2024 Schedule - PN Commference

2024 Schedule

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Time
Session
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration Open
11:00 AM
Lunch Served
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Welcome to the 2024 ProgressNow Commference
Join us for the launch of the 2024 ProgressNow Commference with remarks from President Anna Scholl.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
What’s at Stake?
Each election cycle promises to be the most critical of our lifetime – words that many of us have heard year after year. Yet, 2024 does carry some heavy stakes beyond winners and losers on the ballot. Join our panel of experts to help us unpack why this election is worth the hype and the role communication experts play.
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Break
3:00 PM – 4:15 PM
Breakout Sessions Group A

Narratives of Change: Storytelling as a Catalyst for Movement Building
Tap into the transformative power of storytelling. This session will explore how storytelling can be a tool to build movements. Discover how strategic narratives and the authentic voices of directly impacted communities can galvanize action and drive community mobilization!
TikTok Revolution: Short-Form Video Shaping Content and Culture
The rise of TikTok highlights the growth of short-form content and videos that extend beyond the platform itself. But more than the latest trend, this method is shaping how content is being created and used while influencing our culture. Dig into the basics of short-form content creation and learn tips for maximizing these tools.
The Nuts and Bolts of Message Testing
Strong messaging is a skill refined over time – but mastering the fundamentals is critical. Learn from three experts how to break down the process in a hand-ons workshop with insider tips and tricks.
The Allure of Paid Ads: Uncovering the Benefits at Various Budget Levels
Paid ads can be beneficial to efforts, when used appropriately. Our experts will break down the lifecycle of a paid ad then discuss how to measure success and remain in compliance. They will share examples of strategically using paid ads at various budget levels.
4:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Break
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
In Memoriam of Conen Morgan
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Break
6:00 PM
Welcome Reception

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Time
Session
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration Open
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Breakfast Served
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Direct Democracy for the Win — Ballot Measures and Constitutional Amendments
With so much at stake, we must use all of our tools to engage our communities, mobilize voters, and help to pass progressive policies. Ballot measures have proven to be an effective tool in our box. Yet, they are not available in every state and states with ballot measures vary greatly. Still, they are powerful in shifting hearts, minds, and narrative. In 2024, abortion ballot measures will be prominent across several states. Join us for a lively conversation on ballot measures as a tool, their impact, and the opportunity before us.
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Break
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Breakout Sessions Group A Repeat

Narratives of Change: Storytelling as a Catalyst for Movement Building

TikTok Revolution: Short-Form Video Shaping Content and Culture

The Nuts and Bolts of Message Testing

The Allure of Paid Ads: Uncovering the Benefits at Various Budget Levels
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch Served
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
COMMSTalks: Modeled after the popular TEDTalks format, the ProgressNow COMMSTalks showcase leaders and their work

Anthony Baber, Director of Communications and Culture, Detroit Action

Kathleen Cancio, Strategic Communications Specialist, AFSCME

Mike Pfohl, President, Empower Project

Minister JaNaé Bates, Co-Executive Director, ISAIAH and Faith in Minnesota
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Break
2:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Breakout Sessions Group B

The Disinformation Dilemma
Disinformation is rampant – and it can be hard to know how to assess the threat then what to do about it. Our experts will guide attendees through the impact of disinformation, including the seemingly innocuous embedding in lifestyle content. They will share prevalent themes to be aware of and teach participants how to use a threat assessment. This practical session will leave participants feeling comfortable with tackling disinformation.
Megaphone: Amyplifying our Voices and Values
When your audience gets their news and information online, how do you reach them where they are? Join ProgressNow states leaders and their core partners to learn about Megaphone, digital organizing, and online content distribution.
Earned Media
The ability to garner earned media in a pay to play society is a skill worth honing with benefits that can pay dividends. Learn from the best of the network as well as our nationally acclaimed political strategist and commentator Karen Finney.
Safeguarding our Elections
With clear recent examples, the threat of election sabotage is real. This panel will define election sabotage and demonstrate the threat matrix, then guide participants through a scenario planning exercise.
3:30 PM – 3:45 PM
Break
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Who, What, When in 2024
In 2024, we need to be razor-sharp about our key audiences and issues, as well as when we will engage them. This plenary will feature experts to share their insights and tips on moving our key constituencies in this critical election cycle.
5:00 PM
End

Friday, May 17, 2024

Time
Session
7:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Registration Open
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Breakfast Served
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Creating Change through Cultural Communications
Culture and communications have always been inextricably connected. How do we account for this in our collective efforts to drive civic engagement and ensure that diverse voices are heard? From partnering with influencers to centering Black power to working at the intersection of politics and culture, hear from two experts on how their strategies are reaching new heights for organizing, communications, and power-building.
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Break
10:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Breakout Sessions Group B Repeat

The Disinformation Dilemma

Megaphone: Amplifying our Voices and Values

Earned Media

Safeguarding Our Elections
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Where Do We Go From Here?
The success of the ProgressNow network depends on leaders across the country. Their enthusiasm and passion, as well as their vision for the field, will guide us through the rest of this year and years to come. This conversation will share their wisdom and tell us what’s driving them over the next 6 months.
12:30 PM
Close