About AMM-Con

The Alternative Mass Media Conference (AMM-Con) is a gathering for those interested in reporting on Second Amendment-related topics. AMM-Con was born out of necessity when journalist Gail Pepin attended a conference on podcasting and quickly realized that the content she was reporting on was frowned upon by fellow attendees. Not dissuaded, she teamed up with other Second Amendment media personalities and the first AMM-Con was launched in 2017.

After gaining traction with advocates and activists, AMM-Con was fully adopted by the Second Amendment Foundation — who graciously sponsors the annual event. AMM-Con is traditionally held as a kick-off to the annual Gun Rights Policy Conference which is co-sponsored by SAF and sister organization the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA).

“The AMM-Con Committee is thrilled to bring together voices from all corners of the media world to share knowledge and strengthen the Second Amendment community. This event is about empowering everyone — from seasoned journalists to everyday advocates — to tell compelling stories that resonate.” — Charlie Cook, AMM-Con Committee chair

Who’s alternative media? In today’s day and age, most of the media people take in is considered “alternative.” We’re flipping the script on mainstream media and want to empower you! As social media influencers, bloggers, and podcasters, we’re blazing new trails on information exchange!

“For attendees, AAM-Con will be like drinking from a firehose. It offers a master class in guerilla journalism, all in just one day. Topics will include artificial intelligence, social media strategies, legalese, getting published and much more.” — Lee “The Gun Writer” Williams, Second Amendment Foundation’s lead investigative journalist

AMM-Con is welcoming to all forms of media creators: conventional journalists, bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, writers, radio personalities, etc. The AMM-Con Committee and SAF also appreciates the value in having informed advocates and activists — so those looking to learn techniques they can use on a grassroots level are also welcome to attend and participate!

“AMM-Con is a gathering of some of the top Second Amendment media who provide educational presentations about all things related to 2A media. Typically, this conference is exclusive to media members only, but we recognize that each of us, through our friends, family and social media, can help spread the message.” — Adam Kraut, executive director of the Second Amendment Foundation

Now running strong for a decade, the AMM-Con planning committee is resolved to bring the absolute best content and material to attendees each and every year.

Past presenters and keynote speakers include: journalist and editor Cam Edwards from Bearing Arms/Cam & Co and CCRKBA director, journalist AWR Hawkins from Breitbart News, radio host Mark Walters from Armed American Radio and CCRKBA director, journalist Lee “The Gun Writer” Williams from SAF Investigative Journalism Project, attorney Mark Smith from The Four Boxes Diner, lobbyist Michael Schwartz from Gun Owners Radio and San Diego County Gun Owners, podcaster Jared Yanis from Guns & Gadgets, Jarrad Markel from Student of the Gun, radio host Amanda Suffecool from Eye on the Target Radio and NRA director, journalist and editor Michelle Cerino from Women’s Outdoor News, producer Rich Yumul from Gun Owners Radio, podcaster Charlie Cook from Riding Shotgun With Charlie, radio host Cheryl Todd from Gun Freedom Radio, freelance journalist John Petrolino and CCRKBA director, and more!

Past topics include:

• Pitch sheets and earned media.
• What editors want and are looking for.
• Creating content from your phone.
• Blogging versus hard news journalism.
• Building an audience.
• Interviewing skills and investigative journalism.
• Rebranding an organization.
• Reporting on Second Amendment-related court cases.
• Using media to assist in advocacy.
• The use of artificial intelligence.
• Creating an inviting atmosphere on social media for positive exchange.
• Branding and your message.

Have questions? Have comments? Be sure to email us HERE.