Winnipeg Free Press News Café, 237 McDermot Avenue. (DAVID LIPNOWSKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS / CPRS / HANDOUT)
The Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Public Relations Society will delve into what makes the Winnipeg Free Press News Café a success on Wednesday.
During a luncheon at the Fort Garry Hotel, the Free Press’ John White, Deputy Editor Online, will talk about the objectives and goals of the café, and where it’s headed in the future.
“I’ll be talking more on the big picture vision for the café and how we want to involve the community in the process of news gathering, to give them a voice and to better the understanding of journalism,” White said in an e-mail.
Since opening in March, the café has become a hubbub of activity in the city’s Exchange District situated at 237 McDermot Avenue.
Besides the plentiful offerings on the menu of a traditional café, the space acts as a gathering place for many to come and discuss the day’s events and chat up their favourite journalists pounding away on keyboards. A window looking out on the street also acts as a backdrop to the many live events streamed to the Free Press website, as performers and guests take to the small stage just left of the entrance. Most recently, the province’s political party leaders sat down at the café leading up to the October 4 election.
To register for Wednesday’s luncheon (11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.), visit CPRS.mb.ca. Prices are $25 for members, $35 for non-members and $20 for students.
