Minutes of 2008 National Media Education Conference Steering Committee

Tuesday October 16 4-6pm
Hawke Building Level 6 Room 10
UniSA City West Campus

Present: Mary Griffiths (Adelaide Uni), Kerry Green (UniSA), Mike Walsh (Flinders Uni), Sue Rosenthal (TAFESA), Lou Crow & Grant Brindal (SAAME)

1. Venues – Kerry conducted a tour of the building and its facilities.  Two plenary areas – Bradley Forum (seats 140 in a flexible space) & Alan Scott Auditorium (seats 400+ in more lecture theatre style but this cannot be booked until February next year).  Sixth Floor would be used for break out sessions.  All rooms have digital projectors & internet connection.  One area is a specialised video conferencing space.  Can also book out wireless laptops.  Possible costs per day were cited but Kerry thought use of the area would probably be free.  There was unanimous agreement that this would be the best venue.  One query about technical help and how this would be accessed.  No inhouse catering – we would need to arrange this.
2. Conference Management – Contact Conference Plus for a quote.  Meanwhile we will investigate other groups.
3. Conference theme/s -Ideas:  Involve secondary students.  Game play happening in courtyard area.  ‘Abusing Media’ title was thought to be too value laden.  Build assignments for Uni students and Yr 12’ around the conference.  Make use of Advertiser online presence.  They would be keen to speak.  Roger Savage online editor for Adelaide Now?!  Make connections with industry.  Showcase SA talent.  Continue to mull over this for next meeting.
4. Key speakers – Probably two overseas and two local keynote speakers.
   • Henry Jenkins from M.I.T.
   • David Gauntlet.
   • Paulik.
   • Someone to do with policy – Sandra Winter-Dewhurst from ABC about digital and next generation platforms.
   • Someone from UNESCO.  Kerry to develop list especially as he is now involved with them.
5. Call for Papers/Publishing – Contact with Kathy Greenfield from “Southern Review”.  Possibility that the April 2009 issue could be a conference one.  This would be subject to who the keynote speakers are.  “Metro” would also be interested – Mike is SA connection for this.
6. Asides – Conference Dinner - Catch the tram to Glenelg?  Budget deadlines?  Ministerial opener?
7. Next meeting – Tuesday November 20th, 4pm.  In Hawke Building at UniSA City West Campus in same room.
8. Meeting closed and Kerry thanked for providing excellent venue and fine nibbles.