Did nineteenth-century newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst manipulate representations of Evangelina Cosío y Cisneros, a young Cuban woman, in order to spark the Spanish-American War? Hearst's arguments for American intervention in Cuba represented a deceptively uncomplicated public opinion, a consensus that only appeared to have been attained through rational deliberation. Situating this event in public spheres studies, this article demonstrates how the Hearst Corporation used representations of Cisneros to disrupt boundaries between political and commercial realms.

Obvious common features of conferences are programs and speakers. Less obvious but also of great concern to conference organizers are budgets, facilities and residential accommodations, and attracting the audience or participants. Recommendations based on experience cover advance planning for theme, program, scheduling, handling speakers and registration, and arranging accommodations and social programs; advice is given on expenses, publicity, and last-minute pre-conference checks. Also important is the `atmosphere' generated by the organizers to welcome the delegates.