America East 2019 Returns with New Name, Programming and Vendor Floor

The Hershey Lodge and Convention Center will host this year’s America East.

America East is set to return April 1-3 in Hershey, Pa. at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. Administered by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association (PNA), more than 500 people attended last year’s show.

This year, several new things will be highlighted. In addition to a new logo and a rebrand to a news media and technology summit, the show will introduce single day tracks for business, advertising, digital, print production and editorial.

“We hear from so many of our members that the knowledge they gain at America East is essential to the ongoing success of their business, however, with increasing day-to-day responsibilities, it’s often difficult for them to be out of the office for more than a day or two,” said PNA president Mark Cohen. “The concentrated daily tracks provide more efficiency by allowing for less time away.”

America East recently revealed its new logo and rebrand.

A new tradeshow floor will also make its debut. According to Cohen, the Vendor Solutions Center has been relocated to the active Chocolate Ballroom area and will provide attendees with information about the latest in news media technology, products and services. Cohen anticipates upwards of 40 vendors to attend this year.

“The new location of the Vendor Solutions Center, near the busy General Session Room, will allow attendees to gather answers and new ideas and interact with industry experts in one convenient place,” he said. “We’re also offering members of all media organizations the opportunity to visit the Vendor Solutions Center on Wednesday, April 3, at no charge. Those interested can meet and learn from the best and brightest who represent companies whose products and services are relevant and of value to the media industry.”

One thing that hasn’t changed is this year’s program, once again filled with important and relevant industry topics designed to help newspaper professionals in all markets.

News Media Alliance president and CEO David Chavern will serve as moderator for the keynote speech, where newspaper leaders engaged in a TED Talk style forum will share details of ideas and initiatives that brought success to their publications.

Cohen said he’s also excited about the interactive roundtables: the first focused on providing valuable tips for smaller dailies and non-daily publications; the second dedicated to helping executive leadership navigate through this time of industry transition; the third highlighting proven ideas to build revenue; and the last is an open discussion about the challenges and solutions facing print operations.

“We’re also pleased to present a session titled ‘Keeping Your Newspaper Safe in Today’s Polarized Climate,’” he added. “As a result of last year’s shooting at the Capital Gazette newspaper, safety is a top concern for every newspaper. An official from Homeland Security will lead a discussion about safety and security, and what to do in the case of an active shooter.”

Cohen said the overall goal of this year’s America East is “for attendees to walk away with practical information and solutions that can be implemented quickly and easily to help increase revenue, readership and operational efficiency.

“This knowledge will be gained through participating in meaningful roundtables and sessions lead by esteemed speakers, engaging conversations with exhibitors in the Vendor Solutions Center, and networking opportunities with colleagues and new business connections.”

For more information, visit america-east.com.