AEJMC MIDWINTER CONFERENCE 2009

The Midwinter Conference is scheduled March 6-8 at the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman. Twelve divisions and interest groups are participating. The Midwinter Conference follows an informal structure, with presentations and extended discussions in a relaxed setting that is popular with graduate students. Papers presented at the Midwinter Conference are eligible for presentation at the National AEJMC Convention. Submitters at the Midwinter conference are encouraged to use reviewer feedback to improve and finalize work for the national conference.

FOR THE MIDWINTER REGISTRATION FORM, PLEASE CLICK HERE

Three hotels are providing special rates for the AEJMC Midwinter Conference. The rates (plus tax) are good through February 16. In order to receive the conference rates, you must phone the hotel and use the promotional code: “AEJMC Midwinter Conference.” Conference rates are not available online.

The first, which should be attractive to graduate students who are willing to share space, is Sooner Suites two-bedroom cottages within walking distance of the campus. The $88 per night rate is for an entire cottage and includes a continental breakfast (405-325-2270).

About a mile from campus is the Best Western Norman Inn & Suites. Suites include a pullout sofa bed in the “living area.” Rates are $69 - $95 per night (405-701-4011). The third, Sooner Legends Inns & Suites has a full-service restaurant and bar. Rates are $89 for a room and $129 for a suite (405-701-8100).

Both include breakfast and shuttle to the conference area.

OPENING RECEPTION, FRIDAY, MARCH 6 2009
OKLAHOMA CITY NATIONAL MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM

As you are in the process of registering for the AEJMC Midwinter Conference at the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication in Norman from March 6-8, 2009, the conference coordinator would herewith like to provide you more information on the Opening Reception (Friday, March 6 at 6 p.m.).

The reception will be held at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum – a venue “created to honor those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever by the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City”, according to the official website (http://www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org).

Attending the opening reception will provide conference delegates the opportunity to tour the Museum and Memorial, as well as the “Reporting Terrorism” exhibition currently on display at the Museum. This exhibition provides visitors with insight into the role journalists played in “bringing breaking news, serving local needs and telling the courageous stories of those most affected” by the events of April 19, 1995 (see http://www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org).

This promises to be an insightful and unique experience (full details about the Memorial and Museum, as well as the exhibition, are available at http://www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org).

Please indicate on your registration form whether you will join us for the event. Busses will transport delegates from the conference hotels to the reception and back. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Elanie Steyn, Conference coordinator, Elanie@ou.edu.

AIRPORT SHUTTLE INFORMATION

Click here for an Airport Express travel coupon. This coupon will reduce your fare from the airport to your hotel in Norman and back to the airport (specific rates applicable to the different conference hotels are provided on the voucher). Please print copies of this coupon and present it to the shuttle bus driver when you board the shuttle. You do not need to book an Airport Express shuttle for your trip from the airport to the hotel – shuttle busses are located outside the arrivals hall at the airport, and leave every 5-10 minutes. However, you should make a reservation from the hotel to the airport to get your flight back. You can make this reservation by calling the number provided on the coupon.

Please note that you can also use a taxi to travel to your hotel in Norman, although this coupon will not be valid for taxi services.

Should you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact Elanie Steyn, Conference co-ordinator, Elanie@ou.edu.