For the 2026 Episcopal Communicators Conference, we’re introducing a thoughtfully designed workshop system that’s more cohesive, flexible, and relevant to the evolving needs of church communicators.

This new format was shaped by real feedback — from surveys, reflections, and conversations with past participants and conference leaders. Instead of a collection of stand-alone sessions, the workshops now form a strategic framework built around five thematic tracks that reflect major areas of growth for our community:

• Telling Good News: Storytelling, visuals, and campaigns that proclaim the Gospel with creativity and clarity.

• Building Good Systems: Sustainable workflows, digital tools, and operational strategies that prevent burnout.

• Building Good Brands: Developing cohesive, mission-aligned visual and narrative identities.

• Launching Good Campaigns: Practical frameworks and success stories for strategic, goal-driven communication efforts.

• Deepening Good Work: Integrating communications with theology, formation, and reflective practices.

Participants aren’t locked into a single track. Each of the 20 workshops is connected to one or more tracks, allowing attendees to customize their experience — whether by following one track start to finish or mixing and matching sessions based on personal interests and professional goals. Every workshop block offers a balanced set of options across tracks, ensuring both structure and freedom.

Each session includes clearly defined skills and takeaways so that what participants learn can be applied immediately — in parishes, dioceses, organizations, or freelance work.

We’ve also kept and strengthened the popular Affinity Group block to support peer connection among similar contexts (dioceses, small parishes, large parishes, and organizations). Strategically placed at the midpoint of the conference, this block deepens relationships that enrich the conversations and collaboration that follow.

View the Workshops Guidebook here.

Workshop Blocks

We've reimagined our workshop blocks. Instead of organizing sessions solely by schedule, each block now carries its own thematic focus: Foundations and Vision, Content in Action, Strategy and Impact, and Reflection and Renewal.

This added layer of meaning helps participants see the arc of the conference as a whole and gives each block a narrative purpose. It also highlights the kinds of skills emphasized in each timeframe and makes it easier for attendees to plan their time with intention.

In short, the 2026 workshop system represents a major step forward. It strengthens our commitment to professional development, theological grounding, and creative excellence — all finely tuned for Episcopal communications — while offering every participant a clear, accessible, and personalized path through the conference.

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Block A: Foundations and Vision

Wednesday, April 15 | 10:30–11:45 a.m.

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
  Learn strategies for communicating effectively and respectfully across linguistic and cultural lines — even when your audience isn’t bilingual.

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

• Finding the Gospel in Your Ministry’s Story
  Learn how to identify and articulate the Gospel message at the core of your ministry’s communications.

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

Block B: Content in Action

Wednesday, April 15 | 2:30–3:45 p.m.

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
  Learn how to design and share devotionals, reflections, and seasonal media that engage hearts and deepen spiritual life.

• Faith-Based Content for a Digital World
  Explore ways to create content that connects faith and relevance across digital spaces.

• From Chaos to Calendar: Content Planning for Real Life
  Build and maintain a realistic, flexible communications calendar tailored to your church or organization’s needs.

• Visual Storytelling: Photography, Video, and Design
  Discover how to create compelling imagery and design that strengthen your brand across platforms.

Block C: Affinity Groups

Wednesday, April 15 | 4:00–5:15 p.m.

Join a learning cohort of 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, challenges, and tools unique to regional leadership and support.

• Affinity Group: Large Parishes
  Join peers from larger congregations to explore the complexities of high-volume communications and multi-ministry coordination.

• Affinity Group: Small Parishes
  Share creative solutions with communicators from smaller churches who often wear many hats and work with limited resources.

• Affinity Group: Organizations
  Gather with professionals from church-affiliated organizations to discuss mission-driven messaging, collaboration, and impact.

Block D: Strategy and Impact

Thursday, April 16 | 10:30–11:45 a.m.

Strengthen your communication strategy with workshops that focus 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, location, and sensory qualities of space 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 while maintaining authenticity.

• From Plan to Pews: Real Church Campaigns That Work
  Analyze case studies of successful church campaigns and walk through the steps from concept to impact.

• Bridging the Gap: Working with Clergy and Leadership
  Develop tools for stronger collaboration with clergy and senior leaders to ensure alignment, trust, and shared vision.

Block E: Reflection and Renewal

Thursday, April 16 | 2:30–3:45 p.m.

This block invites you to reflect on the heart of your work, explore theological grounding, and embrace practices that sustain your creativity. It’s about renewal — for both the communicator and the communities you serve.

• Gratitude as Strategy: Celebrating Your Community
  Learn how highlighting thankfulness can build trust, increase engagement, and reveal your ministry’s Good News in action.

• Listening as a Communications Tool
  Discover how listening — through feedback, data, and spiritual attentiveness — can improve engagement and guide decisions.

• Creative Risk-Taking in Church Communications
  Explore how experimentation, bold ideas, and thoughtful innovation can refresh your brand while staying rooted in mission.

• Collaborating for Formation: Working with Christian Ed Teams
  Learn how communicators can partner with formation leaders to develop media and messaging that support lifelong spiritual growth.