THE NAMIC FEED

2008 NAMIC Conference Blog

“Around Town with Fred Brown”
9.14.08

THE BEST CONFERENCE EVER!

Ok you NAMIC conference bloggers. Just seconds remaining on the official countdown before The 22nd Annual NAMIC Conference is on, and this blog is your pipeline to diversity! I’m Fred Brown, your official conference blog reporter, and I’ll be running around, behind-the-scenes at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, as we launch the best conference ever!

So don’t be shy – EMBRACE DIVERSITY…EMBRACE SUCCESS!

“We’re so excited about the conference and our theme this year,” said Kathy Johnson, President of NAMIC. “It’s hard to believe that 28 years have passed since the organization has been on the front-lines of diversity in our industry. And while many of the faces have changed, which is a good thing, many of the issues have not. There’s still a lot of work ahead to ensure multi-ethnic representation is at the forefront of the media and telecommunications industry, and hopefully, the three-day conference we’ve assembled will assist in this on-going important dialogue.”

You go Kathy. And speaking of dialogue, this is your forum - an immediate way for you to post your comments, observations and opinions about the NAMIC conference. So be sure to check in hourly for the events I will cover, and to hear what your colleagues have to say.

And speaking of the conference, check out the run-down. It’s stacked with who’s-who in our industry with tons of valuable content. Some first-day highlights in the opening session: “National Membership Meeting”, with special guest speakers Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Georgetown University professor/author; and Dr. Addie Perkins Williamson, President & CEO, Perkins Williamson Associates, Inc. They have plenty to say about the state of the economy, the impact of the Presidential Election on our industry, and how these events affect your career and everyday work-life experiences. You’ll also have the chance for “interactive dialogue” where you can offer your voice on how NAMIC can continue to thrive and you can win, in these exciting and challenging times.

Oh, and don’t forget about the launch of “DiversityLive”, NAMIC's new video-streaming initiative sponsored by Motorola. As part of NAMIC’s first-ever “Diversity & Technology Competition,” your User Generated Content (UGC) has been posted, viewed and voted on, and some folks from the local chapter entries are going to win prizes, courtesy of Motorola!

“DiversityLive" is an idea whose time has come, and we are extremely pleased with the success of our first year effort,” comments Jim Jones, VP of Education Programs at NAMIC. “And with Motorola on board, this opportunity was made available and accessible to members through technology.” Winners will be announced today at the conference.

Africa anyone? Well thanks to the generous donation of The Africa Channel, a NAMIC member won a 10-day, trip for two, with travel and accommodations provided to South Africa – which has a rich cultural history, gorgeous beaches, and a lion-country Safari to die for! (Not like the Bronx Zoo guys. We’re talking real wild animals that come up to your jeep. Bring snacks!). And let’s not forget the music, beautiful people, the food and Nelson Mandela. Who could ask for anything more?

“This Discover Africa Sweepstakes with the Africa Channel is one clear example of how to cross-promote our brand with media partners. We are grateful for the partnership,” said Daphne Leroy, NAMIC’s VP of Marketing and Communications. “It’s an excellent way for NAMIC to grow its membership base and offer our members a trip of a lifetime.”

And who’s paying for the NAMIC Conference? Your membership support and conference fees are extremely important, as well as corporate sponsorships - key to footing the bill. “We’d like to thank all of our corporate sponsors and the efforts of our honorary conference co-chairs and the entire planning committee, for helping to pull off yet another amazing event. This is what NAMIC is about…working together,” said Danny McGlone, NAMIC’s VP of Fund Development.

Honorary Co-Chairs

Neil SmitPresident & CEO, Charter Communications

David ZaslavPresident & CEO, Discovery Communications

Ok…that’s it for now. Look forward to seeing everyone at the conference! And get your NAMIC conference “face on”, because I’ll be taking lots of candid photos throughout!
See you around!

“Around Town with Fred Brown”