2025 Convention Schedule
Time
Sessions
Location
8:00 AM – 8:50 AM
Registration/Breakfast
*Breakfast is optional and must be pre-paid by attendee
Foyer
9:00 AM – 9:50 AM
Keynote Address:
Jeff Schmidt
Info coming soon
Main Stage – Big Basin/Kaw Valley
Sponsored by:
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Breakout Sessions | News/Management & Sales/Engineering
NEWS
The Live Shot: Conception to Newscast Execution with Kevin Benz
The TV news live shot has become ubiquitous in the newscast, and it remains one of the core elements viewers look for when deciding the importance and urgency of a story. The live shot is special, and it requires specific skills and planning to perform well. This session will look at inspirational live shots and break them down – what works, what should we do more of, how can we consistently deliver on the live shot? This is a workshop for the whole team — desk editors, producers, reporters and photographers — the team that is responsible for the excellence in planning and performance a live shot requires.
Location: Konza/Prairie ABC
SALES
Attitude Of A Champion Sales Professional with Aaron Davis
In a media landscape that’s constantly evolving, sales professionals in radio and television must do more than keep up—they must level up. In this high-energy, practical, and inspirational keynote, Aaron Davis—former national champion and award-winning speaker—equips broadcast sales pros with the mindset and tools to thrive in today’s competitive market. Aaron challenges attendees to consider the power of just a 1% improvement each day while helping them identify the barriers holding them back—and how to either change them or rise above them.
With a sharp focus on HPAs (High-Payoff Activities), Aaron demonstrates how top performers prioritize what truly drives sales results. He’ll inspire your team to become relentless in the face of rejection, reframing the word “no” as simply “not yet.” Aaron’s powerful message around mindset, daily learning, and consistent action will leave your team energized, focused, and ready to win!
Whether you’re selling a 30-second spot, a digital package, or a brand partnership, you’ll walk away with champion-level habits that drive results in the real world.
Location: Big Basin/Kaw Nation
ENGRN
FCC Compliance for your Broadcast Facility with John George
The presentation will focus on John George’s years of experience as a broadcast engineer and ABIP Inspector. He will review the easy mistakes made in FCC filings and required record keeping for the broadcast facility, including EAS, tower lighting and the documents one should have their studio and transmitter sites.
Location: TBD
See Tabs
Refreshment Break
Foyer
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Breakout Sessions | News/Sales/Management & Engineering
NEWS
Are you using AI or is AI using you? with Kevin Benz
AI is in the newsroom. What are you doing about it, and what guidelines are needed to take full advantage without compromising journalistic independence, autonomy and ethics? This session looks at the ethical issues AI brings, and we will discuss how to use AI effectively in your journalism, without losing control of your own neutrality and independence.
Location: Konza/Prairie ABC
SALES
Navigating AI in Sales: Benefits & Boundaries for Broadcasters with Claire Ferguson
Location: Flint Hills
MGMT
FCC Update with David Oxenford
Info coming soon.
Location: TBD
See Tabs
12:30 PM – 1:50 PM
Luncheon with Award Presentations and Game Show
- Presentation of Sonny Slater Award for Service to Station and Community and Mike Oatman Award for Broadcast Sales Excellence
- Singo!
Kaw Nation/Big Basin
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Breakout Sessions | News/Sales/Programming/Engineering
NEWS
Most Common Mistakes Made by TV News Reporters with Josh Helmuth
Location: Konza/Prairie ABC
SALES
Personality-based Selling Techniques with Amanda Fontaine
Successful selling isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about connecting with people in a way that resonates with them. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to use the True Colors Personality System to tailor your sales approach based on the unique personality traits of your customers and clients.
True Colors breaks down personalities into four key types—Blue, Gold, Green, and Orange—each with distinct buying motivations, decision-making styles, and communication preferences. You’ll learn how to recognize someone’s dominant color through their words, behavior, and questions, and how to adjust your pitch, tone, and approach to better match their style.
Whether you’re in advertising, media sales, or fundraising, this session will give you the insight and tools to boost your confidence and your close rate—by selling smarter, not harder.
Location: Kings ABC
PGRM
“This Is the Way We’ve Always Done It”: Breaking Out of the Promotional Rut with Zeb Campbell
Stuck running the same promotions year after year? This session will show you how to spot when your programming has fallen into a rut and give you practical strategies to refresh contests, stunts, and benchmarks. Walk away with new ideas to keep your audience engaged and your team inspired.
Location: Flint Hills
ENGRN
Advocacy, Policy & Industry Affairs with Nicole Gustafson
Info coming soon.
Location: TBD
See Tabs
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Refreshment Break
Foyer
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM
Breakout Sessions | News/Sales/Programming/Engineering
NEWS
Creative Storytelling on a Tight Deadline with Josh Helmuth
Location: Konza/Prairie ABC
SALES
Round Tables with Local Sales Leaders
Join us for a dynamic Round Table session with local sales leaders as they dive into six of the hottest topics shaping broadcast sales today. This fast-paced, interactive format will give you practical insights, fresh strategies, and real-world solutions you can take back to your station. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from and connect with some of the best in the business.
Location: Alcove
MGMT
Time Management: Doing More with Less with Amanda Fontaine
In today’s fast-paced broadcasting world, many professionals are wearing multiple hats, juggling overlapping roles, and facing tighter deadlines than ever before. As stations downsize or shift responsibilities, the challenge isn’t just getting it all done—it’s getting the right things done, with less time and fewer resources.
This interactive workshop will help you rethink how you manage your time, prioritize your tasks, and stay focused under pressure. Whether you’re producing content, managing a team, handling sales, or all of the above, you’ll leave with practical tools and strategies to maximize your productivity, protect your energy, and reduce burnout.
This session is designed for anyone in broadcasting who feels stretched thin—and is ready to take back control of their time
Location: Kings ABC
ENGRN
Broadcast Technology with Jeff Welton
Info coming soon.
Location: TBD
See Tabs
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
KAB Annual Meeting (GMs and Owners Only)
SBE Annual Meeting
Flint Hills
McDowell/Tuttle
Foyer
Lets have some fun as we celebrate our Rising Star recipients, station award winners and stations of the year.
The 2025 Tony Jewell Award recepient will be announced LIVE.
Kaw Nation/Big Basin
Sponsored by:
Alcove