President’s Message: March 2025 Too Big and Too Important to Miss

by Bob Duthaler

In life, some events come along at just the right time. The annual JAG Conference is one of those events! As we gradually recovered from the challenges of COVID-19, we decided to bring back the JAG Conference, and what better way to do so than with a full-packed, one-day event?

The response was overwhelmingly positive, but we heard you loud and clear: you want more. After conducting a survey, we found nearly everyone wanted a multi-day conference with more vendors, more sessions, and a larger, all-around experience. We’re excited to announce that this year’s conference will be more!

Why you can’t miss the 2025 JAG Conference

More than a typical conference. The 2025 JAG Conference is an unparalleled opportunity for professional growth, networking, and making meaningful connections with industry experts and peers. Whether you’re a long-time JAG member or new to our community, this event is your opportunity to do a deep dive into the trends, technologies, and strategies that are shaping the future of local access television.

Save the date

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 14th and Thursday, May 15th at the Crowne Plaza in Edison, NJ. This two-day event will be packed with value, education, and networking opportunities hard to find anywhere else.

Day 1. Technology Forum: The Future of TV & Technology

The first day kicks off with the Technology Forum, including an exhibit hall where you can engage in user groups, vendor demonstrations, and cutting-edge technology sessions. Day 1 is about keeping ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry. Day 1 features:

• A lunch session on the importance of live video during emergency situations and how local access stations can effectively disseminate critical information to their communities.
• We’re bringing back the Student Symposium. Students from around the state can participate in sessions designed specifically for them along with a guided tour of the Technology Forum. This is an excellent opportunity for future professionals to network and learn firsthand from industry leaders.
• Our Day 1 Partner’s Dinner celebrates JAG’s 25th Anniversary. You’ll hear both longstanding and new partners talk about their experiences with JAG and how they continue to contribute to our community. With guest speakers, food, drinks, and door prizes, this evening will be an exciting and informative conference kickoff. Get ready to socialize, learn, and be inspired as we review our achievements and honor those who helped JAG thrive for 25 years.

Day 2: The Production/Management Symposium – The Heart of the Industry

The second day is all about Production and Management, and it will be jam-packed with valuable information. We’re offering:

• Information sessions, panels, and roundtable discussions throughout the day. Topics include live streaming, alternate content platforms, legislative updates, and closed captioning. You’ll walk away with actionable insights that can immediately impact your work and organization. The variety of sessions is so extensive that it’s impossible to attend everything. We recommend bringing several colleagues with you so you can divide and conquer the sessions to maximize your learning experience. You’ll have access to specialized content that’s directly relevant to your role and your future success.
• Don’t miss our Keynote Lunch Session on Broadband and Its Importance for Access Television. This session explores how broadband access is transforming local access TV and its broader implications for the future of communication. The session includes a Q&A, allowing you to speak directly with the experts.
• One-on-One Vendor Meetings. You said you wanted more time with vendors and we made it happen. On Day 2, our partners and organizational members will be available for one-on-one or small group meetings. This gives you the chance to have more hands-on, in-depth conversations about their products and services and assistance in updating your facility. Schedule a time that works best for you to ensure you get the most value from these interactions.
• JAG’s 25th Anniversary Banquet & Awards Ceremony – A Night of Celebration and Networking. On the evening of Day 2, we’ll host the JAG Banquet and Awards Ceremony. The JAG banquet and awards honor members, community leaders, and others who have made significant contributions to the world of local access television. The night kicks off with a networking cocktail hour, followed by dinner and an awards ceremony. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate JAG’s 25^th Anniversary and the outstanding work happening in our industry while enjoying the company of like-minded professionals. This is a night to recognize the very best of our community and be inspired to do even more.

Registration is now open. Don’t wait!

The website and registration for this year’s two-day event is officially open! Visit the conference website now at www.jagconference.com to explore all the exciting sessions and events we have in store for you. Be sure to take advantage of the discounted rates for JAG members by using the code JAGmem25.

We also offer special hotel rates at the Crowne Plaza. These rooms will fill up fast, so be sure to act quickly to secure your spot.

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s two-day event! It’s going to be a game-changing conference, full of opportunities for learning, networking, and personal growth. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something special. Remember, the more people you bring from your organization, the more value you’ll gain from this unparalleled educational and networking experience.

Don’t wait! Register today and be a part of the most important event of the year!