Speakers & Sessions

Andrew Finlayson is the Executive Vice President of Digital and AI Strategies at SmithGeiger where he works with leading media companies on strategies for broadcast, digital, streaming, and content monetization. He joined SmithGeiger after being a John S. Knight Fellow at Stanford University where his focus was the semantic web – structured and unstructured data sets which is a technology that complements and has supported the development of generative AI. He has reported from Asia, Mexico, Europe, Russia, and across the US, and regularly speaks at industry conferences regarding audience trends and media technology. He is also the author of the business book, “Questions That Work” (Harper Collins) which has been translated into five languages.

Andrew’s Sessions:

“Recruiting Today”

Filling many positions at stations has become a top challenge for many station teams – so is there a more modern way to recruit the next employee?  Andrew will show you state of the art examples of how leading broadcasters are approaching recruiting – ideas you can use the next day to help fill your next opening.

“Using A.I. Tools to Get More Done in Less Time”

Learn how AI can help station teams become more creative and productive through the thoughtful use of simple AI tools.  Andrew will offer proven concepts and tactics to help create compelling content and sales efforts.  Bring your laptop and be ready to explore the power of AI with your colleagues.  

Michael Castellucci says he’s been known to “phone it in.” His innovative work with his iPhone has netted him worldwide attention and acknowledgement as a pioneer in mobile journalism.

While working in broadcast TV in Dallas, Castellucci shot an entire half hour special on his iPhone, “Phoning It In” (which he also produced, wrote and edited) captured popular acclaim and high-profile industry recognition, including Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Awards. Castellucci followed-up with a sequel and thereby set the stage for additional awards and speaking invitations regarding the ground breaking show.

Castellucci has also applied his passion for storytelling to produce, write and edit a half-hour program using a $120 pocket flip camera. His “”Open Mike”” concept for broadcast news reporting in San Diego went on to win several coveted awards. He has earned 28 Emmys and 4 Edward R. Murrow Awards to date.

Mike’s Sessions:

“Phoning It In”

Learn how Mike Castellucci (a.k.a. Phoning-it-in-Mike) became,  as the Digital News Academy in Australia calls him, the top “Phonographer” in the world. Why did he pick up a phone after being a reporter for 25 years? How did he make the gear work? How can today’s journalists play on the same playing field as anyone in this business and not only compete, but be honored with journalism’s highest awards? Consider this a “Show & Tell” session like none other you’ve seen. Whether you’re in radio or TV news, this and all of today’s NewsTrack sessions will help you improve your craft.

“The Story is Everything”

Not only does Phone-it-in-Mike shoot entirely on his phone, he also has his own brand of storytelling. Learn how to write an engaging, emotional piece. Can you do it with day turns? What are the elements? Plan on “how to” when it comes to dissecting writing, shooting and editing. Both radio and TV journalists will benefit from this session.

“The Philosophy of Editing”

In this session, Mike will discuss “dissecting a timeline” and “the philosophy of editing.” This session also allows time to talk “story” and dive deeper into writing in the field on deadline, arc of a story, etc. – making for a great session for group discussion and lots  for lots of questions. Both radio and TV journalists will benefit from this session. 

Erik Therwanger is the founder of Think GREAT and the Think GREAT Foundation, which awards scholarships to military spouses. He draws from his experiences as a U.S. Marine, executive business leader, sales professional, and entrepreneur to help organizations achieve new levels of success. He uniquely combines leadership development, sales performance, and strategic planning into strategies and techniques that empower team members and leaders to exceed expectations.

Erik’s Sessions:

“Selling through Chaos“

Attendees will discover the sales strategies and techniques necessary to open new opportunities, stay motivated, and impact their clients at higher levels during these unprecedented times. With an emphasis on understanding the sales engine that powers their sales vehicles, sales leaders will learn new ways to enhance their performance while achieving greater results. Today’s sales leaders will unleash their unlimited potential!

“Next Level Selling”

Attendees will discover how to enhance their perceptions of selling, create an unbreakable mindset, and develop the follow-up touches necessary for the Next Levelsales results they need. With an emphasis on “sharing and opening”, today’s sales professionals will unlock their true potential, outpace their competition, and drive their sales vehicles across the finish line.

“Leading Through Chaos”

Attendees will discover the leadership strategies and techniques necessary to inspire, motivate, and influence their entire teams and co-workers during these unprecedented times. With an emphasis on creating an empowering culture, leaders will learn new ways to encourage their team members, achieve exponential growth, and experience unparalleled results. Today’s leaders will unleash the leadership potential in their teams! 

Liz Crider Huff is the Senior Director of Customer Success at Second Street (Upland Software) with 26 years of experience working with local media. Liz specializes in helping media companies generate revenue and audience growth with promotions. Liz is a powerful force in the local media space and uses her thought leadership and experience to help media companies with digital revenue and 1PD strategies.  

Liz got her start in local media early on at KDNL and KSDK in St Louis before joining the Second Street team. In her free time, Liz likes to watch Bravo, drink wine and play Barbies with her daughter. Not necessarily in that order.

Liz’s Session:

“Build-A-Bear of a Promotion”

Promotions are the most profitable way to grow, engage and monetize your audience. Now more than ever we need to be efficient and drive results for our advertisers and our stations. Liz provides attendees the blueprint for a simple, executable plan to drive significant revenue to close out 2024 and set up 2025 for success, plus grow and engage your audience while you’re doing it.