Student Broadcast and Sports Seminar
Student Schedule
9:00 AM
Doors Open
Registration
Foyer
10:00 AM
Orientation
Welcome Remarks
Presentations of Hod Humiston and Dr. Ian Punnett Awards
Tower Club East
10:30 AM
Keynote Address
From Sports Broadcast to the National Women’s Soccer League with Dani Welniak
Dani Welniak is the Vice President of Communications for the Kansas City Current of the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League). She joined the team in July of 2022. Prior to that, she spent six years as the Sports Director at KCTV5 (CBS) in Kansas City, hosting the Locker Room Show on KSMO-TV.
Welniak started her news career in Dodge City, KS covering high school sports for Catch It Kansas. After two years, she moved up to Wichita’s main station, KWCH 12, before moving to Kansas City in 2016 to join KCTV5, where she became the Sports Director in 2017. She was also the sideline analyst for the Chiefs Radio Network from 2016 through 2020.
She made history in 2019 as a color analyst for the Cure Bowl when she became part of the first all-female radio crew to call a Division I college football bowl game.
Welniak is a retired wide receiver for the Dallas Diamonds professional football team. During her time on the team, she was the 2007 Rookie of the Year, a 2008 Women’s Super Bowl champion, a three-time All-Pro member and a member of the gold medal-winning USA national team in 2010. In 2022 she earned an Emmy Award for her sports anchoring and producing.
Welniak graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2011 Welniak graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2011 double majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Audio & Video Production.
Dani and her husband, Brad, have a 5-year-old daughter, Cameron. They love to travel, spend time with family, play sports, workout, rock climb and compete in extreme obstacle course races.
Tower Club East
11:30 AM – 1:15 PM
Activities & Career Fair Luncheon
Activities Fair
Six Stations provided by Kansas broadcasters for students to practice their skills and step into the studio.
Students will have the opportunity to perform the following activities:
- On-Air Radio Reads – Students will read a short script as if they were live on the radio, practicing voice projection, pacing and articulation. Conducted by Ad Astra Radio
- Calling a Game – Students will call a short clip from a sporting event, practicing play-by-play and color commentary.
- Green Screen Practice – Step in front of a green screen and deliver a news or weather report. Conducted by KMBC TV 9
- Interviewing – Practice conducting an on-camera interview, developing skills in asking questions, active listening and on-camera confidence. Conducted by WDAF TV Fox 4
- Read from a Teleprompter – Students will use a teleprompter to deliver a short script, focusing on eye contact and fluency. Conducted by KCTV 5
- Ask A Grad – Hear from recent grads about networking, career paths, and first jobs. Ask questions and get real-world advice. Speakers: Summer Sperke (98.9 The Rock), Cray Schilling (SWKS Radio), and Katie Byrd (KCTV 5)
College & Career Fair – Building Connections for Your Future
Looking to jumpstart your career in broadcasting or explore what Kansas colleges have to offer? Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with schools and industry professionals in one place.
Designed for both high school and college students, this event allows you to explore programs, meet recruiters, and make valuable connections to help guide your next steps.
Tower Club East
Tower Club West
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Breakout Sessions | Career/Podcast/Sports
Broadcasting’s Backbone: Careers Behind the Scenes
You’re likely familiar with the on-air roles in broadcasting, but a full team works behind the scenes to make every broadcast possible. This panel highlights key roles and career paths that keep stations running smoothly. Hear from a sales manager, producer, creative services director, and engineer. Speakers: Derek O'Dell (GSM-Sports/Audacy Radio), Ronnie Hawkins (Exec. Producer/KCTV5), Liz Montijo (Creative Services Director/Nexstar), Joe Sifford (Assistant Chief Engineer Gray Media).
Location: Foolish Lounge
Podcasting That Stands Out: Breaking Through the Noise
With an ever-growing number of podcasts, how do you make yours stand out? Join panelists who have successfully launched and promoted their podcasts to learn proven strategies. This session explores creative content approaches, effective marketing techniques, and how to carve out your unique niche in a competitive space.
Location: Pressbox
Preparation to Performance: Play-by-Play Fundamentals
Play-by-play announcing brings live games to life, delivering real-time action and storytelling for viewers. This session covers how to prepare for a broadcast, work effectively with analysts and reporters, and use tone and inflection to enhance delivery. Speakers: Jake Eisenberg (Royals), Brian Hanni (KU Jayhawks), Wyatt Thompson (K-State Wildcats)
Location: Tower Club East
See Tabs
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Breakout Sessions | Career/Social Media/Sports
Breaking Into Broadcasting: What Employers Really Want
In today’s competitive media landscape, landing a job or internship in broadcasting takes more than a polished resume and reel. What are employers really looking for when making hiring decisions? Hear from hiring executives about the key qualities, skills, and experiences that set candidates apart and help them land the job or internship. Derek O'Dell (GSM-Sports/Audacy Radio), Justin Fluke (President/MSC Radio), Liz Montijo
(Creative Services Director/Nexstar Media)
Location: Foolish Lounge
How Media Is Leveraging Social Media
Explore the evolving relationship between broadcast radio and social platforms, and how news and entertainment organizations use social networks to expand their reach, engage audiences, and shape public conversation. This session highlights strategies for content distribution, audience interaction, and brand building, along with insights into the changing landscape of journalism and the ethical considerations at the intersection of media and social media.
Location: Pressbox
The Future of Sports Media
Join Cici Rojas, co-founder of Tico Productions and Tico Sports, Oscar Monterroso, the voice of Kansas City Chiefs Spanish broadcasts for Tico Sports, and Marleah Campbell, Sports Director at KCTV5 and an Emmy-winning journalist, for a discussion on the evolving sports landscape. Learn how Tico Sports has expanded into bilingual and multicultural broadcasting, built strategic partnerships, and used technology to enhance fan engagement. Marleah, a KAB Rising Star honoree, will also share her career path and insights on the future of sports coverage, including digital growth, audience engagement, and new opportunities in broadcast media.
Location: Tower Club East
See Tabs
4:00 PM – 4:50 PM
Student Awards Presentations
Celebrate the achievements of talented high school and college broadcast and media students 🏆 while enjoying a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar 🍨. It’s the perfect way to connect, unwind, and recognize the next generation of Kansas broadcasters as they continue to raise the bar for the industry.
Tower Club East
4:50 PM – 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Tower Club East
6:40 PM
Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago White Sox
Tickets provided to attendees for only an extra $5 each, thanks to our partners at the Kansas City Royals!
Kauffman Stadium