Updated September 19, 2022
Taking time to invest in your professional development is necessary—and hopefully, your church's leadership agrees. Attending a conference can be a great way to think critically and creatively about a particular area of communication that you're wrestling with right now. Conferences can also be an opportunity to network with other communicators, hear from thought leaders and experts, and find opportunities for growth in your ministry.
While some conferences offer an online option—or are even digital-only events—others are scheduling in-person events again after a pause through the pandemic. Online conferences certainly have value: digital conferences for church communicators often mean the attendee can view sessions on-demand at a time and place that suits their needs. Events offered online also present potentially significant cost savings. However, in-person events certainly have their place, as well. An in-person conference means you've scheduled this time to devote solely (or mostly) to learning and growing—you'll have fewer distractions from work, family, and ministry because you're out of your day-to-day routines. Attending a conference in person also has tangible benefits, like allowing attendees to workshop, brainstorm, network, and meet others in a physical space that is difficult to replicate online.
This article aims to provide a running list of conferences, exhibits, and conventions that we think a church communicator may find valuable for various reasons. If you have a conference or event you think we ought to include, email [email protected].
Pro-tip: if you're contemplating attending a conference (and since you're here, you probably are), first consider your goals: by attending a conference, what do you hope to gain? What outcomes do you expect? By first answering those end-goal questions, you can review the myriad of options available and choose one that fits your unique needs and goals.
Maybe we'll see you at one of these conferences soon!
September 2022
STORY 2022
ONLINE and Nashville, Tennessee | September 22-23 | Details
Gateway Conference
ONLINE and Southlake, Texas | September 26-27 | Details
October 2022
Exponential Regional Conference (Bay Area)
San Jose, California | October 4-5 | Details
Exponential Regional Conference (SoCal)
Long Beach, California | October 6-7 | Details
Worship Innovators Conference
Oak Brook, Illinois | October 10-11 | Details
Exponential Regional Conference (Chicago)
Naperville, Illinois | October 12-13 | Details
North Coast Leadership Conference
Vista, California | October 17-19 | Details
REFUEL Conference
Lynchburg, Virginia | October 17-18 | Details
Adobe MAX - The Creativity Conference
ONLINE and Los Angeles, California | October 18-20 | Details
Amplify Outreach
Wheaton, Illinois | October 18-19 | Details
Church Communicator Conference
Charlotte, North Carolina | October 18-19 | Details
Church Facilities Conference & Expo
Dallas, Texas | October 25-26 | Details
Exponential Regional Conference (Houston)
The Woodlands, Texas | October 26-27 | Details
November 2022
First Impressions Conference
ONLINE and Charlotte, North Carolina | November 2-4 | Details
RightNow Conference
Carrollton, Texas | November 2-4 | Details
SALT Conference
Hendersonville, Tennessee | November 2-4 | Details
Christian Musician Summit
Tacoma, Washington | November 4-5 | Details
December 2022
None listed at this time.January 2023
Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE) Annual Event
Birmingham, Alabama | January 25-28 | Details
Disciple Making Summit
Sharpsburg, Georgia | January 27-28 | Details
Calvin Symposium on Worship
Grand Rapids, Michigan | January 31-February 4 | Details
February 2023
Unleash Conference
Orlando, Florida | February 1-2 | Details
C3 Conference 2023
Dallas, Texas | February 15-16 | Details
March 2023
Exponential Conference
Orlando, Florida | March 6-9 | Details
April 2023
Exponential Regional Conference (Nashville)
Murfreesboro, Tennessee | April 24-25 | Details
ARC (Association of Related Churches) Conference
Birmingham, Alabama | April 25-26 | Details
Orange Conference
Atlanta, Georgia | April 26-28 | Details
May 2023
Church Leaders Conference
Dallas, Texas | May 2-4 | Details
FILO
ONLINE and Chicago, Illinois | May 2-3 | Details
Exponential Regional Conference (Raleigh)
Raleigh, North Carolina | May 4-5 | Details
Thrive Leadership Conference
Granite Bay, California | May 4-5 | Details
LIFT: Creative Conference
Atlanta, Georgia | May 18-19 | Details
CRCNA Canadian National Gathering
Ottawa, Ontario | May 25-28 | Details
