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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
The 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.
Featured Speakers
Tony Suárez
Tony Suárez is the founder of Revivalmakers. In addition to his ministry work, Tony serves as the Executive Vice President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, the nation’s largest Hispanic Christian organization, serving tens of thousands of congregations in the United States.
Trillia Newbell
Trillia Newbell is the acquisitions director at Moody Publishers. She is the author of several books including 52 Weeks in the Word, A Great Cloud of Witnesses, and If God Is For Us. She was the past Director of Community Outreach for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.
Phil Cooke
Phil Cooke, founder of Cooke Media Group, is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating high-stakes moments at the intersection of faith, media, and culture. He is the author of Church on Trial: How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis, along with several other books.
Featured Forums
Convention forums bring diverse voices to critical current topics. Leading ministry and industry experts dialogue on viewpoints, trends, and the appropriate response of Christian media to these issues.
The Age of AI: Discernment, Imagination, Responsibility
Tuesday morning forum | May 12, 8:30 a.m.
Four AI experts will engage in a big-picture conversation on how artificial intelligence is reshaping journalism, creativity, and Christian witness. This forum will examine both the opportunities and ethical challenges AI presents, helping attendees think beyond hype or fear toward faithful, responsible engagement. Together, the panelists will explore how discernment and imagination can guide Christian journalists and content creators as they navigate truth, technology, and their calling in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Featuring…
Dustin Stout — Founder/CEO, Magai
Ron Hunter, Jr. — CEO & Executive Director, D6 Family Ministry
Micah Voraritskul — Founder, VerifiedHuman
Katie Allred — Communications Strategist and Author
Telling the Truth with Integrity: Christian Journalism in a Polarized Culture
Wednesday morning forum | May 13, 8:30 a.m.
In a time of cultural polarization and declining trust in media, members of EPA are uniquely positioned to model journalism marked by both excellence and Christian conviction. Seasoned journalists will discuss how to report on contentious issues with accuracy, fairness, and Christlike integrity, while serving audiences with clarity and grace. The conversation will focus on practical approaches to tone, framing, and engagement that strengthen credibility and reflect the gospel in today’s challenging media landscape.
Featuring:
Warren Smith — President, MinistryWatch
Bob Smietana — National Reporter, Religion News Service
Billy Hallowell — Digital Host, CBN News
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!
INSPIRATION. INSTRUCTION. INTERACTION.
Franklin Marriott
Visiting Nashville and Franklin offers a perfect blend of vibrant city life and charming small-town charm. In Nashville, you can explore world-famous music venues like the Grand Ole Opry, enjoy diverse cuisine, and dive into the city’s rich musical heritage. The city is also home to four historic Black colleges and universities—each with deep cultural and educational significance. Nashville’s vibrant Somali and Kurdish communities add to the city’s rich multicultural fabric, offering unique markets, restaurants, and cultural festivals. Just a short drive away, Franklin welcomes visitors with its historic downtown, Civil War landmarks, and Southern hospitality. Together, these Tennessee towns create a memorable experience full of culture, history, and entertainment.
