Spring is right around the corner, and with it comes one of my favorite MFCP traditions—our Spring Conference! I hope you'll mark your calendar now for April 16–17, when we'll gather at the Hilton Garden Inn in Cedar Falls, Iowa, for two days of learning, inspiration, and good old-fashioned connection with industry friends.
We've put together a terrific lineup of speakers this year, and I couldn't be more excited about the mix. Ryan Dohrn will join us to talk sales—always timely, always practical, and always motivating. Russell Viers will bring his incredible expertise in graphics and design, sharing ideas you can put to work immediately in your publication. And Trevor Slette will take us into the editorial side of the business, exploring storytelling, newsroom productivity, and how technology and AI are shaping the future of local journalism. No matter your role, there will be something here for you.
Another highlight of the conference is our Annual Awards Luncheon. This is one of my favorite moments of the year, as we get to celebrate the amazing talent within our MFCP family. During the luncheon, we'll reveal the winning entries in the Best Ads of 2025 competition—always creative, inspiring, and a great reminder of the excellent work being done across our publications.
We'll also be presenting several special member awards, including Graphic Artist of the Year, Journalist of the Year, and the Unsung Hero Award. These honors are designed to recognize the people who make our papers great—those who create eye-catching ads, tell powerful community stories, and quietly keep everything running behind the scenes. I encourage you to take a few minutes to nominate the stars on your team. If someone immediately comes to mind, that's probably your nominee! Click here for the Annual Awards Nomination Packet.
And don't forget—it's also time to nominate your MVPs (Most Valued Professionals). This program is near and dear to MFCP, as it highlights emerging leaders in our industry and gives them opportunities for training, connection, and growth. If you have a young professional who shows promise, dedication, and a real passion for what we do, please consider submitting a nomination. Click here for MVP Nomination form.
Our Spring Conference is about learning, yes—but it's also about celebrating each other and the work we're so proud to do. I hope you'll join us in Cedar Falls this April, bring a colleague along, submit a nomination (or two!), and help us shine a spotlight on the people who make MFCP such a special community.
Lisa
We've put together a terrific lineup of speakers this year, and I couldn't be more excited about the mix. Ryan Dohrn will join us to talk sales—always timely, always practical, and always motivating. Russell Viers will bring his incredible expertise in graphics and design, sharing ideas you can put to work immediately in your publication. And Trevor Slette will take us into the editorial side of the business, exploring storytelling, newsroom productivity, and how technology and AI are shaping the future of local journalism. No matter your role, there will be something here for you.
Another highlight of the conference is our Annual Awards Luncheon. This is one of my favorite moments of the year, as we get to celebrate the amazing talent within our MFCP family. During the luncheon, we'll reveal the winning entries in the Best Ads of 2025 competition—always creative, inspiring, and a great reminder of the excellent work being done across our publications.
We'll also be presenting several special member awards, including Graphic Artist of the Year, Journalist of the Year, and the Unsung Hero Award. These honors are designed to recognize the people who make our papers great—those who create eye-catching ads, tell powerful community stories, and quietly keep everything running behind the scenes. I encourage you to take a few minutes to nominate the stars on your team. If someone immediately comes to mind, that's probably your nominee! Click here for the Annual Awards Nomination Packet.
And don't forget—it's also time to nominate your MVPs (Most Valued Professionals). This program is near and dear to MFCP, as it highlights emerging leaders in our industry and gives them opportunities for training, connection, and growth. If you have a young professional who shows promise, dedication, and a real passion for what we do, please consider submitting a nomination. Click here for MVP Nomination form.
Our Spring Conference is about learning, yes—but it's also about celebrating each other and the work we're so proud to do. I hope you'll join us in Cedar Falls this April, bring a colleague along, submit a nomination (or two!), and help us shine a spotlight on the people who make MFCP such a special community.
Lisa