Missoula — Montana Free Press is thrilled to announce the full schedule and slate of participants for Free Press Fest, a dynamic three-day event Sept. 5–7, 2024, at the University of Montana.
“Free Press Fest is bringing together journalists, authors, leaders, decision-makers and Montanans to engage in informed, civil dialogue, celebrate Montana’s unique heritage and empower our community to make a difference,” said John Adams, editor-in-chief and executive director of Montana Free Press. “As we approach the 2024 election cycle and confront various challenges facing our state, the Fest is a crucial opportunity for Montanans to come together, exchange ideas and drive positive change.”
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and National Book Award-winning author Timothy Egan (A Fever in the Heartland, The Immortal Irishman) will present the opening keynote of the festival on Thursday, Sept. 5, at the University of Montana UC Ballroom.
On Friday, Sept. 6, the headline keynote will feature political strategist and former White House deputy chief of staff Jim Messina, the architect of President Barack Obama’s successful 2012 reelection campaign, joined by former campaign rival and longtime conservative political strategist Matt Rhoades. Maritsa Georgiou, a news anchor for Scripps News and host of the first and only national television news show from Montana, will moderate the headline keynote. Featuring a special introduction from Ambassador Max Baucus, the headline keynote is a special edition of the Baucus Institute’s Stockman Bank Speakers Series and is free and open to the public.
Montana Free Press is also excited to announce a closing keynote session on Saturday, Sept. 7, with Natalia Antelava, CEO and editor-in-chief of Coda Story, and Neil Chase, CEO of Cal Matters, discussing AI and journalism with the University of Montana’s School of Journalism Director Lee Banville.
Free Press Fest passes and individual session tickets are available for purchase at freepressfest.org. All-conference passes include entry to all keynotes, panels, breakout sessions, the opening reception and the attendee luncheon. For conference attendees who want to make the most of their Free Press Fest experience, Montana Free Press has partnered with the River City Roots Festival to provide a custom conference package that includes a Roots Fest wristband, a custom aluminum cup and one free drink ticket.
In conjunction with the University of Montana, Montana Free Press is committed to creating an inclusive and intellectually stimulating environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives. Through open dialogue, meaningful connections and shared experiences, the Free Press Fest aims to empower attendees to actively contribute to the future of our state.
Join Montana Free Press at the Free Press Fest from Sept. 5–7, 2024, at the University of Montana and be part of a transformative experience that celebrates the spirit of democracy, diversity and community engagement in Montana.
For more information on the 2024 Free Press Fest, visit freepressfest.org.
Follow Montana Free Press on Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for announcements on speakers, appearances, the conference schedule and more.
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