AHP members returned to Lexington, Kentucky, for three days of educational sessions and building industry relationships. They met and mingled with equine-related media professionals, organizations, and businesses at the annual AHP Equine Media Conference on May 16-18, 2024.
The Lexington area represents multiple breeds, disciplines, events, organizations, and businesses that are involved in the horse industry. The 2024 conference topics brought awareness of the diversity of equestrian enthusiasts, their sports, and their horses. As equine media professionals, we aim to communicate and entertain with news and stories about a horse of many colors.
The list of attendees is available in the Member Center and clicking on 2024 Conference. (login required)
Guest Speakers
Eric Shanfelt
ERIC SHANFELT is the founding partner of Nearview Media, a consulting firm that helps publishers with their digital revenue, audience and platform development. Eric is a 25-year digital media veteran and has been the Chief Digital Officer for several large publishing companies.
Eric Shanfelt returns as a guest speaker in 2024 at the Lexington conference, presenting two new sessions on strategies for audience development and cobranded social media ads on Friday.
Sarah Maslin Nir
SARAH MASLIN NIR is a staff reporter for The New York Times, a two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prizeand the author of the new Once Upon a Horse series of children’s books, featuring true stories from across the equestrian world. Nir is also the author of the adult nonfiction book Horse Crazy: The Story of a Woman and a World in Love with an Animal. She rides hunter horses competitively and is the mom of five horses and one foal-to-be.
Sarah presents two sessions on Saturday, Writing, Riding and Resilience, and Telling Horse Tales. She will teach strategies for turning your passion for horses and their stories into a rewarding career.
Schedule of Events
DOWNLOAD OR VIEW THE SCHEDULE [PDF]
Building connections, honing your skills, and watching the trends are the keys to a successful media career.
What Attendees Say about the AHP Conference…
“As a student member, the AHP conference opened my eyes to the world of possibilities in equine publication.” – Paige Brandon, 2023 AHP Travel Award Winner
“Networking always results in tons of great tips, ideas, insights, and new friends. I always have an aha moment at AHP, and it’s great for motivation and inspiration.” – Sarah Conrad, Marketing and Communications Director, The United States Pony Clubs, Inc.
“Whether there are 50 people, 150, or 500 doesn’t matter. It’s about the fact that they’re the right people you want to network with.” – Diana De Rosa, EQUUS Television Network
“AHP is the ideal conference to expand the scope of your equestrian knowledge in more ways than one.” – Ciara Ginyard, Development Director, Detroit Horse Power
“The conference is also one of the best ways to gain new clients or make new business connections. You need to be here if you work in the equine media space.” – Allison Rehnborg, Marketing Coordinator, Equine Affaire
“The attention paid to developing a program with excellent professional development makes the conference worthwhile.” – Fran Severn, Author of Riders of a Certain Age
“This was my first year attending the conference. I found the education sessions extremely valuable, came home with many great ideas to implement right away, and felt mentally refreshed and energized from interacting with many other creative folks working in the horse industry.” – Chelsey Burris, Sr. Marketing Coordinator, United States Dressage Federation