Day 3: AI - The Conversation Continues

Wednesday, June 24
(Workshop descriptions subject to change)

Level: All Levels

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the communications landscape. Many communicators are already experimenting with AI tools, while others are still learning where these tools fit into their work, all while navigating the increasingly complex ethical conversations surrounding it all. This day explores practical skills, emerging challenges, and thoughtful approaches for communicators working in an AI-influenced environment.

*All times ET

Session 1 (12 - 1 p.m.): AI Skills & Trends - Know How and When to Use It

AI tools are rapidly influencing how communicators write, design and plan their work. This session explores emerging AI skills and trends to help participants understand how these tools can support creativity and efficiency in an ethical way. The conversation will also consider where human judgment, voice and discernment remain essential.

PRESENTER: Coming soon!

Session 2 (1:15 - 2:15 p.m.): Being Seen Beyond the Summary - The New SEO

Search engines are increasingly presenting AI-generated summaries rather than traditional search results. This session explores how communicators can adapt their writing and publishing strategies so that their stories remain visible and accessible as they tend to both search-engine optimization (SEO) and generative engine optimization (GEO) considerations. Participants will consider practical approaches for reaching audiences in this evolving search environment.

PRESENTER: Susan and Michael Gyura

Susan and Michael Gyura are the owners of Worship Times. Michael’s love is developing on WordPress, but he spends most days talking with new members. He studied at Augsburg College and Princeton Seminary. A lover of all things outdoors, Michael was born in Michigan and raised in Minnesota, and has also lived in Colorado, New Jersey and Tennessee.

Susan is responsible for implementing the vision of Worship Times. She graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a BS in Communications, and Memphis Theological Seminary with a MA in Religion. Before joining Worship Times, Susan spent four years in communications and 16 years in Christian education, where she also had responsibility for communications, web editing and video production.

Susan and Michael are the proud parents of five amazing sons. 

Session 3 (2:30 - 3:30 p.m.): AI & Cybersecurity - Battling the Bots

AI is not only changing how we create content. It is also changing how misinformation spreads and how digital threats emerge. This session explores emerging risks including deepfakes, automated misinformation and AI-generated content manipulation. Participants will discuss how communicators can prepare for these challenges and respond when technology becomes part of the crisis.

PRESENTER: Katie Allred

Katie Allred is a marketing and community engagement expert and university professor teaching across several universities in the United States. She brings deep real-world experience to the classroom, having worked with major global organizations including Meta and Adobe, and currently trains thousands of communicators each year in AI and digital strategy.

Katie is the author of Church Communications and a sought-after speaker, known for translating complex digital concepts into practical strategies people can actually use. Her work focuses on communication strategy, digital tools, and building values-driven communities in the digital age. Passionate about helping people and organizations thrive online, she equips students and professionals alike with the knowledge and confidence to lead in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Session 4 (3:45 - 4:45 p.m.): Continuing the Conversation - Breakout rooms

The last session of the day invites you to return and head into breakout rooms to continue the conversations started in the day’s three sessions. Ask questions, share work in progress, practice skills taught, or simply engage in conversation with session leaders and fellow communicators.