Workshops

1A – Social Media Essentials

This workshop explores the essentials of social media and digital advertising. From how to develop impactful advertising strategies, to understand the importance of effective scheduling, and discovering how to target specific audiences using analytics. Participants will gain valuable insights from real-life examples to enhance their advertising efforts on social media and other digital channels.

1B – Websites that Work

The Parramatta Catholic Media team will provide insights into what makes a good website and how to ensure you are engaging readers with the right communication style and content.

1C – Video Production Essentials

An overview of the current state of the Australian media market, from traditional media to online digital. Focusing primarily on video production we will explore how to create content regardless of the scale of budget and logistical restrictions. While maintaining quality and meeting the needs of multiple formats. Key to this identifying good talent and upskilling internal teams and freelancers.

1D – Publish and Nourish

Books often do something wonderful for their readers. And sometimes not. Is it still possible to get a book into the hands of readers you have never met? How might you try to do so? 

2A – Media Mindfulness

This workshop aims to empower Catholic communicators to produce thoughtful, ethical, and impactful content by enhancing their media literacy skills through critical and mindful praxis.

2B – Websites that Work

Details to come soon.

2C – Australian Media Landscape

Medianet managing director Amrita Sidhu will outline the key highlights of the 2024 Media Landscape Report to shine a light on the challenges of the media industry, and how PR professionals can build better relationships with journalists.

2D – Strategic Communications

“Beyond ‘what?’ to ‘why?’: A strategic approach to impactful communications for mission” 

“I’d like a website/ flyer/ video.” As writers, designers, communications strategists, how often do we hear this from various parts of our organisations – often all at once?  In this workshop, discover how to lead the important discussion of “why?”, before diving into the “what?”, reducing the amount of low impact busy work and achieving alignment of approach, message, tactics and creative execution for maximum impact. Nowhere is this more important than in creating a missionary message, with limited resources. A message that tries to reach people in busy, noisy, cluttered and often confusing modern world. 

Participants will leave this workshop with clarity about the steps involved in strategic communications planning, and strategies for keeping those important discussions with stakeholders on track. 

3A – Creatives Unleashed

Sr Rose Pacate will look at the intersection of Catholic creativity and digital communication by exploring the role of art and vocation, as well as the challenges, and together discern practical strategies for Catholic communicators, journalists, and creatives in the continually developing digital world.

3B – Newsletters that Work

Paul Osborne and Ryan Macalandag from the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference will provide insights into how to make your e-newsletter more engaging for readers. What are some of the characteristics of the best newsletters in Australia? And are you missing out on subscribers who want to hear from you but are facing roadblocks in doing so?

3C – Government Advocacy

Details to come soon.

3D – AI Basics and Ethics

This workshop will explore how to leverage generative AI for good news.

4A – Advanced AI

A deep dive into the different ways you can use generative AI to improve your communications output. The workshop will cover writing tools, AI, calls, AI bots and AI avatars amongst many other things.

4B – Advanced Video Production

Join us for an exciting workshop on Advanced Video Production, where we will provide a hands-on demonstration and guide to filming talking heads.

Essential topics such as:

• lighting techniques, white balance adjustments, exposure control
• composition tips
• sound recording best practices
• use of LUTs for colour grading and filming techniques

Whether you are a beginner looking to enhance your video production skills or an experienced videographer seeking to refine your techniques, this workshop will assist you with practical knowledge and tips to create professional-quality videos. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your video production game and bring your creative vision to life!

4C – Creative Communications Planning

‘If you build it, they will come’ the saying goes – but what if they don’t? How can you make sure your communications will reach and engage your target audiences? In this session, we’ll explore some strategies for better understanding and serving communities. The session will explore the process of developing communications resources in conjunction with key stakeholders, promoting resources to the community, engaging audiences and getting feedback to improve offerings. The session will be ideal for anyone interested in marketing and digital transformation in Catholic contexts. 

4D – Photography with a Purpose

In this workshop, Fiona Basile will take you through how to capture photographs with purpose. What makes a good photograph? What gives a photograph (or series of photographs) meaning and purpose? How can good photography add to building community, connection and care, as well as enhancing your media and communications material (whether a newsletter, website, or media publications). You’ll not only be moved and inspired as Fiona shows you some of her own beautiful photography ‘with purpose’, you’ll also walk away with some useful photography tips to apply in your own workplaces.