Q-and-A with SMTE Co-Chair Amanda Hull

What is your SMTE story – when did you first attend, and what makes it a can’t-miss experience for you? 

2008 was my first SMTE Conference.  It was in San Antonio, Texas, and I was fascinated the moment I was greeted at registration. I remember listening to Madelyn Bonnot Griffin, past SMTE chair, on stage and watching her interact with the committee and attendees. I was thinking to myself, “I really need to be more involved in this event.” And, I have been at every single SMTE since. Networking with fellow broadcasters and learning from industry experts every year is energizing and motivates me to be a better leader in the broadcast industry and in my home market of Des Moines, Iowa.

What SMTE takeaways have you used in your career or at your station? 

Almost every speaker, breakout session and money-making idea shared provides me a takeaway. I love the keynote speakers each year that bring personal and relatable stories to the group, which provide a new perspective on what we do or how we could be better. And the sales/promotional ideas presented by fellow-attendees are called “Money Makers” for a reason. They help stations make more money!

What will attendees look forward to at this year’s event?

This year we are trying something different by using Day 2 as a very extensive interactive training session. The entire committee is excited about having Brian Moran, author of “The 12 Week Year” teach broadcasters how to be more productive at what we do, how to teach our teams to be more productive at what they do, and how we can all achieve our goals and beyond. His book has been recommended by the great, Jim Doyle and is a great read. Attendees will get an in-depth and hands-on experience with Brian that will be amazing!

What is your favorite SMTE story – any fun memories you’d like to share? 

Getting Jim Doyle and Dr. Oz to do a #photojumping picture with me were pretty cool highlights. But, bigger picture; being a part of the SMTE Committee and the work we do behind the scenes is a highlight every year. Every committee member brings different talents to the group and we start working on our agenda immediately after each SMTE. Early each spring we all gather in DC for a full day to hammer out the details of our next SMTE. Heaps of hard work and a lot of laughs happen in the NAB conference room. I am blessed to have the most creative broadcast minds from around the country as friends.