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 Media

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.

Writers   |   Designers   |   Editors   |   Social Media Managers   |   Photographers

Managers   |   Marketers   |   Digital Content Managers

Conference Keynote Speakers

Nona Jones

Opening Keynote   |   Sunday, April 21, 4:30 p.m.

Nona Jones, Global Ambassador for YouVersion,  is a rare combination of preacher, business executive, author, and entrepreneur. She was formerly the Head of Global Faith Partnerships at Meta (Facebook). She is the bestselling author of three books, including Killing Comparison, Success from the Inside Out and From Social Media to Social Ministry.

Russell Moore

Closing Keynote   |   Tuesday, April 23, 5:00 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.

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.

Lausanne Movement

The State of the Great Commission Report:
The Current State and Future Trajectory of Global Mission
Monday, April 22  |  8:15 a.m.
The Lausanne Movement State of the Great Commission brings together the best global data and key strategic thinkers to understand where the greatest gaps and opportunities are for the Great Commission’s fulfillment. This key document in the Lausanne 4 journey shares insights from more than 150 global mission experts and sheds light on how we as a global church can be obedient to Jesus’ Great Commission today.
Featuring…
Matthew Niermann, Director of the State of the Great Commission, Professor and Associate Dean at Cal Baptist

The 2023 Asbury Outpouring

How They Did It:
Behind the Scenes as Media Descended on Revival
Tuesday, April 23  |  8:15 a.m.
Learn how Asbury University scrambled a team of leaders to meet and manage the masses of journalists who flocked to tiny Wilmore, Kentucky, in search of video clips, photos, interviewees and the kinds of environmental portraits that make for great feature journalism. They were effective in shielding the campus from media sensationalists and protected Hughes Auditorium (the inner sanctum of the Holy Spirit’s power) from the lights and noise that come from media intrusion.
Featuring…

Dr. Kevin Brown, Asbury President
Mark Whitworth, Asbury VP for Intercollegiate Athletics and Strategic Communications
Lexie Presta, Asbury Collegian student newspaper editor
Michael Longinow, Professor of Journalism, Biola University (moderator)

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.

2024 Conference Speakers

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 2024 | Lexington, KY | April 21-23, 2024

EVENT SPONSORS

Title Sponsor

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The Campbell House

Lexington, KY

Lexington is a place where breathtaking natural beauty, like bluegrass hills and stunning Thoroughbreds, lives just a stone’s throw from the vibrant culture and a walkable downtown. Within a short drive of Lexington, you can chase waterfalls, climb rocks, kayak, zipline, or just hike your way into relaxing seclusion.

frequently asked questions

Does the hotel provide an airport shuttle?

Unfortunately, no. The hotel is just 5 miles from Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport. If you are driving to the convention, there is free parking.

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.

When is the Trip to the Ark Encounter?

Answers in Genesis is sponsoring a free day at the Ark Encounter on Wednesday, April 24, the day after the convention ends. They will provide free transportation and lunch for the all-day excursion. We’ll have you back at the hotel by 6:00 p.m. if you ride the bus. Of course, anyone may drive and stay as long as you like.

Can we drive to the Ark Encounter?

Yes. When you sign up for the Ark Encounter trip during online registration, check the option that says you will provide your own transportation so we don’t hold a seat for you.

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: Sunday dinner, Monday lunch, Tuesday lunch and dinner. A bonus breakfast will be served on Monday morning. There will also be refreshment breaks on Monday and Tuesday mornings between sessions.

Will breakfast be provided?

Breakfast has not typically been offered at EPA conventions. However, a sponsor-driven networking breakfast will be offered on Monday morning only, followed by The State of the Great Commission Report presented by Lausanne.

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, we will announce its availability a few weeks prior to the convention.

What is planned for the Monday free time?

We will end our programming about 3:30 p.m. on Monday afternoon. You will have the rest of the day free to explore Lexington downtown and surrounding horse farms. There are many great restaurants for dining with a friend. EPA will provide a shuttle service to downtown restaurants.

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 17, and no later than Friday, April 19.

Ship to:
The Campbell House
HOLD FOR: Lamar Keener/EPA Conv
1375 S. Broadway
Lexington, KY 40504

EPA 2024 • Lexington, KY • April 21-23, 2024