“This conference definitely added to my confidence in managing our magazine better.” Sumesh K.N., new editor of Our Contact magazine in India, was speaking of Magazine Training International’s (MTI) “India 2016: Success in Publishing” conference held in Kochi, India, Jan. 24 – Feb. 4. “Those 10 days were just awesome,” he said. “And an unforgettable experience.”

Some 30 Christian magazine publishing professionals from five countries met in Kochi for the last of three MTI training events in India. Each of the three training events, held in 2011, 2012, and 2016 featured two to three separate courses, seminars, or institutes.

Two five-day intensive courses on magazine management and magazine editing comprised the 2016 conference. Participants from India, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Kenya, and Nepal attended the program, with many taking part in both of the two intensive courses.The Managing the Magazine course gave participants the tools necessary to assess the present status of their magazine, identify problem areas, and apply principles to overcome obstacles and establish their magazine on a solid financial base.

The management course was followed by the Editing the Magazine course, where participants learned the basic principles of editing and heard some of the secrets magazine editors use to work more efficiently and effectively.

Six trainers from India, the United States, and Brazil brought together their experience and insights with large and small publications, which they shared in 56 hours of teaching during the courses, in addition to one-on-one consulting.

The management course was led by David Renard, partner with mediaIDEAS, Marcos Simas, publisher and editor of Christianity Today Brazil, and Rick Edwards, founder of Seven Interactive publishing company. Marshall Shelley, vice-president of Christianity Today and editor-in-chief of the Leadership Media Group, Shibu Mathew, editor of Ethne mission magazine, and Camerin Courtney, senior editor for a nonprofit humanitarian aid organization, taught the intensive course on magazine editing.

“The professionalism and dedication of each trainer [was what I liked most],” said Pasala Ramana of Blessing magazine in India. “Everything was explained well and is very useful for up-and-coming, young editors and publishers.”

“I love the practical approach used in all sessions,” said Bonface Njogu from Timazi magazine in Kenya. “The trainers were keen to have us understand every concept being discussed. I love that my questions were well answered.”

Although there is a large Christian population in India and the state of Kerala is one of the most literate in India, many Christian publishers are not able to gain training on their own. The participants were grateful for the opportunity to receive such quality, affordable training.

“Let me convey my thanks once again that I got the opportunity to attend this training,” said Jebasingh Devadason, associate editor of Tharisana Sudar magazine in India. “I hope this course will enable me to work more creatively, and will reflect in the magazine which will impress the readers.”

“The Magazine Management and Magazine Editing courses at Kochi were the best training I’ve ever undergone,” said K.N. “The speakers were the best we could ever get, the course and the materials were truly world class, and the organizing team did a great job. The sessions were very interactive and informative. There was a lot to learn from the experiences of the participants also, as some of them shared in the discussions during the sessions.”

The next MTI conference is planned for November 2017. The location is yet to be determined.

by Jennifer Howard, communications director