— NOTICE —
Registration for EPA 2021 in Lancaster has been suspended. The convention will no longer be held in person in Lancaster, but it will be offered as an online-only virtual event. Registration details will be posted soon.
— NOTICE —
Registration for EPA 2021 in Lancaster has been suspended. The convention will no longer be held in person in Lancaster, but it will be offered as an online-only virtual event. Registration details will be posted soon.
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.
The Evangelical Press Association is the world’s largest professional organization for the evangelical periodical publishing industry, both print and digital.
EPA puts great focus on serving God through the written word, whether print or digital. Members of EPA share a commitment to excellence.
The convention provides an opportunity to learn new skills and build relationships with editors, writers, designers, publishers and influential personalities in our industry.
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.
PARTICIPANTS
SPEAKERS
SESSIONS
AWARDS
Wednesday opening session | April 28, 4:30 p.m.
Trillia Newbell is the author of several books including A Great Cloud of Witnesses, Sacred Endurance, and Fear and Faith. Her writings on issues of faith, family, and diversity have been published in the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Desiring God, True Woman, Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, and more. She is also a commentator for World Radio (World Magazine). She has served as the Director of Community Outreach for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.
Thursday Plenary | April 29, 8:15 a.m.
Kay Warren cofounded Saddleback Church with her husband, Rick Warren, in Lake Forest, California in 1980. After the death of their son, Matthew, who lived with serious mental illness for most of his life, she founded Saddleback’s Hope for Mental Health Initiative as a way to support individuals and family members of loved ones with mental illness and suicidal ideation. Kay is a board member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.
Friday closing banquet | April 30, 5:30 p.m.
Walter Kim became the president of the National Association of Evangelicals in January 2020. He also serves as pastor for leadership at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, after ministering for 15 years at Boston’s historic Park Street Church. Kim, who received his Ph.D. from Harvard University, is a pastor, scholar, and thought leader whose speaking and writing bring Biblical wisdom to significant intellectual, cultural, and social issues of the day.
Writers | Designers | Editors | Social Media Managers | Photographers
Managers | Marketers | Digital Content Managers
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.
Thursday morning forum | April 29, 8:15 a.m.
Presented by Kay Warren
Kay will share from her own life and family experience the challenge of mental illness and how the church can follow Jesus’ example to care for and support people living with mental illness. By looking at God’s heart for people who are suffering, Kay will explain the Biblical basis for mental health ministries and practical steps for how every faith community can be part of the solution.
Friday morning forum | April 30, 8:15 a.m.
Facilitated by Eastern Mennonite Missions
Lancaster, PA, has been called America’s refugee capital. The city takes in 20 times more refugees per capita than the rest of the U.S, many through local faith-based organizations and church groups. Facilitated by Eastern Mennonite Missions, refugees will tell their personal stories—from leaving their native countries to settlement and assimilation in America.
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.
The 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 the numerous art galleries, museums, restaurants and shops.
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.
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.
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.
Our Friday evening program is scheduled to end about 7:30 to 7:45 p.m.
Non-members with a professional interest in Christian media are very welcome to attend.
The registration fee includes five meals: Wednesday dinner, Thursday breakfast and lunch, Friday lunch and dinner. There will also be refreshment breaks on Thursday and Friday mornings between sessions.
Breakfast has not traditionally been offered at EPA conventions. This year, a sponsor-driven networking breakfast will be offered Thursday morning only.
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.
Yes, we will announce its availability a few weeks prior to the convention.
We’ll all board buses after lunch and take a 15-minute drive to the Sight & Sound Theatre for the live matinee performance of “Esther.” The evening is open for everyone to enjoy dinner in the city of Lancaster.
Yes. EPA conventions offer the opportunity for you to have an experienced colleague critique your publication and offer suggestions on improvement. Learn more here.
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 Friday, April 23, and no later than Tuesday, April 27.
Ship to:
Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
HOLD FOR: Lamar Keener/EPA Conv
25 South Queen St.
Lancaster, PA 17603
