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Evangelical Press Association Convention
The annual EPA Christian media convention is your chance to step away from daily activities to engage and interact with the EPA community. Join together to explore new ideas and learn from one another through powerful seminars, workshops, discussions and presentations.
WHO WE ARE
The Evangelical Press Association is the world’s largest professional organization for the evangelical periodical publishing industry, both print and digital.
WHAT WE DO
EPA puts great focus on serving God through the written word, whether print or digital. Members of EPA share a commitment to excellence.
WHY WE MEET
The convention provides an opportunity to learn new skills and build relationships with editors, writers, designers, publishers and influential personalities in our industry.
EPA Convention
A Convention for Christian Print and Digital MediaThe annual EPA convention is a source of new ideas and creative innovations. It provides an intense time of professional learning, networking and inspiration.
From writers to designers, editors to publishers and seasoned veterans to emerging talents, the EPA convention provides an opportunity to grow and become something greater. This is not just an association, but rather a unique and tightly woven community focused on professionalism, respect and commitment to God. EPA members do not just meet with Christian periodical publishing leaders — they become them.
Conference Keynote Speakers
Mary DeMuth
Opening Keynote | Sunday, May 4, 4:30 p.m.
Mary DeMuth has been writing for 30+ years. She has written more than 50 books, translated into five languages, with such publishers as Bethany House, Regnery Faith, Salem Books, Thomas Nelson, Harvest House, and Zondervan. She has mentored writers through the Rockwall Christian Writers Group and her instructional books. In 2022, she pioneered the Mary DeMuth Literary Agency.
Nicole Massie Martin
Closing Keynote | Tuesday, May 6, 5:00 p.m.
Dr. Martin is the founder and Executive Director of Soulfire International Ministries which accelerates thriving for pastors, churches, and younger leaders. She is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Christianity Today. Dr. Martin has also served in a variety of leadership and executive capacities including as the Senior Vice President of Ministry Impact at the American Bible Society.
Featured Forums
Monday, May 5 | 8:15 a.m.
John Plake | CIO, American Bible Society
For 15 years, American Bible Society has been leading the State of the Bible research study, an annual survey of America’s relationship with the Bible, faith, and the Church. This session focuses on major trends in the US and abroad and highlights opportunities for Christians to engage their families, neighbors, and coworkers with the life-changing message of God’s Word.
Tuesday, May 6 | 8:15 a.m.
Mark Yarbrough | President, Dallas Theological Seminary
From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals his master plan of redemption. Jesus is center stage, and we play a central part of the story. At the Story of Scripture event you’ll learn about the threads that weave all of Scripture together, find renewed confidence that God knows what He’s doing, and most of all, see how you can trust Him in the chaos of life.
SPEAKERS
At the heart of EPA conventions are the breakout sessions featuring ministry and industry leaders, individuals who are widely respected for their skills and knowledge. A stellar lineup of speakers present a wide variety of workshops on writing, editing, design, photography, technology, social media, management, marketing, and current issues. This is where you will be equipped to take your skills to a higher level.
Here's what convention attendees say:
- This EPA Convention was a great time of learning, connecting, sharing, and brainstorming. It was great to be around so many other people who were passionate about Christian publishing and I left with lots and lots of ideas!
- For my first EPA convention, I was very impressed. The event ran incredibly smoothly and was well-rounded in terms of workshop offerings and events. I had a great time and will definitely be back as often as I can.
- The workshops were fantastic.
- I thought the speakers were great. I found all my workshops to be helpful this year.
- New workshops were offered on topics that I was eager to hear.
- There was good content and good networking.
- I was REALLY encouraged this year by a few people, and I came away affirmed in my writing ministry.
- As a new editor, I loved meeting other people working in a similar field. It left me encouraged and challenged.
- I greatly appreciated the feedback from the judges’ remarks on our contest entries. They are well worth the fees.
- I think my personal highlight was just everything I came away with. I got a lot of great information and took a LOT of notes, and it’s exciting to take them home and figure out how to apply them in my context. It was also notable that every person I met seemed genuinely interested in connecting with me as a person – very rare and refreshing!
Hilton Branson Convention Center
Branson, MONestled in the rolling, forested hills of the Ozarks, Branson has become America’s favorite destination for family entertainment. With countless performance theaters, Silver Dollar City amusement park, zip lines, museums, and restaurants, it’s a family adventure dreamland. It’s known as the “Entertainment Mecca of the Mid-South.
frequently asked questions
Will there be an airport shuttle?
The Springfield airport (SGF) is about 50 miles from Branson. EPA will be providing a shuttle service from the Springfield airport on Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4. There will also be a return shuttle on Wednesday, May 6, and Thursday, May 7, if there is enough demand. Reservations will be required. Once convention registration opens, instructions will be provided for reserving the shuttle.
When will the awards be presented?
The Higher Goals awards will be split between two days with most writing awards at Monday lunch and most design awards at Tuesday lunch. The Awards of Excellence will be presented at the closing dinner on Tuesday night.
Is Sight & Sound Theatre providing tickets to a show?
The Sight & Sound Theatre in Branson will be featuring their performance of DAVID in 2025. Complimentary tickets will be available to registered attendees for the Wednesday, May 7, matinee at 3:30 p.m., for those who choose to stay an extra day after the convention.
What other post-convention options are there?
A Wednesday morning four-hour intensive will feature Dr. Mark Yarbrough, president of Dallas Theological Seminary, with “Story of Scripture.” Free registration for those registered for the convention.
Is this a members-only event?
Non-members with a professional interest in Christian media are very welcome to attend.
What meals are included in the registration fee?
The registration fee includes four meals: Sunday dinner, Monday lunch, Tuesday lunch and dinner. There will also be refreshment breaks on Monday and Tuesday mornings between sessions.
Will breakfast be provided?
Breakfast is not typically offered at EPA conventions unless sponsored by a vendor. Check the schedule in the weeks leading up to the convention to see if a breakfast is being offered on Monday or Tuesday, or both.
What time will the convention end?
Our Tuesday evening closing program is scheduled to end about 7:30 p.m.
Will there be a mobile app?
Yes, Whova is our event app. We will announce its availability a few weeks before the convention.
What is planned for the Monday free time?
We will end our programming at about 3:30 p.m. on Monday. You will have the rest of the day to explore Branson and attend any shows you choose (advance tickets are highly recommended). Several shows have offered us complimentary tickets. Claim one as long as they last. The popular dining and shopping district, Branson Landing, is just across the street from the hotel. Grab a new or old friend and enjoy your evening.
Are Person-to-Person Peer Evaluations offered?
Yes. EPA conventions offer the opportunity for you to have an experienced colleague critique your publication and offer suggestions on improvement. Learn more here.
Can we bring sample copies of our publication?
Please do. Bring up to 50 copies of your latest issue to share with others on the magazine tables. If you want to ship them in advance, they must arrive no earlier than Wednesday, April 30, and no later than Friday, May 2.
Ship to:
Branson Hilton
HOLD FOR: Lamar Keener/EPA Conv
200 E Main St.
Branson, MO 65616
EPA 2025 • Branson, MO • May 4-6, 2025