federal legislation, ownership issues, political broadcasting, AI regulation, and other legal matters affecting radio and television stations. Gain practical insights to help your station remain compliant while preparing for what’s next.

2:15 p.m. Break and Visit Vendors

2:30 p.m. Mindset Shift™: Generative AI and Your Future - Transform How You Think, Work, Communicate and Lead
Sam Richter, Expert on Generative AI, ChatGPT & AI Powered Intelligence

Generative AI is rapidly reshaping how organizations operate, compete, innovate, and connect. Yet the greatest advantage does not come from simply having access to AI. Rather, it comes from knowing how to use it strategically, responsibly, and effectively. How can leaders and teams move beyond generic output, choose the right tools, and apply AI in ways to create meaningful business value? In this dynamic, highly practical program, you will discover:

-The difference between AI and Generative AI
-How Generative AI creates a Mindset SHIFT™
-Practical AI tools you can start using immediately
-A forward-looking view into our Generative AI future

4:00 p.m. Overcoming Adversity and Mental Mindset (no bad days)
Hunter Pinke

After a life-changing accident left him paralyzed, Hunter Pinke refused to let adversity define his future. His remarkable story of perseverance, determination, and overcoming impossible challenges will inspire attendees to embrace change, push through obstacles, and lead with purpose. This unforgettable keynote reminds us that our greatest limitations are often ones that we place on ourselves.

5:00 p.m. Closing Remarks, MBA Annual Conference Closes

Hotel Room Block at The Confluence Hotel

There is a room block at The Confluence Hotel. Click Here to book a room in the MBA Room Block. Rooms are $179/night + taxes and fees. Limited rooms available. The deadline to book is September 16, 2026.