BEA2026: Full Schedule

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9:00am PDT

What are the ideal sizes and roles for student group field productions, to maximize efficiency, flexibility, and teamwork for narrative, documentary, promotional, or news videos?

Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

W309

Should it be a standard 4-person team of Writer / Director / Reporter, Videographer, Editor, and Production Manager, with rotating roles, or something else? And should the number and roles change if the class is an Introductory, Intermediate, or Advanced class? Our panel will provide various viewpoints and guidance, to help teachers and students create a structure for producing quality productions.
Moderator: James McNab, Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication - Iowa State University
Panelists: Nathan Gibbs, Point Loma Nazarene University
Dennis Patrick Conway, Valdosta State University
James McNab, Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication - Iowa State University

Moderators

Nathan Gibbs

Professor, Point Loma Nazarene University

Gibbs has taught media production and journalism courses at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California, since 2022. Prior to joining PLNU, he served as the general manager of an on-campus NPR station, oversaw ESPN+ streaming, build out podcast studios, and ushered in... Read More →

Speakers

Dennis Conway

Professor, Valdosta State University

I teach Screenwriting, Performance and Production classes. I also serve as the Editor of the BEA's The Journal of Media Education.

James McNab

Assistant Teaching Professor, Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication - Iowa State University

I’m a media producer and educator with over 800 broadcast credits spanning sports, news, corporate media, and live events. At Iowa State University, I teach video production and broadcast journalism, emphasizing real-world, hands-on learning. My work bridges the classroom and the... Read More →

Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W309

Production Aesthetics & Criticism, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Writing, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

9:00am PDT

Teaching AP Style: Our Tips and Tricks

Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

W308

Every budding journalist has to learn AP Style, but it’s not something students are necessarily motivated to learn. Quizzes? Kahoot? Worksheets? Lectures? What works? This panel brings together different ideas to teach AP Style to students. It will be interactive—so bring your knowledge!
Moderator: Julia Largent Kuttler, McPherson College
Panelists: Tom Hallaq, Kansas State University
Jen Smith, University of Kentucky
Stephanie L. Elder, University of South Florida

Moderators

Julia Largent Kuttler

Associate Professor of Communication, McPherson College

Associate Professor of Communication and Student Media Adviser (newspaper & podcast studio) at McPherson College in central Kansas. I study documentaries and fandom, both separately and in tandem. I like cats.

Speakers

Dr. Stephanie L. Elder

Associate Professor of Instruction, University of South Florida

Dr. Tom Hallaq

Associate Professor, Kansas State University

Jen Smith

assistant professor, University of Kentucky

I am a recovering sportswriter who worked for the Lexington Herald-Leader in various positions for more than 20 years, including copy editor, designer, news and sports reporter. While working in the sports department for most of my career, I covered everything from high school sports... Read More →

Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W308

Writing, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

10:15am PDT

Do Student Podcasts belong on Senior Seminar Demo Reels? While growing in academia as a Production class exercise, are podcasts what Future Employers wish to see?

Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

W312

Our panel provides opinions, advice, and recommendations for teachers grappling with the ascending role of podcasts in our Video Production programs. The issues of podcast audience size, monetization strategy, niche, and quality will be discussed. And we'll debate whether most future employers would simply prefer a more varied, traditional video resume.
Moderator: Dennis Patrick Conway, Valdosta State University
Panelists:
Dennis Patrick Conway, Valdosta State University

Moderators

Dennis Conway

Professor, Valdosta State University

I teach Screenwriting, Performance and Production classes. I also serve as the Editor of the BEA's The Journal of Media Education.

Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W312

Production Aesthetics & Criticism, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Writing, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Student Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | New Faculty & Graduate Student Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

12:00pm PDT

Writing Textbooks that Win

Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

W305

Explore winning strategies for textbook authors—from safeguarding IP to contract negotiation and choosing a publishing path.

This session follows the unconference format: rather than a fixed agenda, participants collectively shape the discussion and share expertise, so everyone’s questions and insights take center stage.

Join fellow attendees for a lively, peer-driven exploration of writing prep, workflows, and the pros and cons of self-publishing, academic, and corporate publishing.

Moderator: Robb Montgomery
Facilitators: William Hanff, Peter Orlik
Moderator: Robb B Montgomery, Visual Editors, NFP
Panelists: William Hanff, University of District of Columbia
Peter B. Orlik, Central Michigan University (emeritus)

Moderators

Robb Montgomery

Author, Mobile Journalism

Robb Montgomery is a Berlin-based journalism educator, documentary filmmaker, and visual media anthropologist known for his contributions to mobile journalism and media development programs. He is a former Chicago newspaper editor who builds immersive cultural heritage experiences... Read More →

Speakers

William Hanff

Assistant Professor, University of District of Columbia

William Hanff received his BA in Radio/Television from the George Washington University (GWU) in 1994, his MS in Broadcasting from Boston University (BU) in 1996, and his Ph.D. in Media Philosophy from the European Graduate School (EGS) in 2006. His dissertation title was “Documentary... Read More →

Peter B. Orlik

Central Michigan University (emeritus)

BEA's Scholarship Committee Chair

Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
W305

Writing, Workshop | BEA, Workshop

1:15pm PDT

Writing Division Division Meeting

Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT

W302

Strong media begins with strong writing. Join us to talk about creativity, craft, and the evolving role of writing across platforms.

Connect with colleagues, exchange new ideas, and help shape exciting initiatives for the coming year. These meetings are a welcoming space to build community, spark collaboration, and make your voice part of the conversation. Whether you’re a returning member or attending for the first time, this is a valuable opportunity to network with peers, share insights, and play an active role in your division’s future. We’d love to see you there.

Chair: Melissa Jackson, CloudCatcher Productions
Vice Chair: Leslie Kreiner Wilson, Pepperdine University
Paper Chair: Carey Martin, Liberty University

Moderators

Melissa Jackson

CloudCatcher Productions

Speakers

Carey Martin

Professor, Liberty University

screenwriting, directing, film & television history

Leslie Kreiner Wilson

Pepperdine University

Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
W302

Writing, Business/District Meeting | BEA, Business/District Meeting

3:00pm PDT

Screenwriting Craft: How to Hook 'Em

Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

W307

This interactive workshop opens with a lively slide presentation, showcasing some of the most memorable opening scenes in modern cinema as well as examining what makes these moments irresistible to audiences. From there, the session shifts into hands-on practice: attendees are invited to share their own opening pages aloud and receive constructive feedback from peers. Whether they’re polishing a screenplay or just starting out, colleagues will leave with sharper tools for grabbing attention with a "unique hook" from the very first scene.

Moderator: Leslie Kreiner Wilson, Pepperdine University
Panelists: Carey Martin ,Liberty University
Lucas Martins Néia, Senac University Center (CAS), Brazil
Andrea Baltazar, Weber State University

Moderators

Leslie Kreiner Wilson

Pepperdine University

Speakers

Carey Martin

Professor, Liberty University

screenwriting, directing, film & television history

Andrea Baltazar

Asst. Professor, Weber State University

Andrea Baltazar is a writer-director with a growing professional portfolio of work in film and television. She has also worked on various media projects as an on-location sound mixer and video editor. In addition to her professional work, Andrea teaches digital media, film, and television... Read More →

Lucas NÃ©ia

Senac University Center - Santo Amaro Campus

Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
W307

Writing, Workshop | BEA, Workshop | Filmmaker Spotlight, Workshop

9:00am PDT

9:00am PDT

10:15am PDT

12:00pm PDT

1:15pm PDT

3:00pm PDT

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