OPSEU/SEFPO’s InSolidarity Committee will be holding their biennial Editor’s Weekend Conference on Friday November 18 – Sunday November 20, 2022 at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre.
Editors’ Weekend is a conference and educational for OPSEU/SEFPO members interested in improving their union communications skillset. Join us from noon Friday to noon Sunday for workshops and speakers, as well as an awards dinner to recognize locals’ communications excellence.
Do you contribute to a local newsletter, a website, a strike bulletin or other OPSEU/SEFPO communication? Then, this conference is designed for you!
Conference Format:
- In-Person Conference
- Editor’s Weekend Conference will be in line with all existing and new health and safety guidelines in response to COVID-19 (ex. capacity limits, physical distancing, etc.) Subject to change without prior notice based on Province of Ontario mandates/restrictions.
Conference Dates/Times:
- Friday Nov. 18, 2022 from 1:00 PM – 5:00PM
(registration begins at 11:00AM) - Saturday November 19, 2022 from 9:00AM – 5:00PM & 6:30PM – 9:00PM
(Awards Banquet in the evening) - Sunday November 20, 2022 from 9:00AM – 12:00PM
On-site Childcare Dates/Times:
- Friday November 18, 2022 – 11:00PM – 5:30PM
- Saturday November 19, 2022 8:00AM – 5:30PM & 6:30PM – 9:00PM
(Awards Banquet in the evening) - Sunday November 20, 2022 from 8:00AM – 12:30PM
Conference Venue:
Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre
801 Dixon Road
Toronto, Ontario M9W 1J5
Only shared accommodation is approved for this event and the 60km policy is waived for Saturday night only.
Space is limited and event participants will be selected by the selection committee with assistance from the Equity Unit. The selection process seeks to achieve a diverse group of attendees, representative of racialized and other equity groups within our membership. For any questions and/or additional requirements, please contact the Equity Unit directly at equity@opseu.org
We look forward to meeting you at the Conference!
In solidarity,
OPSEU/SEFPO InSolidarity Committee
Authorized for Distribution:
JP Hornick, OPSEU/SEFPO President
Tentative Conference Agenda
Friday, November 18, 2022 – Day 1
11:00AM to 1:00PM – Registration opens
11:30AM to 12:00PM – Smudging Ceremony
1:00 to 1:10 PM – Conference Opens
- Land and Territorial Acknowledgment & Statement of Respect
- Conference Logistics and Housekeeping
1:10 to 1:15 PM – Chair’s Welcome
- Craig Hadley
1:15 to 2:00 PM – Opening Plenary
2:00 to 5:00 PM – Workshops
Saturday, November 19, 2022 – Day 2
8:00 to 9:00 AM – Registration re-opens
9:00 to 9:05 AM – Welcome Back! Recap from Day 1
Conference logistics & housekeeping
9:05 to 9:15 AM – Opening Remarks from OPSEU/SEFPO:
- JP Hornick, President
- Laurie Nancekivell, First Vice-President/Treasurer
9:15 to 12:00 PM – Workshops
12:00 to 1:30 PM LUNCH BREAK
1:30 to 4:30 PM – Workshops
6:00 to 9:00 PM – Awards Banquet
Sunday, November 20, 2022 – Day 3
9:00 to 9:05 AM Welcome Back! Recap from Day 2
9:05 to 10:30 AM Committee Elections
10:30 to 12:00 PM Closing Plenary
Workshop descriptions
The following workshops will be offered, but some will run at the same time. In the application form below, please select the two workshops you’d most like to attend during each of the conference’s sessions. We will try our best to accommodate your preferences in your schedule, which will be available to you at the registration table on the day of the event.
Starting a newsletter (four sessions)
This workshop offers everything you need in local to create a union newsletter: writing, design, editing and production. It’s for new editors, editors’ assistants, or others who are new to the process and want it all. Bring a copy of your local’s current publication, if you have one (no matter how primitive).
Beginners web (two sessions)
This two-part session will give you the tools to get a local website up and running. Using the popular (free!) web and blog program WordPress, learn the basics of setting up your site, adding content and how to make it available to your members (and the world!). You don’t need a current website to attend this workshop.
Advanced web (two sessions)
This session builds on what was learned in Beginners web.
Social media (two sessions)
The breaking news with social media workshop.
This workshop provides information on what makes a good social media strategy and provides hands-on experience with various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and blogs. Participants need a smartphone or tablet to fully participate in this workshop.
Plain language and the art of editing
Plain words deliver the most punch. Learn how to avoid using so-called ten-dollar words and find out how to write and edit strong, clear, punchy messages that will reach and motivate your members. Bring copies of previous work, if you have any, and turn blah into brilliant.
Photography
If pictures are worth a thousand words, you can break a lot of news in a very short period of time. Learn how good pictures can tell a story all on their own. Learn how to take good digital photographs the first time, no matter what camera you are using. Then get the basic software skills to get the most out of your pictures for web or print. You MUST bring your own digital camera to this workshop!
Media relations
Don’t fear the media: learn how to use them to get your message out! Successful media relations are about more than having a good message or soundbite to say. It’s also about knowing how to get your message out for maximum impact. This workshop will offer participants some key skills and concepts, as well as lessons learned in developing a media strategy and communicating with reporters.
Crafting letters to the editor and op-eds
How many times have you sent a letter to the editor – that has never got published? Get your letter in print! Find out the secrets to writing letters and op-eds that grab the editor’s attention.
Campaigns (two sessions)
For a successful campaign, you need a plan. Sign up for this course if you want to get the tools to organize and run a highly effective campaign – and to learn the keys to writing and delivering speeches that make an impact.
Video (two sessions)
The use of video to tell a story has exploded thanks to smartphones and YouTube. However, getting a good short video is much more than point and shoot. Learn what makes for good video and how proper preparation, framing, background and sound can get your video noticed…and watched! You must have a video- equipped smartphone for this workshop.
Note: Information regarding Advance, Time-Off, Human Rights Accommodation, Childcare Requests, will be sent to successful participants upon completion of the selection process.
Spaces available for members attending the Conference will be divided among OPSEU/SEFPO’s 7 regions. The selection committee will ensure that participants represent the diversity of identities and experiences in OPSEU/SEFPO.