The annual KCM Spring Conference provides an opportunity for college media students and advisers from across the state to gather for two days of learning sessions, networking and awards. More information about speakers and schedules will be shared soon, so check back. Save the date, and plan to attend!
Kansas Collegiate Media Spring Conference
April 12-13, 2026
Rhatigan Student Center
Wichita State University
Schedule overview
Sunday, April 12
12:30 p.m. — Check in on 2nd floor of the Rhatigan Student Center
1 — Adding vertical video to your reporting toolbox (Willie Billespie & Anusha Fathepure, OU)
2:30 — Breakouts:
- Editors unite (moderated discussion)
- Photographing sports, natural disasters & everything in between (Brian Hayes)
- Avoid these common writing & editing mistakes (Michael Roehrman, The Wichita Eagle)
3:45 — Breakouts:
- Covering college sports (Taylor Eldridge, The Wichita Eagle)
- Opinion writing (Philip Gray, Los Angeles Times)
- Design: Know the basics to do the advanced (Amy DeVault, Wichita State)
- Tips for cultivating and interviewing sources (Carrie Rengers, The Wichita Eagle)
5 — KCM Journalist of the Year to the Super Bowl in eight years (Brian Hayes)
5:30 — Individual awards and Journalist of the Year honors
6:30 — Check in to the hotel as needed
7 – 9 — Pizza party and trivia (Social Tap on campus)
NOTE: Photographers who signed up for the Shoot-out:
6:45 p.m. — Photo Shoot-out at McAdam’s Park — just southwest of campus (more info on site)
Monday, April 13
7:45 a.m. — Advisers’ breakfast (Santa Fe, 2nd floor of the RSC)
8 — Advisers KCM business meeting
9 — Breakouts (1 hour):
- Photo contest critiques (Travis Heying, The Wichita Eagle)
- Careers in communication (panel of local pros)
- Harvey County Now, sleep later: a start-up journey (Joey & Lindsay Young)
10:10 — Mini breakouts (40 minutes):
- Find your people — roundtable discussions for arts, sports, news, design, photo, multimedia, etc.
- Copy editing contest
- Let us sell for you — advertising pitch (Collegian Media Group)
11 — Breakouts (1 hour):
- Design contest critiques (Cory Graham & Rod Pocowatchit)
- Working in broadcast sports (Tejay Cleland, KWCH)
- Photo editing — choosing, toning & cropping (Brian Hayes & Matt Crow)
- Headline writing (Nick Jungman, University of Kansas)
12:15 p.m. — Lunch
12:45 — Individual awards and overall awards
Register for the conference
The deadline for registering for the conference is Tuesday, March 24. Cost is $70 per person. The cost covers a meal Sunday night and lunch Monday, as well as some snacks and refreshments.
PAYMENT: Once the registration is submitted, you will receive an invoice by e-mail from KCM Treasurer Nick Jungman. You can then MAKE KCM CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES PAYABLE TO Kansas Collegiate Media and mail to Nick at KU.
Register here: 2026 Conference Registration
Reserve your hotel rooms
Hyatt Place at Wichita State University
4703 E. 19th Street North Wichita, Kansas, 67208
Ph: +1 316 364 4700
Room rates are $124.