Board Blog: NSEMC 2017 – What a weekend!

Last Updated on November 15, 2017 by askcbiorg

What a week it was! More than 400 students from 85 schools converged on the Hyatt Regency River Walk in beautiful downtown San Antonio for the sixth annual CBI National Student Electronic Media Convention November 2-4, 2017.

Paul Crutcher, CBI Secretary

Our event officially opened on Wednesday afternoon as students began receiving official credentials and complimentary CBI messenger bags filled with giveaway items, conference programs and information about local restaurants and points of interest. Attendees also received a vendor bingo card — making them eligible for valuable prizes that were given away throughout the week.

Sessions were well attended throughout the conference on a broad range of topics led by industry professionals, students, faculty and staff members and attorneys. Topic choices were expansive allowing a broad range of sessions for all participants — from radio, television, film, broadcast sports, newswriting, podcasting, copyright, FCC inspections, music scheduling, social media, management and training, diversity, programming, promotions, drone use, underwriting/fundraising, documentary work, and much more.

Students were given opportunities to have air checks, demo reels, and resumes reviewed by industry professionals. Others participated in station tours of Cox Media Group, KSAT-TV 12 ABC, and KSYM-FM San Antonio College.

CBI President John Morris and Willer Award Winner Chris Wheatley. Photo by Marty Kurtz.

The weekend culminated with the National Student Production Awards with finalists in 25 categories with finalists in 25 categories with CBI President John Morris as master of ceremonies. Prior to the handing out of trophies, the CBI board was introduced, followed by the presentation of the 2017 Joel Willer award to Chris Wheatley, retired manager of Television and Radio Operations at Ithaca College.

Students then heard a keynote address from Roger Lindley who discussed ways to make quality film productions on a limited budget. Finally, Jenny Lee, a former CBI attendee and current morning and mid-day host on San Antonio’s Magic 105.3 handed out trophies to hopeful nominees. Samples of winning entries were played during the ceremony as students posed for photos with their respective trophies. The complete awards list and clips of the winning entries are online here.

CBI’s NSEMC demonstrated once again that it is the place where students can make valuable connections with fellow broadcasters who become friends and sometimes colleagues. It is a place where ideas are shared, skills are refined, and contacts are made with respected industry professionals. We thank everyone for making the trip to Texas – to the beautiful and historic river walk area of San Antonio. We thank you for your support and your input as we look ahead to conventions to come in the future.

We will see you at the Renaissance Seattle hotel from October 25-27, 2018 for next year’s NSEMC!