Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center to offer media training workshop June 2-3

The Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center will present a media training workshop to offer professionals and organizations lessons in getting their messages to the public and how to be effective spokespersons.

The workshop is scheduled for June 2 and 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Center, located at 141 Highland Drive in Lebanon.

The program will be led by Brian Calhoun and Kathy Still, both of The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. UVa-Wise operates the SVTDC.

Calhoun is an assistant professor of public relations and advertising at UVa-Wise. He previously had worked 17 years for Virginia Tech as an administrator in the Cooperative Extension Division.

Kathy Still serves as the assistant director of college relations at UVa-Wise. She previously had worked more than 20 years as a reporter for the Bristol Herald Courier and The Post.

The media training workshop teaches ways a company, organization or individual can prepare for both welcome and unwelcome media attention.

This two-day program will also focus on:

• Practical applications such as writing news releases and public service announcements
• Basic interview tips and exercises, including individual television interviews and press conferences
• New and effective ways to get a company’s word out to consumers and the public
• Basic information about the media’s role and what that means for companies or organizations today.

Tuition per participant (which includes materials, lunch and refreshments) is $299. The registration deadline is May 28.

To register, or for more information, visit the SVTDC Web site at www.svtdc.org or call 276-889-8180.

Posted May 22, 2009