Each February NENPA produces a two-day convention in Boston that is literally jam-packed with workshops, training sessions, seminars and panels that address the latest developments, opportunities and obstacles that our members are confronting. Convention attendees choose from a custom-crafted curriculum of more than 40 sessions that focus on intriguing topics pertaining to news, advertising, circulation, operations and new technology. Each year the lineup of speakers attempts to address a full gamut of subjects that range from important updates regarding ongoing concerns to cutting-edge issues that our industry is grappling with. The program also includes basic instruction on publishing fundamentals, new tools and the day-to-day practice of our profession.
The centerpiece of the annual Winter Convention is the New England Better Newspaper Competition awards ceremony, at which we present hundreds of awards to deserving newspaper professionals from throughout the region for their extraordinary work in serving their audience, advertisers and communities. The awards recognize the outstanding coverage, commentary, community involvement and marketing activities that newspaper staffs throughout New England pursue day-in and day-out. We honor newspapers for the full breadth of their work — from the best news, business, feature and sports stories, to the best columns, editorials and photos in a wide range of print and digital categories, as well as the best ad campaigns and circulation sales promotions. There are 75 award categories, and for each one we recognize newspapers in several different circulation tiers. Not only do we honor the very best efforts of our member newspapers, but we also display their entries for all to see, so that this award-winning work will provide bright new ideas and inspiration for our entire membership.