Session Topics Now Available

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Note: Session topics subject to change.

Exploring Emerging Technologies - and Opportunities - in a World of Shrinking Print Media
As the door to print-media opportunities closes, what are the hottest new communication technologies open to local governments? Where has the most success been found? What are the pitfalls? Speakers will discuss their biggest mistakes as well as their greatest successes. Learn how to use new techniques to get your message out, enhance brand identity, and increase citizen engagement.

Mind Your Ps & Qs: Developing Social Media Policies and Procedures that Work
It’s a bold new world out there in the land of social media, requiring a whole new style of etiquette and set of guidelines. Learn from those who have made the leap! Learn how to build an effective social media policy for both staff and citizens. Our experts will share characteristics of a good policy and offer tips for creating a template that maximizes engagement and interaction and minimizes risks..

60 Ideas in 60 Minutes
3CMA is all about borrowing great ideas and making them your own, and this popular session epitomizes that philosophy. Where else can you access 60 practical, creative ideas in just one hour?! We guarantee that you’ll walk away with ideas that will increase your effectiveness and efficiency - and make you a hero back home.

Beyond Standard-Operating Communications
There are times when standard communication methods simply aren’t effective. Perhaps you have “bad news” or complex information to communicate. Our panelists will share strategies, such as creative direct mail and innovative interaction, which can result in greater understanding, fewer complaints, positive media coverage, and words of praise.

Info on the Go: Dealing with Emerging Mobile Devices
With the increasing use of smart phones it is essential that local governments provide fingertip communication to better connect with citizens. Learn about successful mobile solutions that promote citizen activism involvement and deliver multimedia-rich information.

Get the Biggest Bang for Your Website Buck or Build a Better Website
Want to make your website even better? Improve on what you already have with the easy-to-implement strategies offered in this session. Get tips on content strategy, usability tactics, and other tools that will help you continuously improve your website and create an enhanced user experience for citizens.

Foundations for Better Brand Building
This session hones in on how to manage press releases, websites, public meetings, brochures, ads, and the media when developing a successful community brand.

Going Digital
Learn how communities across the country have transformed printed materials into lively, engaging digital documents for internet delivery resulting in no printing or distribution costs.

If You Plan It, Will They Come?: Increasing Public Participation in City/County Events
Events offer a great way to build a sense of community and enhance citizens’ quality of life. But, what if you planned a community party and no one came? Our experts can help you make sure this doesn’t happen in your hometown. Plan with confidence with these strategies to help increase participation.

Communication Programs: The Must Haves, Nice to Haves, and Don’t Bothers
In today’s economic environment it is crucial to be clear about what communication services are essential and which are nice “extras.” Our panel of experts will share criteria and strategies for determining the purpose and effectiveness of each communications initiative as you establish appropriate priorities.

Savvy Film Festival: Best of the 2010 Entries
Prepare to be entertained and enlightened as we screen and discuss some of the most effective 2010 local government videos. Popcorn is optional.

Writing for the Web
When it comes to writing for the web, there’s no question that shorter is better. Research shows that people behave differently when they’re on the web: They scan. They’re impatient. Learn how to make every word count with these tips for effective online communication.

Stay on Top of Your Game: Communications Survival Skills
It’s a tough job market out there, and you’ve got to stay competitive. Experienced 3CMAers will share their techniques for flourishing consistently as local government communications professionals.

Newsrooms Clamber Aboard the Social Media Bandwagon
Learn how today’s newsrooms are using social media to find sources and story leads, build relationships with readers, and interact with communications professionals.

Increasing Your Ink
It’s tougher than ever – but still possible and important – to get positive stories about your community in shrinking traditional news outlets. A panel of 3CMA seasoned members will suggest strategies and tactics on how best to “get the word out.”

Pitfalls and Promises of e-Services
Use of local government e-Service applications has exploded.. Speakers will discuss the pros and cons of these interactive programs with real-life examples.

…and Action: Streaming Video & Broadband
Topics in this lively session will include the state of broadband in the United States, streaming format options, and benefits of integrating video and metadata.

Whattaya Want? Determining Community Needs and Values
You’re not a mind reader, so how can you determine what it is your community wants to be, what it values? This session explores suggestions for developing creative research surveys, focus groups, and undercover interviews. Armed with this insightful data and feedback, local governments can develop a brand that best tells their story.

When Words Are Not Enough
People are visually oriented. From birth we gather information first through our eyes, then from words. Powerful visuals can help us make split-second judgments about quality, value, and credibility. Learn how to use graphics and fonts to more effectively communicate your messages and to get people to really care about what is being conveyed.

Awesome Videos on Shoestring Budgets or Top-Notch Videos in a Bottomline Economy
Today’s top management expects people to do more with less, and government television channels and video departments are no exception. How can a departments of one to three people with a broad range of responsibilities ensure that its programming and videos are top-notch? This session explores strategies and tactics used successfully by other local governments.

Divas, Egos & Freaks: Dealing with Difficult People
No workplace is safe from demanding, unreasonable people who make it hard to do your job. And in the glorious service of the people and their elected officials the chance that, at some point, you’ll encounter divas, egos, and freaks is pretty high. In this session you’ll discover ways to react with tact, composure, and confidence – no matter what the situation.