IHSPA 2025 Conference Schedule

August 26, 2025

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Register before 10/9/2025

Check-in

Schools check-in and receive press passes, student itineraries, etc.

8:15 – 9:00 a.m.; IMU Main Lobby

Welcome & Keynote

Welcome – Enjoying Today’s Conference

Michelle Sillman

9:00 a.m.; Main Lounge

Iowa’s Journalism Program & Keynote Introduction

Melissa Tully

9:10 a.m.; Main Lounge

Keynote Speaker

MaryKate Walling, Social Media Content Specialist, Learfield

9:15 a.m.; Main Lounge

Session 1: 9:40

Session 2: 10:40

Session 3: 11:40

Session 1: 9:40

Topic	Description	Speaker
KRUI Radio Tour	Join us for a tour of the student-run KRUI radio station and studios. Limited to 20 participants. Pre-registration required	KRUI Staff
So You Want to Be in Broadcast? Studio Workshop	Experience the DITV newsroom. See how TV and radio news programs get pulled together. You’ll learn what happens behind the scenes — and what you have to know to be part of it. This session requires pre-registration.	Charles Munro, Associate Professor of Instruction and DITV Coach, University of Iowa
How to Write a Winning In-Depth News Story	Want to write thought-provoking, multi-source news stories your readers can’t put down? Want to try to win the in-depth news category at the Iowa High School Press Association annual contest? Come to this panel discussion featuring: Erin Jordan, veteran investigative journalist and University of Iowa professor Steve Sands, advisor of the Durant Wildcat Chronicles Royce Richman, Durant Wildcat Chronicles editor Shanza Sami, Iowa City West Side Story co editor-in-chief	Erin Jordan, Steve Sands, Royce Richman, and Shanza Sami
Letting Students Lead: Student Panel Discussing Editorial Leadership	Students from Iowa City, City High will lead this panel and discuss their tips and tricks to student leadership. Q&A will follow their presentation	City High Staff & Jonathan Rogers, City High Adviser
Investigating Your High School	Did you know you can file public records requests about the school board, your school district and even your high school administrators? Learn where to find tips, how to investigate those tips and how to produce an investigation into the biggest stories at your high school.	Nina Elkadi, Investigative Reporter, Sentient
Sound Design for Electronic Media	Music and sound in a video is as important as any character. In this interactive session, you’ll receive tips, tricks, and techniques for creating and implementing broadcast quality sound effects, dialog, and soundtracks into your visual and video productions.	James McNab, Assistant Teaching Professor, Iowa State University
Go for Best of SNO!	Get some tips from one of the Best of SNO reviewers on what that team is and is NOT looking for. Don’t participate in Best of SNO? These tips might encourage you to start or to keep in mind when considering what pieces to submit to other contests.	Kyle Phillips, Education and Training Specialist, SNO Sites
Free Speech, Free Press, and New Voices in Laws in High Schools	Tinker and Hazelwood are just the beginning. Bong Hits 4 Jesus? I [Heart] Boobies? Middle Finger on Snapchat? New Voices laws gaining steam? It’s a brave new world in free speech and press rights of public high school students. Let’s dive in!	Brett Johnson, Associate Professor, University of Iowa
Set Your Podcast Up for Success	How do you pitch your podcast idea so that it gets green-lit? Gazette social video producer Bailey Cichon will teach you how to craft podcasts before you even hit “record”. We’ll also talk about equipment and software, writing for audio and finding your voice.	Bailey Cichon, Social Media Producer, The Gazette
Secrets to Writing the Best Headlines!	The headline is the very first thing people read. If it’s not good, the story is over. This workshop will cover how to create compelling headlines for print, online, and social media that will motivate readers to advance to the story.	Chris Martin, Professor of Digital Journalism, University of Northern Iowa
Creative Techniques: 6 Easy Tricks to Make You a Better Photographer Instantly!	Want to know how to capture award-winning photos? Learn from a professional photographer and yearbook adviser as we dicuss power images: How did they get the shot? Where should you position yourself to set yourself up for success? How do you anticipate a shot? How do you prepare yourself to capture that cover-worthy image?	Natalie McDermott, Davenport Central Yearbook Adviser
Getting Better Story Ideas	You think you have a good story but learn after publication and too late that you missed a better story about the same topic. This interactive session puts you in the drivers’ seat, from where you will come up with deeper stories you can share with others.	Lyle Muller, Retired Editor, College Journalism Professional Adviser
Yearbook Theme Development 101	Need help with theme development? This session is for you. Ashley Cunningham, with Jostens Yearbooks, will cover selecting your theme concept, building key words, and phrases, developing the design aesthetic, and maximizing coverage.	Ashley Cunningham, Jostens Yearbook Representative
Photoshop Essentials: Tools, Tricks, and Time-Savers	Take your photos and graphics from “pretty good” to “wow” with this fast-paced, hands-on look at Photoshop’s most useful tools. We’ll cover quick edits, smart shortcuts, and creative effects you can use right away to make your yearbook pages, news graphics, and social posts pop. Whether you’re a beginner or already know your way around layers, you’ll leave with pro-level tips to save time and make your visuals stand out.	Chris Snider, Associate Professor, Drake University
Don’t be Fooled! How to Identify and Combat Misinformation	Students will learn what misinformation is, how it works, and how to spot it and keep from spreading it.	Kylah Hedding, Associate Professor of Instruction, University of Iowa
Trials, Truth, and Telling the Story	Ever wondered what it’s like to report from inside a courtroom? Journalists play a key role in helping the public understand what happens in legal cases and why it matters. In this session, you’ll hear from a veteran court reporter who will share real-world tips on covering trials—what rules to follow, what details to watch for, and how to tell the story in a way people can understand. This session is also great preparation for students interested in the Iowa Mock Trial Courtroom Journalist Competition, open to high school journalists across the state.	Trish Mehaffey, Reporter, The Gazette
Artificial Intelligence and Visual Journalism	Discover how AI is reshaping visual journalism, and discuss the potential advantages and drawbacks when AI becomes part of image creation in the field.	Sang Jung Kim, Assistant Professor, University of Iowa

Session 2: 10:40

Topic	Description	Speaker
KRUI Radio Tour	Join us for a tour of the student-run KRUI radio station and studios. Limited to 20 participants. Pre-registration required	KRUI Staff
So You Want to Be in Broadcast? Studio Workshop	Experience the DITV newsroom. See how TV and radio news programs get pulled together. You’ll learn what happens behind the scenes — and what you have to know to be part of it. This session requires pre-registration.	Charles Munro, Associate Professor of Instruction and DITV Coach, University of Iowa
Let’s Make some Interactive Charts and Maps	In this hands-on session, learn how to turn your data from a dense set of numbers or addresses into an easily understandable graph or map with free, simple-to-use tools	Tim Webber, Data Visualization Specialist Des Moines Register
No Money, No Mission: Finding Advertising & Sponsor Support for Your Student Media	Even the best student journalism programs need funding to survive and thrive. This session will cover the basic strategies for securing advertising and sponsorships including how to identify potential advertisers, pitch your value, create compelling ad packages, and build lasting community partnerships.	Amy McKelvy, Advertising & Support Manage, The Gazette
How to WOW Judges and Win Scholarships with Online Journalism Portfolios	In this session, students will learn the basics of how to create an online portfolio of their work to submit for Iowa Writer, Photographer, and Designer of the Year contests. These websites can also be used for the Iowa Journalist of the Year contest for college applications.	Jonathan Rogers, City High Adviser
How to Write a Winning In-Depth News Story	Want to write thought-provoking, multi-source news stories your readers can’t put down? Want to try to win the in-depth news category at the Iowa High School Press Association annual contest? Come to this panel discussion featuring: Erin Jordan, veteran investigative journalist and University of Iowa professor Steve Sands, advisor of the Durant Wildcat Chronicles Royce Richman, Durant Wildcat Chronicles editor Shanza Sami, Iowa City West Side Story co editor-in-chief	Erin Jordan, Steve Sands, Royce Richman, and Shanza Sami
Information Seeking in the Age of Generative AI	Generative AI is transforming how people search for, process, and evaluate information. How does generative AI reshape our habits of information seeking? What new opportunities and risks arise when individuals turn to AI for knowledge? And how might trust, credibility, and emotional attachment to these systems influence the ways people learn and make decisions? This lecture will explore the social, psychological, and technological dynamics of information seeking in the generative AI era.	Bingbing Zhang, Assistant Professor, University of Iowa
Shooting in Manual (And More Ways to Use Your Camera)	It’s time to stop shooting in auto. We’ll go through the other shooting modes on your camera, what they mean and when to use them. If possible, please bring a camera so you can practice during the session. If you’re attending with classmates, your group could share one camera	David Scrivner, Video Producer, University of Iowa
A Real Life Story of High School Press Freedom in Iowa	Hear from Johnston HS senior Kaden Krebs and attorney Brett G. Johnson about their story dealing with restrictions on access to photograph JHS sporting events.	Brett G. Johnson, BGJ Law, PLLC Kaden Krebs, Sports Editor, JHS Black and White
Writing Headlines for Search and Social Media	Once you’ve finished a Story, the next step is figuring out how to find your audience. This session will focus on what you can do to maximize your reach on search engines and social media.	Brian Ekdale, Professor, University of Iowa
How to Make Journalism Cool at Your School	In this session, you will learn how IHS took their journalism program from unknown to a popular elective choice among students. We will share our experience as well as strategies for you to use to recruit and rebuild your journalism program and reputation. .	Indianola High School Staff and Emma Kinney, Indianola High Adviser
How to Use Canva for Your Publications	From COB’s, to graphs, to templates learn how Canva can pump up your publications and make designing easier!	Joelle Sexton, Varsity Yearbook Representative
Interviewing: How to Get the Good Stuff	You’ve been named the leader of your school organization. How do you get students involved and keep everyone happy?	Gary Sawyer, Associate Teaching Professor, Iowa State University
Post, Share, Repeat: Latest Trends in Social Media	From Instagram Reels to TikTok trends, YouTube Shorts to the latest niche platforms, the social media world moves fast. In this interactive session, we’ll break down the newest features, algorithms, and content styles shaping how stories get shared today. You’ll see examples from student journalists who are building real engagement, learn how to spot and join the trends that matter, and leave with practical tips to make your own school’s social accounts stand out.	Chris Snider, Associate Professor, Drake University
Anticipating Action + Reaction in Sports Photography	The more you practice, the luckier you get. Take a look behind the lens with award winning sports photographer Joseph Cress of what you can do to capture historic moments from a unique perspective. In this session we’ll show examples of images throughout the career of Caitlin Clark from her days at Dowling Catholic through the WNBA. Learn how to position yourself for the best opportunity at nailing the photos you need to tell the story of competitions you’re at to make magazine worthy images.	Joseph Cress, Digital Media Manager, Think Iowa City
Writing to Make an Impact	Join us to learn how to tell the stories you want to tell but also get people to read them!	Kaitlin Haynes and Brad Hempstead, Walsworth Yearbook Representatives
Sports Tips and Tricks	Covering sports is both fun and challenging! Learn and discuss how to use your front row seat to shoot and edit sports video and produce compelling stories. (While this discussion will be focused on video, many of the ideas are applicable to still photography)	Matt Nelson, Assistant Director, Athletics Video, University of Iowa Athletics

Session 3: 11:40

Topic	Description	Speaker
KRUI Radio Tour	Join us for a tour of the student-run KRUI radio station and studios. Limited to 20 participants. Pre-registration required	KRUI Staff
Adviser Meeting	Join IHSPA leadership to hear updates from the diretor and president, share your ideas and opinions, ask questions, and discuss activities for the coming year.	Michelle Sillman, IHSPA Director & Leslie Shipp, IHSPA President and Iowa Director for JEA
Becoming a Hawkeye	Thinking about life after high school? This session will provide information on the next steps as colleg nears, including student life at Iowa, academic offerings, the application process, housing opportunitoes, and paying for college.	Sabrina Duke, Admissions Counselor, University of Iowa Office of Admissions
Podcasting 101: Voice and Purpose	Participants will engage in collaborative activities to develop a unique podcast concept and have a solid foundation to start their own podcast and share their stories with the world.	Adam Kempenaar, Professor of Practice, University of Iowa
Telling Stories with Your Camera: Foundations of Storytelling Photography and Camera Operations	In this lecture, students will learn how to use their camera and also the art of conveying narratives and emotions using images, going beyond simply capturing a scene.	David Purdy, Photography Instructor, Des Moines Area Community College
Global Principles, Local Rules: Why Journalism Looks Different Around the World	How can the same journalistic ideals—like truth, accuracy, and fairness—look so different around the world? We will dive into how political systems, histories, and cultures shape core principles of journalism—which will allow us to uncover what “journalistic culture” means and understand its significance in a globalized world.	Jamil Marques, Associate Professor, University of Iowa
The Sportscaster’s Playbook	Step into the booth with Michael Admire, the Director of Broadcasting and the Voice of the Drake Bulldogs, as he unlocks the essentials of launching a career in sportscasting. This session blends actionable advice with real-world examples that will leave studetns ready to “call their shot’ in the world of broadcasting.	Michael Admire, Director of Broadcasting, Drake University
Networking 101: A Young Journalist’s Guide	Building connections is an essential part of growing in journalism. This session will offer insights into how emerging journalists can start forming relationships that support their goals.	Tony Moton, Assistant Teaching Professor, Iowa State University
Mastering the Multi-Camera Interview	Wheather you’re filming for broadcast news, advertising, or public relations, you can find all the skills you need to be a professional video producer in one place: the multi-camera interview. This hands-on session will give you an overview of all the fundamental video production skills video producers use when building multi-camera interviews: composition, exposure, lighting, sound, editing, and (of course) effective interview)	KC McGinnis, Freelance Photographer & Video Producer and Assistant Professor, Grand View University
Building a Yearbook Culture	Create the kind of infectious team morale you want and need to last through the deadline season. Your yearbook staff is more than a class, club, community, or team. You’re journalists, a small business and PR for your school, your teams and clubs, and your community. Accomplishing all of that requires that you not only like each other but support each other. Want to know how to create that kind of support? It all starts with you, the adviser, and editors. Come and learn how to create an enthusiasm that spreads!	Joelle Sexton, Varsity Yearbook Representative
Improving Your Social Media Storytelling	Increasingly, social media is seen as a source for news and information as opposed to being solely a place for social interaction. In this environment, how do you incorporate multimedia storytelling in your social media storytelling in order to spur engagement and activity for your brand, be that your school, newspaper, yearbook or anything else you’re trying to build an audience around.	Jeff Grisamore, Professor of Practice, University of Iowa
Heartlanders Hockey Press Pass: Expert Tips and Experiences	Get a hands-on experience of what it’s like to cover a Heartlanders Hockey game from Director of Communications David Fine and Director of Digital Media Sophie Williams! This includes chances to do a sample intermission report and develop graphics used by the team on their social media during game nights. Bring a laptop or tablet if interested in getting the best possible experience.	David Fine, Director of Communications and Broadcasting & Sophie Williams, Director of Digital Marketing & Content Creation, Iowa Heartlanders
What Now?	You’ve been named the leader of your school organization. How do you get students involved and keep everyone happy.	Gary Sawyer, Associate Teaching Professor, Iowa State University
Racialism and the Media	How does the media shape racial issues and ultimately our beliefs and behaviors? Racialism involves images, ideas, and issues that are produced, distributed, and consumed repetitively and intertextually based on stereotypes, biased framing, historical myths, as well as traditional racism. These representations are normalized through the media, ultimately shaping popular constructions of race and routinely weaving powerful ideas into mediated images and messages.	Venise Berry, Professor, University of Iowa
Developing a Mind for Enterprise	With more competition than ever for readers’ attention, journalists can’t afford to tell forgettable stories. Enterprise reporting is the way forward. In this session, you’ll learn from the Illinois Editor of the year, Tom Martin, the benefits of enterprise stories and how to develop and pitch them to an editor.	Tom Martin, Executive Editor, Quad-City Times
I Have A Question….	Interviewing is often the most important part of the reporting process and yet many journalists admit they are terrible at it. They get great stuff becasue of luck, not strategy. This session will expore the science of the interview and the ingredients that go into building great questions that will consistently product insightful answers.	Wayne Drehs, Visiting Professor of Practice, University of Iowa