Schedule (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Monday, April 13

3:00-6:00 PM — Pre-Conference Registration
6:00 PM — Pre-Conference Reception (Rooftop Pool)

Tuesday, April 14 

8:00 - 10 AM — Pre-Conference Registration
8:00 - 9:00 AM — Pre-Conference Lab Breakfast
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM — Pre-Conference Labs morning (all day for off-site) sessions 

12:00 - 1:00 PM — Lunch (onsite pre-conference lab attendees)

1:15 PM - 3:15 PM — Pre-Conference Labs afternoon sessions

1:00 - 5:00 PM — Conference Registration

4:00 - 5:00 PM — Newcomers Meet & Greet

5:00 PM — Opening Eucharist & Reception (St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92103)

Wednesday, April 15

7:30 - 8:00 AM — Morning Prayer

8:00 - 9:00 AM — Breakfast (Ballroom)

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM — Registration

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM — Announcements; Keynote: Colby Martin (Ballroom)

10:15 - 10:30 AM — Coffee break

10:30 - 11:45 AM — Workshops Block A: Foundations and Vision
This block lays the groundwork for impactful church communications by helping you connect your mission to your message. Explore how identity, values, and the Gospel shape everything from branding to storytelling.

• Communicating Across Languages and Cultures — Strategies for respectful, effective communication across linguistic and cultural lines.

• Discovering Your Brand Identity — Define the core values, voice, and visuals that shape your ministry’s authentic brand identity.

• Finding the Gospel in Your Ministry’s Story — Identify and articulate the Gospel message at the heart of your communications.

• Sustainable Workflows for Busy Communicators — Learn time-saving systems and productivity strategies that bring order and balance to your work.

12:00 - 1:00 PM — Lunch (Ballroom)

1:00 - 2:15 PM — Annual Meeting (Ballroom)

2:30 - 3:45 PM — Workshops Block B: Content in Action
Dive into the creative and practical work of content creation across platforms. This block equips you with hands-on tools to craft engaging, purposeful, and spiritually resonant media.

• Creating Media for Formation — Design and share devotionals, reflections, and seasonal media that deepen spiritual life.

• Faith-Based Content for a Digital World — Explore how to craft digital content that’s spiritually grounded and engaging.

• From Chaos to Calendar: Content Planning for Real Life — Build a realistic, flexible communications calendar that fits your ministry’s needs.

• Visual Storytelling: Photography, Video, and Design — Create compelling imagery and design that strengthen your brand across platforms.

4:00 - 5:15 PM — Workshops Block C: Affinity Groups
Join peers who work in similar ministry contexts. These guided conversations foster community, support, and shared wisdom tailored to your unique challenges.

• Affinity Group: Dioceses — Connect with other diocesan communicators to share strategies and tools unique to regional leadership.

• Affinity Group: Large Parishes — Collaborate with peers from larger congregations managing complex communications systems.

• Affinity Group: Small Parishes — Share creative, practical solutions for communications in small churches with limited resources.

• Affinity Group: Organizations — Engage with professionals from church-affiliated organizations on mission-driven messaging and impact.

6:00 PM — Dinner Roulette

8:00 PM — Evening Activities

Thursday, April 16

7:30 - 8:00 AM — Morning Prayer

8:00 - 9:00 AM — Breakfast (Ballroom)

9:00 - 10:15 AM — Announcements; Keynote: The Rev. Dr. Lauren Winner

10:15 - 10:30 — Coffee break

10:30 - 11:45 AM — Block D: Strategy and Impact
Strengthen your communication strategy with workshops on planning, leadership collaboration, and measurable results. Learn how to align your work with ministry goals and expand your impact.

• Sacred Space, Sacred Story: Using Place to Shape Messaging — Explore how environment and architecture can inform and enrich your message.

• AI in Action: Smarter, Faster Content for Church Communicators — Discover practical ways to use AI tools to streamline content creation and boost productivity.

• From Plan to Pews: Real Church Campaigns That Work — Analyze successful church campaigns and learn how to replicate their impact.

• Bridging the Gap: Working with Clergy and Leadership — Develop tools for stronger collaboration and shared vision in communications.

12:00 - 1:00 PM — Lunch (Ballroom)

1:15 - 2:30 — Block E: Reflection and Renewal
This block invites you to reflect on the heart of your work, explore theological grounding, and embrace practices that sustain creativity. It’s about renewal — for both the communicator and the communities you serve.

• Gratitude as Strategy: Celebrating Your Community — Highlight thankfulness to build trust, increase engagement, and share your ministry’s Good News in action.

• Listening as a Communications Tool — Learn how feedback, data, and spiritual attentiveness can improve engagement and guide strategy.

• Creative Risk-Taking in Church Communications — Experiment boldly and innovate while staying rooted in your mission.

• Collaborating for Formation: Working with Christian Ed Teams — Partner with formation leaders to create media and messaging that support lifelong spiritual growth.

2:30 PM — Free time & activities

5:30 - 9:00 PM — Polly Bond Cocktails, Dinner, and Award Presentation (St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92103)

Friday, April 17
Safe travels!