#PMJA2025 Call for Session Proposals

Session proposal FAQ

Cultivating Innovation at #PMJA2025 is about nurturing a vibrant future for public media journalism. Explore the tools, techniques, and approaches that empower journalists to connect with their communities more deeply, tell compelling stories, and build a sustainable future for our industry. 

#PMJA2025 seeks proposals for conference sessions that will help public media journalists improve and excel in their work whether they’re at the start of their career journey or are already established in the field.  Consider proposing a session that aligns with one or more of our key focus areas:

Journalism Tools & Basic Skills:  Equipping Journalists with the Tools of Tomorrow: Essential Skills and Cutting-Edge Technology

Delve into the latest journalism tools and essential skills that equip journalists to navigate the evolving media landscape. From cutting-edge technology to traditional storytelling techniques, we'll provide practical insights to future-proof your craft. 

Community Engagement:  Strengthening the Bond: Fostering Deep Connections with the Communities We Serve

Building strong connections with communities is at the heart of public media journalism. This pillar will explore innovative strategies for engaging audiences, fostering dialogue, and making a meaningful impact on local issues. 

Sustainability:  Building a Resilient Future: Ensuring the Long-Term Viability of Public Media Journalism

Ensuring the long-term sustainability of public media journalism is crucial. Let's discuss strategies for building resilient organizations, securing funding, and adapting to changing audience needs in an ever-changing media landscape. 

After conducting a thorough retrospective of the 2024 conference and reviewing evaluations, the PMJA Board and Conference Committee set the following goals to consider when creating the schedule for #PMJA2025:

  • Hands-on learning that involves attendees in the session
  • Showcases practical applications & real-world cases
  • Addresses the unique needs of specific audience segments (eg. hosts or small stations)
  • Highlights emerging trends & challenges for public media
  • Collaborative sessions encouraging knowledge sharing

As you craft your session proposal, consider how your session will help us reach those goals.

Read the full conference report here.

The primary target audience for session content is public media journalism professionals.  Expect between 250 - 300 attendees in person.

The most common attendee job roles are:

  • News Director
  • Reporter
  • Producer
  • Host
  • Editors

Other attendees include content directors, senior management, podcasters, students, consultants and industry staff.  Also consider audience needs by station size and career stage.

Read the full conference report here for more information about our attendees.

Proposals are enthusiastically welcomed from anyone with an interest in sharing about public media journalism, from any professional role, career level, inside or outside of the newsroom, academia and students. Vendors may be included in presentations as subject matter experts. All are encouraged to submit proposals.

Attendees learn differently and presenters have different styles.  Sessions are formatted to make content more accessible to learners and flexible for presenters.   

Think about short bites of learning, deeper dives into topic areas, learning labs to incite action, thought leader discussions, or something else completely.  We want to meet you where you are as a presenter and help you take attendees where they want to be. 

Session types: 

  • 20 minute breakout - a quick talk offering insights and practical tips
  • 60 minute breakout - a blend of interaction, lecture-based instruction, case studies, and peer learning
  • 75 minute breakout - engaging presentations or panels designed to develop essential skills through presentation and dialogue
  • Keynote/General session - big ideas, trending perspectives, sharing unique experiences, knowledge, and ideas for all attendees
  • Pre-conference workshop - 4-6 hour interactive workshops focused on collaborative learning
  • Peer or Affinity group - roundtable gathering for thoughtful conversation while sharing ideas, information, and experiences
  • Networking - one-to-one opportunities, small meetings, technology shares or some idea we've not even considered

Learning Levels:

  • Foundational: focus on awareness and factual recall; appropriate for those with limited experience of the subject area seeking introductory understanding.
  • Applied: focus on understanding and comprehension; appropriate for those with some experience seeking to build on, apply, or enhance existing knowledge using content in practical applications to master concepts.
  • Strategic: focus on application and implementation of highly technical, detailed or big-idea topics; appropriate for those seeking the most up-to-date information to heighten expertise. 
  • Scheduling: The conference will be held June 25-27, 2025, in Kansas City, MO in the Central time zone. All presenters for accepted presentations must attend the conference in person as registered attendees unless selected to present a virtual session. 
  • Proposed session title & description: Write these as if they will be used as the public description of the session in the conference program.  
  • Suggestions:  We may ask for adjustments to your proposal or even ask that you join forces with another session if they're similar. After all, it is about the strength of collaboration.
  • Submission & Presenter Limits: We do not limit the number of proposals any one person may submit. We may limit the number of sessions that include any one presenter. The maximum number of presenters for a session is 4, including a moderator.
  • Correspondence: The person who submits the proposal is the primary contact and is responsible for all communications and coordination on behalf of all co-presenters. You may be paired with a PMJA board member for coordination.
  • Logistics: Generally, presentations will be delivered entirely in person at the conference venue in Kansas City. It is possible we may offer sessions virtually prior to the conference. Sessions presented virtually will be recorded for archived access.
  • Technology: PMJA will ensure that session rooms have Wi-Fi, projectors, displays and audio capabilities as needed. If you require a laptop, less common cables/adaptors, or other technology, you will need to provide it.
  • Speaker Remuneration: PMJA does not pay or reimburse travel or hotel expenses for conference presenters other than keynote speakers and pre-conference trainers although we do provide a discounted registration rate. If your proposal is accepted, you must register to attend the conference. If you only intend to attend for your session, you can register as a "presenter-only" at no charge.
  • Recording & License: Unless an exception applies, session recordings may be released to PMJA conference attendees and members following the conference. Authors retain copyright but agree to grant nonexclusive publication rights to the conference.
  • Commercial content: Proposals that feature tools, products, or services available for purchase are not appropriate to submit through this process. The sponsor prospectus will be available soon outlining options for vendors. Vendors may propose sessions and be included in presentations as subject matter experts.

November 15, 2024: Submission Deadline

Mid-December, 2024: Acceptance Notifications

Mid-January, 2025: Tentative Schedule Published

March 1, 2025: Presenter Bio & Headshot Deadline

May 15, 2025: Presenter Registration Deadline

June 16, 2025: Digital Handouts Deadline

June 25-27, 2025: Conference