Last chance for early bird rate for 2017 LION Summit on local news business

People planning to attend LION's 2017 summit on the business of local online news have until Tuesday, Aug. 15, to save money on registration with a discounted early-bird rate.

The annual conference at Columbia College in Chicago Oct. 26-28 is the nation's largest gathering of local independent online news publishers, with more than 35 states represented in previous years. This year's program of speakers, panels and workshops on the revenue, technology, community engagement and journalism that build local news organizations has been expanded. An early look at the agenda is here, with many more sessions being added in the coming weeks.

New this year will be a half-day "bootcamp" for new publishers and idea-stage, would-be local news entrepreneurs. It will cover business plans, choosing between non-profit and for-profit status, selling advertising for your site, other revenue streams that can support local journalism, the "technology stack" you need to run the site and business, and how to stay out of trouble legally and financially.

LION members with financial difficulty in attending the conference can apply for a special stipend.

And LION has arranged a special rate for accommodations at the Grant Park Best Western hotel, directly across the street from the conference location.

For more information about the 2017 LION Summit, or to inquire about being a sponsor or vendor, contact LION Executive Director Matt DeRienzo at mattderienzo@lionpublishers.com.