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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
Russell Moore
Opening Keynote | Wednesday, April 12, 4:30 p.m.
Russell Moore is editor-in-chief of Christianity Today and director of Christianity Today’s Public Theology Project. Russell was formerly president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention and provost and dean of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he also taught theology and ethics.
Dimas Salaberrios
Closing Keynote | Friday, April 14, 5:30 p.m.
Dimas Salaberrios a faith leader, film producer, prayer warrior and author. He is the founder and former pastor of Infinity Bible Church in New York City, and the President Emeritus of Concerts of Prayer Greater New York. His directorial debut is titled “Chicago: America’s Hidden War,” and he co-produced the documentary film “Emanuel.”
Featured Forums
Refugee Stories: In Their Own Words
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has been called America’s refugee capital. The city takes in twenty times more refugees per capita than the rest of the U.S., many through local faith-based organizations and church groups. In this forum, facilitated by Eastern Mennonite Missions, refugees will tell their personal stories—from leaving their native countries to settlement and assimilation in America.
Lorri Bench — Mission Team Director at Eastern Mennonite Missions
Mary Myint — A refugee from Myanmar who works at the Lancaster Sweet Shoppe which is staffed by immigrants
Menuka Tamang — Leader of a Bhutanese-Nepali church in Lancaster who spent two decades in a Nepali refugee camp
Rwamucyo Karekezi — A community organizer with Church World Service who was born in Congo but spent most of his life as a refugee in Rwanda
Overcoming Domestic Abuse and Religious Oppression:
An Interview with Naghmeh Panahi and Mariam Ibraheem
Naghmeh Abedini Panahi advocated for the release of her husband Saeed Abedini from an Iranian prison in a saga that drew worldwide attention. When Saeed was released from prison, Naghmeh revealed she had been an abused wife.
Mariam Ibraheem is a Sudanese Christian who was imprisoned for her faith and later sentenced to death. Mariam gave birth to her daughter, Maya, while chained in a prison cell. After an international outcry, she was freed soon after Maya’s birth.
Naghmeh and Mariam will tell their personal experiences with domestic violence and the misuse of religion to reinforce abuse in an interview conducted by author Eugene Bach (a pseudonym for a member of the Chinese underground church) who co-authored Mariam’s autobiography Shackled: One Woman’s Dramatic Triumph Over Persecution, Gender Abuse, and a Death Sentence (Whitaker House, 2022) and Naghmeh’s autobiography, I Didn’t Survive: Emerging Whole After Deception, Persecution, and Hidden Abuse, to be released by Whitaker House in September 2023.
SPEAKERS
At the heart of EPA conventions are the breakout sessions featuring ministry and industry leaders, individuals who have risen to the top of their professions and 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 challenged, trained, and 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.
EPA 2023 | Lancaster, PA | April 12-14, 2023
Lancaster Marriott
Lancaster, PAThe Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, built within the facade of the 110-year-old Watt and Shand building, provides a glimpse of an exterior architecture representing the Baroque-revival design amidst neighboring buildings dating back to the mid 1700s. The historic Lancaster Central Market, with its array of eclectic Pennsylvania Dutch foods and crafts, is right across the street. You can stroll through downtown Lancaster browsing art galleries, museums, restaurants and shops. Reserve your room here.
frequently asked questions
Is the Marriott taking COVID-19 precautions?
As part of Marriott International’s family of brands, the Lancaster Marriott has implemented a variety of new protocols and elevated practices, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and keeping with their high standards of cleanliness and commitment to providing excellent service. They have also made adjustments to the services, amenities, and facilities available. Click here to learn more.
Does the hotel provide an airport shuttle?
Unfortunately, no. The hotel is 32 miles from the Harrisburg airport (MDT). Other airports in the region include Philadelphia (PHL) (73 miles) and Baltimore (BWI) (89 miles). Amtrak is a popular and economical option for those flying into Philadelphia.
When will the awards be presented?
The Higher Goals awards will be split between two days with most writing awards at Thursday lunch and most design awards at Friday lunch. The Awards of Excellence will be presented at the closing dinner on Friday night.
What time will the convention end?
Our Friday evening program is scheduled to end about 7:30 to 7:45 p.m.
Is this a member-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: Wednesday dinner, Thursday lunch, Friday lunch and dinner. There will also be refreshment breaks on Thursday and Friday mornings between sessions.
Will breakfast be provided?
Breakfast has not typically been offered at EPA conventions. A sponsor-driven networking breakfast may be offered if we find a sponsor.
Can we drive to the Museum of the Bible?
Yes, when you sign up for the museum trip, check the option that says you will provide your own transportation so we don’t hold a seat for you on the bus.
Will there be a mobile app?
Yes, we will announce its availability a few weeks prior to the convention.
What is planned for the Thursday free time?
We’ll all board buses after lunch and take a 15-minute drive to the Sight & Sound Theatre for the live matinee performance of “MOSES.” An optional smorgasbord dinner will follow the performance ($30 per person), or you can take the bus back to the hotel to enjoy dinner on your own in downtown Lancaster.
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 Thursday, April 6, and no later than Monday, April 10.
Ship to:
Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
HOLD FOR: Lamar Keener/EPA Conv
25 South Queen St.
Lancaster, PA 17603
EPA 2023 • Lancaster, PA • April 12-14, 2023