2025 AHP Equine Media Conference

REGISTER HERE

Cowboy Up for the 2025 AHP Equine Media Conference in Texas!

It’s time for AHP members to “cowboy up” in the Lone Star State for the 2025 AHP Equine Media Conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas Near the Galleria May 15-17, 2025. Get ready for three days packed with educational sessions, exciting networking opportunities, and valuable industry insights. This is the perfect chance to connect with fellow equine media professionals, content creators, organizations, and businesses at a venue custom made for networking (and having a good time)!

With several major equine companies headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Texas is the heart of a vibrant equine culture, including rodeo, cutting horses, reining, and other western disciplines.  The rich backdrop of Texas’ equine heritage will set the stage for dynamic discussions, collaborations, and inspiration in the world of equine storytelling.

As always, our conference topics will continue to bring awareness of the diversity of equestrian enthusiasts, their sports, and their horses. As equine media professionals, we aim to explore and educate ourselves and our audiences with news and stories about the ever-evolving story of our relationship with the horse.

Make plans to join us! The conference committee is back in the saddle and pulling together a great program. Once again, we will be celebrating our annual Equine Media Awards (the EMAs) and will be hosting a Preakness watch party as part of our Saturday evening EMA Banquet, and other details will be posted as they are finalized. Registration is open to AHP members only, so make sure your renew your AHP membership today!

REGISTRATION:
Registration is now open and will close on Thursday, May 8. No on site registrations will be offered this year.

The AHP Equine Media Conference is a members-only event and registration fees are based on AHP membership type. Not a member? CLICK HERE TO JOIN.

Full Registration includes all education sessions, evening receptions, and all Friday and Saturday meals.

  • Media Industry: $325
  • Media Professional: $325
  • Nonprofit: $325
  • Affiliate Business: $425
  • Student: $125

Single-Day Registration (Friday or Saturday) includes all sessions and meals on the selected day.

  • Media Industry: $225
  • Media Professional: $225
  • Nonprofit: $225
  • Affiliate Business: $325
  • Student: $125

REGISTRATION CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY: Registration closes Thursday, May 8, 2025. No refunds can be given for any cancellations received after this date. Refunds must be requested in writing no later than May 8, 2025, and a $25 fee will be deducted from the refund.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK, WAIVER, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT: By registering for the conference, all conference registrants acknowledge the following:   I know, understand, and appreciate the inherent risks associated with my participation in optional and public activities related to the conference presented by American Horse Publications (AHP).  I hereby assert that I am voluntarily participating in activities arranged by American Horse Publications and that I assume any and all risks of such participation. I understand that AHP does not provide the equipment, location, or staff for these activities and has no responsibility or oversight for the operation.    In consideration of being permitted to participate in these activities, whether or not I have paid a participation fee to AHP or to a third-party service provider, I hereby release (on behalf of myself, my family, my heirs, and my assign) AHP and its employees, agents, and volunteers from any and all claims involving injury, death, or property damage suffered by me, including those which result from the ordinary negligence of AHP and its employees, agents, or volunteers. I further hold harmless, defend, and indemnify AHP from any and all claims arising directly or indirectly from my participation in any activities arranged by AHP.       

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE & SPECIAL EVENTS:

Optional Weatherford Dream Tour Thursday, May 15: Join us on Thursday, May 15 for the Weatherford Dream Tour! (Additional event fee of $65 applies.) We will be traveling by motorcoach to three stops in the Western performance horse mecca, Weatherford, Texas. We’ll tour the world-class Oswood Stallion Station and their lineup of million-dollar stallions, visit with reining trainer Josh Tishman, explore new tech at Equine Sports Medicine & Surgery, and check out Teton Ridge’s exclusive TR9 Ranch. Lunch is included at the world famous Teskey’s Saddle Shop, with time for shopping, too. Then we’ll head back to Dallas to kickoff the AHP Equine Media Conference in high style with the Farnam “Everything for the Ride” acoustic performance starring The Castellows! 

Equine Media Center sponsored by MARS Equestrian, Buckeye Nutrition, & Sound/Antech

2025 AHP Equine Media Awards Presentations: AHP members are recognized for excellence.

AHP Special Awards Reception: Meet the winners of the Equine Industry Vision Award, the AHP Equine Media NextGen Award, and the AHP Equine Media Student Award.

FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025

General Session: The Cycle of Content, Collabs, and Connections – What’s Waning and What’s Evolving?
Join a panel of equine media experts as they open our conference with a discussion on the evolving arena of content creation, strategic collaborations, and industry connections. This session will explore what’s gaining momentum, what’s fading out, and how equine media professionals can leverage new opportunities for storytelling and partnerships. Whether you’re a journalist, freelancer, business owner, or part of an equine organization, you’ll gain actionable insights on how to repurpose content, spark fresh ideas, and stay ahead in an ever-changing media landscape.

Videography Part 1: Capture the Ride – Videography Basics for Non-Photographers
In this hands-on session, we’ll show content creators how to harness their smartphones or DSLR cameras to capture high-quality video content, whether in the barn or at the show. From framing shots to understanding basic video settings, we’ll provide tips and tricks to help you gather compelling footage that tells your equestrian story. Attendees will leave with the skills to confidently shoot video at the conference and beyond, all while riding the learning curve of videography, and then take this content into tomorrow’s session on video editing.

Use Conversion Funnels to Focus Your Marketing
Presented by Eric Shanfelt of Nearview Media, no matter what type of business you work for, there are four key steps to a successful conversion funnel for your community: attract, engage, convert, retain. This session will demystify conversion funnels and provide actionable strategies to transform your marketing efforts from scattered tactics to a laser-focused, results-driven system.

Innovative Sales Strategies for Boosting Print Revenue: Creative Packages & Partnerships
In today’s competitive landscape, print publishers need to think beyond traditional ad sales to drive revenue. This session will explore creative sales packages, value-added offers, and strategic partnerships that appeal to advertisers and help build long-term revenue streams. Attendees will learn actionable ideas to enhance their sales approach, from bundling print with digital content to forming mutually beneficial collaborations with like-minded brands and associations.

How to Create a Successful Multi-Channel Brand
Presented by Eric Shanfelt of Nearview Media, whether you’re a subscription-based publication, member-supported association, or donor-funded non-profit, your BRAND and what it represents is your product. Your print publication, website, email newsletter, and social are simply spokes connecting your brand to the community you serve. Learn how to successfully connect with your community and drive action through multiple media channels and how print fits into that strategy.

Roundtable: What Your Editor Wants You to Know
Veteran editors Holly Caccamise (Horse Illustrated & Young Rider magazines), Jessica Hein (Paint Horse Journal & Chrome magazines), and Jen Paulson (Jen Paulson Creative, NRHA Pro Trainer, Reined Cow Horse News & formerly Horse & Rider magazines) share what makes a gold-star freelancer and one they can’t wait to work with again and again. From pitching and prepping to stories and submission, these editors will share the insider track about what all freelancers should know to make themselves favorite members of the writers’ remuda.

What’s In Your Tack Trunk? Equipment Faves & Demos
Ever wonder about the go-to gear the pros love? Blake Monroe of Wild Rodeo Photography dives deep into his gear bag for event-tested favorites that help him capture award-winning imagery—including some go-to accessories that won’t break the bank. 

Covering the Moment
Event coverage doesn’t have to follow a formula! Photographers Blake Monroe (Wild Rodeo Photography) and Dylan Davidson (Director of Marketing and Creative Design, American Paint Horse Association) share tips for making your event stories stand out with tips for keeping it fresh, whether you’re capturing the event in word or image.

Mastering Modern Marketing for Brand Growth
In the fast-paced world of marketing, staying ahead of the curve is essential. This session will cover how freelancers, business owners, and publishers can harness both traditional and modern marketing strategies to spur growth, boost brand visibility, and build lasting connections. Learn how to trot confidently between time-tested methods and innovative digital tactics to ensure your brand stays in the lead. We’ll also dive into the most effective, cost-efficient marketing channels—like social media storytelling, email campaigns, and strategic partnerships—that are giving businesses the biggest return on investment in today’s landscape.

Speed Networking
Back by popular demand! Content buyers and content providers connect in a fast-paced format on Friday afternoon. Sign up at the registration desk.

SESSIONS on SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025                 

Town Hall: Social License & Media’s Role in Promoting Equine Welfare
AHP continues the conversation on social license to operate (SLO) that we began in 2024. Leaders from a variety of breeds and disciplines will share their perspectives. We’ll look at how the horse industry has responded to SLO issues over the past year, including at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, as well as at our roles as journalists and communicators both within our industry and to the general public.

Videography Part 2: Reining It In – Editing Your Conference Footage into a Winning Video
In this hands-on follow-up session, we’ll take the video content you gathered at the conference and show you how to turn it into a polished, professional final product. From trimming clips to adding transitions and music, we’ll cover the essentials of video editing, with a focus on creating engaging, equestrian-focused content. Attendees will leave with the skills to confidently edit their footage and produce a finished video that’s ready to share with the world.

Riding the Trail to New Business: A Practical Guide to Prospecting, Pitching and Negotiating
Freelance content creators and marketers will learn proven strategies for attracting new clients and building lasting business relationships. From crafting compelling pitches to mastering the art of negotiation, we’ll explore practical, actionable tactics that can help you land your next project or partnership. Attendees will walk away with tools to confidently navigate client interactions and accelerate their growth, all while staying true to their unique voice and expertise in the equestrian industry.

45 Ideas to Improve Your Efficiency & Organization
The 45 ideas panel is one of the most popular sessions that AHP has offered over the years at its annual conference. This session demonstrates the collaboration among members to share their knowledge and expertise with their peers. This year’s focus is efficiency and organization tools. Moderated by author, speaker, and equine clinician Lisa Wysocky.

Website Case Study
Hannah Eichman (American Paint Horse Association Director of Youth and Amateur Activities) and Kendall Bierer (Brooke USA Donor Relations Officer) provide an in-depth examination of their respective web presences, touching on the creative processs, from concept to completion, highlighting design approach, best practices implemented, and plans future.                 

A.I. –  It’s All About That Prompt!
Get ready to harness AI with practical tools for writers and content makers! Hannah Eichman (American Paint Horse Association Director of Youth and Amateur Activities) will demystify AI by showing you how to use it as a valuable tool to boost your productivity and streamline your creative process by writing effective prompts to craft content without sacrificing your unique voice. Leave with practical skills and newfound confidence to integrate AI into your work and stay competitive in the evolving world of equine media.

Bridling the Conversation: Mastering Interview Techniques
In this session, photographer Diana De Rosa, writer and editor Jennifer Bryant, writer Lisa Wysocky, and podcaster Glenn Hebert explore how to ask the right questions that encourage your subjects to open up, whether you’re capturing their story through written word, audio, or image. From understanding body language to crafting thoughtful, open-ended questions, we’ll discuss techniques that help content creators build rapport and gain deeper insights into their equestrian subjects. Attendees will leave with the tools to guide meaningful conversations that bring out the heart of any story, whether on the page or through the lens.

Building connections, honing your skills, and watching the trends are the keys to a successful media career.

“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