2024 KU Fall Conference

The 2024 Fall Conference at the University of Kansas will be filled with amazing speakers, sessions and bonding for member KSPA schools. We are excited to offer a variety of speakers and sessions as part of three different regional events happening during September and October. Welcome to the University of Kansas and enjoy your day in Lawrence!

Check out what’s in store for you at the fall conference!

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2

REGISTRATION: 8:30-9 a.m.

Check in on the 5th floor lobby of the Kansas Union when you arrive. Grab a donut and juice  on the 4th floor of the Union on your way to say hi.

WELCOME: 9:00 a.m. -9:20 a.m.

Members of the KSPA board of directors and KU J-School Dean Ann Brill will welcome everyone and give you more details about the day. We’ll give out some awards from 2023-2024 and get ready for a day of learning.

SESSION 1: 9:30 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.

SESSION 2: 10: 15 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.

SESSION 3: 11:00 a.m. – 11: 35 a.m.

SESSION 4: 11:45 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.

*Complete list of sessions and speakers will be posted by Sept. 6. Check back for details.

Here’s who is sharing their wisdom with you at the conference:

Full list of speakers and session will be posted by Sept. 6. Check back for details.

Heather Lawrenz, KU School of Journalism

BriAnne Chayer, Paola High School

Lisa McClendon, KU School of Journalism

Amy Morgan, Shawnee Mission West High School

Kathy Habiger, Mill Valley High School

Eric Thomas, KU School of Journalism

Tucker Love, Shawnee Mission South High School

Heather Springer, Olathe South High School

Brendan Praeger, Wabaunsee High School

Barb Tholen, Lawrence High School

Maya Smith, former SJOY, KU journalism student

Chris Heady, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School

Whitney Baker, Jostens Yearbooks

Rylee Hackmann, Basehor-Linwood High School

Jim McCrossen, Blue Valley Northwest High School

Alex Treaster, KU School of Journalism

Sarah Cavanah, KU School of Journalism

Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector

Jeremy Deckard, Prep Sports Network

Tours of the William Allen White School of Journalism

• Your All-Kansas Yearbook Entry: Save postage by bringing your yearbook to the conference to submit for an All-Kansas yearbook critique. If you haven’t registered your school’s 2023-2024 yearbook for our critique service, it’s not too late! You can purchase one here. Be sure to fill out this form to send with your book or you can email the completed form to the KSPA office (staff@kspaonline.org).
• A laptop: some sessions will encourage you to learn on your laptop during the session
• Money for food: If you plan to eat at the KU Union, you must have a debit or credit card. The Union does not accept cash.

The event is in the Kansas Union, 1301 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS 66045. Most meeting rooms, including the registration and the opening session, can be found on the fifth floor. 

Busses should drop off students at the Union and can park for free in Lot 300 by the Lied Center. Click here for a link to the campus parking map.

If you need to park a school van or vehicle, park in the Mississippi Street lot which connects to the Union. You can pay for parking in advance with a credit card using a link provided by KSPA OR be prepared to pay for your parking in the garage kiosk with a credit card. Once registration closes, KSPA will email all registered schools with parking information and payment link for those who need it.

There is no break in the day for lunch. Once the last session concludes, schools are free to dine wherever they choose. If schools are interested in grabbing lunch at the Union after the conference is over, you can eat at “The Market,” a food court on the third floor. The third floor also includes Chick-fil-A and Wendy’s. If students need a small snack or drink, there is a convenience store on the fourth floor near the main entrance.

NOTE: THE UNION ONLY ACCEPTS DEBIT OR CREDIT CARDS. NO CASH ACCEPTED.

For a map of the union, click here. 

Below are the schools that are registered to attend this conference: