Depending on when you get your issue of The Messenger, or when you get around to reading it, but time is quickly running out to sign up for the National Newspaper Association’s 120th Annual Convention & Trade Show.

While the NNA event is always worth the time and effort to attend, this year’s convention in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Oct. 11-14 is especially important for Texas.

The reason being that our own Jerry Tidwell, publisher of the Hood County News in Granbury and past president of Texas Press Association, will be stepping up to the NNA presidency. There have been seven Texans who have served as NNA president, but the most recent are Wise County Messenger publisher Roy Eaton of Decatur and the late Harold Hudson of the Perryton Herald. Jerry would become the eighth Texan to serve as NNA president and it is important that we show our support by attending the Oklahoma City convention.

I’ve had occasion to attend several NNA gatherings over the years, and I can assure you they always have some very powerful and exciting programs. I’ve been to Reno, to Denver and to Milwaukee for NNA conventions, and just this past March was involved in an abbreviated Governmental Affairs Conference gathering in Washington, D.C.

In the first instance I was pleasantly surprised at the depth and quality of the programs. Then, I came to expect high quality programs, and have never been disappointed. And, of course, there always are some side trips that make the event even more enjoyable.

I encourage each of you to sign up and attend to show our state’s support for Jerry.

The deadline for early registration is Aug. 25. If you dally beyond that point, the price goes up $50 per person for the full registration package and/or $25 each for day registration.

You can sign up by mail or fax, or you can register online at www.nna.org.

Among the highlights of the convention will be the 12th Annual Community Building Symposium, a silent auction and the very popular trade show that gives us all a chance to see the latest in technology that will make our lives and businesses less stressful.

The Renaissance Hotel is the convention site and the convention rate is $119 single or double per night, valid through Sept. 9.

TPA is a sponsor for a portion of the convention, particularly the Thursday Oct. 12 gathering that will mark Jerry’s move into the presidency. You do not have to be a member of NNA to attend, but it would be beneficial to you in the long run if you join.

Hope to see you in Oklahoma.