Since I go to conferences like its my job, many people often ask me what conferences are ideal for church communication leaders. Below are a few conferences I believe are worth checking out as well as some pointers and pro tips to help you make your decision. Also, check out my Events page to find a list of places where you’ll find me this year.
ECHO Church Media Conference
Dallas | late July
If church communication had a SXSW, I’m pretty sure if would be something like ECHO. ECHO brings together church geeks, artists, and storytellers for a 3-day extravaganza during one of the best times of the year to visit Dallas: late July. [That was a joke!]. But for real, ECHO is one of the key events for church communication leaders I look forward to attending each year. There’s a great balance of inspiration and practical takeaway’s. Added to that, it’s like a family reunion of church creatives, so you’re bound to bump into people you’ve been wanting to meet. The broad range of workshops offered cover everything from church media, design, communication, video, and more, making it a great experience for church teams.
- TONS of practical content and a good experience.
- Great opportunities to connect/network.
- Great for church communication/media teams.
- One of the only conferences solely focused on church media/communications.
- Pro tips: Dress code is optional, but in general you’ll want to bring your V-neck tshirts, black-rimmed eyewear, Apple devices, and TOMS Shoes. And be sure to book your room at the Westin located near Watermark Church. It’s close and is where all the cool kids stay. And if you’re more Reformed and/or liberal in your theology, they also make a make a mean margarita.
STORY
mid-September | Chicago
STORY lives up to its promise, providing fuel for the creative class. Set in downtown Chicago at my former church, Park Community Church, STORY brings together new and unique voices to challenge creatives of all tribes… artists, filmmakers, photographers, communicators, musicians, and pastors. At STORY, expect the unexpected in an immersive environment that will engage you from the moment you park your car. Literally. STORY is an evolving event and every year there’s something new to discover. While you may not get a list of things to do when you will go home, you will leave inspired and affirmed as a creative.
- Experience and content are exceptional although content leans to being more inspirational.
- TONS of ways to connect, network, and share.
- Great to come on your own and be personally refueled, good for teams, too!
- Great for artists and creatives of all disciplines.
- You get a few days in downtown Chicago… how cool is that? [It's actually quite cool in September... bring a jacket!]
- Pro tips: Don’t rent a car, rely on public transportation and cabs. Parking is expensive and hard to find downtown. Also, use HotWire.com or similar discount sites to get a hotel room in the Magnificent Mile or Gold Coast at a low cost. And, if you want my pick on Chicago pizza, definitely go with Lou Malnati’s.
Catalyst
Various Times | Various Locations
While Catalyst isn’t focused on church communication, it is a cannot miss event for young leaders, bringing together voices from inside and outside of the church space. The experience is unreal and the content never fails to inspire. Whether you’re a young leader or a leader who wants to stay young, attending a Catalyst event is definitely worth the investment. Catalyst offers a wide variety of options, from their large events [Catalyst East, Dallas, and West] to smaller gatherings [Catalyst One Day], and provides ongoing quality content throughout the year via their blog.
- Experience is unparalleled, content is outstanding.
- Great for church teams.
- Catalyst West and Catalyst Atlanta offer pre-lab days that are definitely worth checking out.
- Pro tips: If you’re going to pick one, pick Atlanta. That’s the whole enchilada. Also, if you’re a blogger, don’t miss the Bloggers Meetup the day before… everyone and their dog from the Christian blogging world will be there. And if you want an excuse to hang at the beach, check out Catalyst West.
Willow Creek Association Global Leadership Summit
Early August | Various Locations
Despite what you may think of Willow Creek, this event has been one of the most foundational for me and my leadership journey [read more here]. I’ve been attending the Leadership Summit for over 10 years now, and each time I g, I walk away inspired, challenged, wrecked, and motivated for the cause of the local church. You’ll hear a great mix of speakers from the faith community and business world, and you’ll be introduced to new voices that will blow you away.
- Content is king.
- While this event is great for everyone, it’s most ideal for people in senior leadership roles.
- Willow Creek offers great rates for groups and discounts if you are a member of the Willow Creek Association.
- Pro tips: While it’s fun to experience the Leadership Summit in person, satellite locations are a great option, too. There are over 185 satellite locations in the USA alone! Not only will you save travel costs, you’ll be able to connect with leaders in your local community.
