An invitation to change the course of journalism from Memphis -- just as the King changed music

Elvis Presley changed the course of American music from Memphis.
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Now The Journalism that Matters Consortium and The Media Giraffe Project invite you to come to Memphis Jan. 11-12 to help change the course of American journalism. You can be part of the first structured dialog among media activists, industry veterans, innovators and researchers.

-- Read our invitation letter (PDF)
-- Go directly to registration
-- See who's registered so far
-- Work on Geneva Overholser's
"Manifesto for Change"
-- Read The Next Newsroom
white paper

"From Mainstream to New Media: Finding Common Ground to Grow Participatory Democracy," is an open exchange which preceeds and overlaps -- but is independent of -- the Third National Conference for Media Reform at the Memphis [Tenn.] Cook Convention Center. However, by special arrangement, participants in Journalism That Matters can add registration to the FreePress event, which continues through Sunday, Jan. 14, for $100 -- a 40% discount.

Our co-conveners include:

Thursday, Jan. 11

Memphis Convention Center Room L-14

3 p.m.-5 p.m. -- Roundtable introductions and statements of intention

5 p.m.-5:30 p.m. -- Break

5:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. -- Reception

6 p.m.-7:00 p.m. -- Buffet dinner; change tables between dinner and dessert

7:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. -- Convenor talks

7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. -- Working session:
"Finding Common Ground to Grow Participatory Democracy."

Friday, Jan. 12

Location: Memphis Cotton Museum

8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. -- Journalism That Matters Opening Circle

9:00 a.m.-Breakout session one

10:30 a.m. -- Breakout session two

Noon -- Lunch

1 p.m. -- Breakout session three

2:30 p.m. -- Learning circle

3 p.m. -- Group coaching sessions

5 p.m. -- Wrapup session:
What was learned, what actions are intended

6:00 p.m. -- Optional dinner.

HOTEL INFORMATION

The Wyndham Garden Hotel is located directly across the street from the Memphis Cook Convention Center. Amenities include a fitness center, complimentary breakfast buffet, free high-speed internet in selected rooms, 24-hour copying and faxing and a library. Rates: $104 for single or double rooms. Reserve by phone by calling (901) 525-1800 and use the code "Free Press: National Conference for Media Reform" to receive this special rate.

The Holiday Inn Select Downtown Memphis, 160 Union Avenue, (901) 525-5491 is recommended. Mention you are with "Journalism That Matters-Commercial Appeal" for best rate.

For additional hotel options, check the Free Press lodging page. FreePress.NET has a room block reserved at the Wyndham and several other downtown hotels.

REGISTRATION / INFORMATION

Registration of $75 includes a buffet supper on Thurs., Jan. 11, and box lunch on Friday, Jan. 12. JTM participants who wish to stay in Memphis for the FreePress conference (which runs through Sunday) can do a single registration for $175 by registering through JTM.

For more information, send email to mail (at) densmoreassociates.com or call 413-458-8001.