20 July 2011

Scottish welcome for street paper delegates

Left: Michael Mooslechner (Kupfermuckn),
Right: Kevin Roberts (One Step Away),
©Megan Fitzsimons Photography
By Stuart Martin & Sahil Jaidka

Proceedings are underway at the 16th annual International Network Street Papers (INSP) conference at Glasgow's Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Master of ceremonies for the three days, Nick Bevens, provided a typical Scottish welcome as he charismatically addressed over 80 delegates from 29 countries.

Nick, leader of the Multimedia Journalism degree at Glasgow Caledonian University, was in fine fettle as he outlined the schedule for the day whilst shamelessly promoting the Scottish 'delicacies' found in the official welcome pack – a can of Irn Bru and a Tunnocks wafer to name but a few.

The former business editor of the Scotsman said; “This is a great cause and I am happy to help whenever I can. There is a lot going on this week and I am sure it will be a successful three days”.

Serge Lareault, INSP Chairperson and Publisher of L'Itineraire, is hoping the conference will allow the delegates to share ideas and thoughts over the three days and help create a large worldwide street news service that can “change the world”.

He added: "We have around seven million readers all over the world and by sharing our experiences together we can create something much bigger that can change the world.

"We learned last year on how to work together and we will continue that this week and create a large worldwide street news service."

Guests will this morning take part in a street networking exercise – a grown-up version of speed dating - which will serve as an ice breaker and allow attendees to get to know each other.

Later in the day the Street Paper Exchange workshop will take place with the likes of Tim Blott, Managing Director of the Herald and Times and Anne Mackenzie the Regional Distribution Manager from The Big Issue in Scotland, conducting sessions across a range of practical topics.

After breaking for lunch, the day reconvenes with the network's AGM.