Even when the day-to-day tactics of survival are a challenge, it helps to focus on the strategy of thriving. In just three weeks, publishers of independent community news sites from around the U.S. will gather in Chicago for the LION Summit: Innovation for Digital Media Entrepreneurs -- where they will share lessons and ideas for both surviving and thriving in a fast-shifting media landscape.

Dylan Smith, chairman of the Local Independent Online News Publishers Association (and editor of the Tucson Sentinel), shared some highlights of the upcoming conference.

Scheduled speakers includes:

• Steven Waldman, lead author of FCC report "The Information Needs of Communities: The Changing Media Landscape in a Broadband Age," advisor to the FCC and Pew Research Center.
• John Bracken, director of media innovation for the Knight Foundation, will speak on the Knight News Challenge and prototype fund.
• Joe Michaud, consultant at Local Interactive Strategies and CJET, will moderate as publishers share "60 Lessons in 60 Minutes," and offer one-on-one publisher coaching.
• Jan Schaffer, executive director of J-Lab, part of American University's School of Communication. Schaffer, a Pulitzer Prize winner whose work at J-Lab incubates news entrepreneurs and innovators, will detail news collaborations and offer one-on-one mentoring.
• Rich Gordon, director of Digital Innovation at the Medill School of Journalism, will speak on "Measuring Digital Success with Web and Social Analytics."
• Michele McLellan, the founder of the Block by Block conferences, will share the results of her continuing study of local news sites.
• Randy Picht, executive director of the Reynolds Journalism Institute at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, will discuss an in-depth industry survey being undertaken in conjunction with LION.

While this conference is focused on the needs, experiences, and views of local independent online news publishers, Smith noted that community foundations and other key local stakeholders might also benefit from attending.

"If you're concerned about your community's information environment -- as more community foundations are -- this conference can be a way to learn what's working in terms of local online news. And you can find out which kinds of challenges your organization can help address."

While financial support is helpful for nonprofit local indie news sites, there are many ways other than grants to partner with or support these projects. Smith notes that helping local news sites make connections (perhaps by convening community leaders and members), or sharing insight and guidance on community issues that could benefit from attention and collaboration, can prove as valuable as funding.

This conference will also help flatten the learning curve for newcomers to this field. "There's a whole new wave of people who are jumping in and founding their own local news sites," said Smith. "Those of us who have been at this for awhile want to pass on the hard-won lessons we've learned. We have a vast collective set of experiences, and we can warn newcomers about pitfalls."

Sessions will explore practical tips that publishers can apply immediately, as well as how to think long-term and strategically.

REGISTER NOW. Early bird discount registration ends Sept. 13.

Follow the action on Twitter: @lionpubs and #lionpubs