Minnesota Newspaper Association

Mna convention & trade show: mna stages a three-day annual conference for members each january. The 2025 convention brought together more than 400 members to participate in high-level sales and news training, seminars and sales activities. The convention, now in its 158th year, included luncheon addresses by minnesota gov. Tim walz and u.s. Sen. Amy klobuchar and keynotes from university of minnesota hubbard school of journalism and communications elisia cohen, and noted lion biologist dr. Craig packer. Professional trainers from around the nation presented two days of training sessions. More than 700 awards were presented at the annual better newspaper contest awards banquet. A student reception facilitated networking with potential future employers. (continued on schedule o)a trade show provided a venue for minnesota news professionals to connect with vendors and experts from related businesses, services, nonprofits and educational institutions. Fundraising activities including a silent auction, raffle and paddle raise were conducted to help support our associated nonprofit, the minnesota news media institute, provide professional and student training programs.

Better newspaper contest: held annually, mna's better newspaper contest is an opportunity for member newspapers to compete for recognition in professional and student contests judged by news professionals from other state associations. Minnesota's contest is one of the largest in the nation and drew almost 4,000 entries from mna members this year. More than 700 awards were presented at the mna convention & trade show in january. The contests provide vital professional feedback and peer support for the work of mna members in all aspects of newspaper and magazine publishing, from classified advertising to photojournalism to online disciplines.

Legal hotline: minnesota newspaper association provides an opt-in, on-demand legal hotline for member assistance. The hotline is staffed by mark anfinson, a veteran first amendment attorney. Members may use the hotline for pre-publication review of sensitive stories; to gain advice on legal matters pertaining to public records and open meetings; for employment law and advertising questions and other legal matters pertaining to mna members.