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.

Join us for EPA 2020, April 15-17, in Colorado Springs

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.

240

PARTICIPANTS

50+

SPEAKERS

44

SESSIONS

297

AWARDS

Conference Keynote Speakers

John Stonestreet

Wednesday opening session   |   April 15, 4:30 p.m.

John Stonestreet is president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He’s a sought-after author and speaker on areas of faith and culture, theology, worldview, education and apologetics. John is the daily voice of BreakPoint, the nationally syndicated commentary on the culture founded by the late Chuck Colson. He is also the voice of the Point, a daily one-minute feature on worldview, apologetics and cultural issues.

Jerry Jenkins

Thursday Luncheon   |   April 16, 12:15 p.m.

Jerry Jenkins is former editor of Moody Magazine and former vice president for publishing at Moody Press. He is the author of 196 books, including 21 New York Times bestsellers with sales of more than 71 million copies. His novel, Left Behind, was named one of America’s 100 favorite books by PBS’s Great American Read. He’s a member of the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame. He owns the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild with more than 2,000 online students.

Jackie Hill-Perry

Friday closing session   |   April 17, 5:00 p.m.

Jackie Hill-Perry is a writer, speaker, and music artist whose work has been featured on The 700 Club, in the Washington Times, Desiring God, The Gospel Coalition, and other publications. Since coming to know Christ at the age of 19, Jackie has been compelled to share the light of gospel truth through teaching, writing, poetry, and music as authentically as she can. In “Gay Girl, Good God,” Jackie shares her own story, offering practical tools that helped her in the process of finding wholeness.

Writers   |   Designers   |   Editors   |   Social Media Managers   |   Photographers

Managers   |   Marketers   |   Digital Content Managers

Morning 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.

Redeeming the Culture

Thursday morning forum | April 16, 8:15 a.m.

Presented by the Colson Center for Christian Worldview

The world is confusing. The culture around us is broken. The consequences of the bad ideas deeply embedded in the way people think and live are devastating. Swimming against the cultural currents has a great cost. Gain clarity and learn how to equip ordinary people to be agents of God’s restoration.

Engaging the Next Generation

Friday morning forum | April 17, 8:15 a.m.

Presented by the Axis Team

Develop a missional framework for reaching the world of younger generations as the Axis Team shows us how to speak their language and join the conversations they’re already having. Learn about the technology and culture of young people, with comparisons across age groups.

SPEAKERS

At the heart of EPA conventions are the thirty 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 has been assembled to 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.

CONVENTION SCHEDULE

Tentative schedule, subject to change.

Wednesday | April 15

Conference schedule

8:00 a.m.

Pre-conference Intensive: Content Strategy

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

Exhibitor Setup

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

Registration Desk Opens

1:00 p.m. -

3:45 p.m.

First-time Attendee Orientation

3:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Opening Plenary Session

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

Dinner

6:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

7:45 p.m.

Movie Screening | Table Talk

7:45 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Thursday | April 16

Daily Schedule

8:15 a.m.

Plenary Forum

8:15 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.

9:10 a.m.

Networking Coffee Break

9:10 a.m. - 9:40 a.m.

9:40 a.m.

Workshop Block 1

9:40 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.

10:35 a.m.

Networking Coffee Break

10:35 a.m. - 11:05 a.m.

10:45 a.m.

Magazine Training Int’l Info Session

10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

11:05 a.m.

Workshop Block 2

11:05 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

12:15 p.m.

Lunch & Higher Goals Awards – Part 1

12:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

2:35 p.m.

Workshop Block 3

2:35 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

Free time in Colorado Springs

3:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

3:45 p.m.

TBN Movie Screening

3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

TBN Movie Screening

8:00 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

Friday | April 17

Daily Schedule

8:15 a.m.

Plenary Forum

8:15 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.

9:10 a.m.

Networking Coffee Break

9:10 a.m. - 9:40 a.m.

9:40 a.m.

Workshop Block 4

9:40 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.

10:35 a.m.

Networking Coffee Break

10:35 a.m. - 11:05 a.m.

11:05 a.m.

Workshop Block 5

11:05 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

12:15 p.m.

Lunch

12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.

1:15 p.m.

Business Mtg | Higher Goals Awards - Part 2

1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

2:35 p.m.

Workshop Block 6

2:35 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

Networking Break

3:30 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.

3:50 p.m.

Workshop Block 7

3:50 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Closing Dinner |Awards of Excellence

5:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

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.

JOIN US FOR EPA 2020 IN COLORADO SPRINGS

2020 EVENT SPONSORS

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Cheyenne Mountain Resort

Colorado Springs

Discover the beauty of Colorado Springs at the Cheyenne Mountain resort with the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop.

Cheyenne Mountain resort is in the heart of Colorado Springs with a 35-acre lake and beach, tennis, basketball, boating and an 18-hole signature Pete Dye golf course. The resort is a short drive from Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Garden of the Gods Park, and the Glen Eyrie Castle. Colorado Springs offers endless area attractions, incredible scenery for endless outdoor adventures and a vibrant culture filled with arts, entertainment and rich history.

Room reservations

frequently asked questions

Does the hotel provide an airport shuttle?

The hotel is 10 miles from the Colorado Springs Airport (COS). The hotel shuttle is $23 per person one way. There are other forms of transportation from the airport to the hotel including taxis, Uber, Lyft, and shuttles. Click here to find the transportation you want and where to find it.

Is this a member-only event?

Non-members with a professional interest in Christian media are very welcome to attend.

What is planned for the Thursday evening free time?

We are anticipating providing some options for those who would like to join with a group for an off-site activity. The Cheyenne Mountain resort itself provides a host of activities such as beach volleyball, basketball, tennis, hiking, and paddleboats on a large lake. A full-service spa and 18-hole championship golf course are also on site (fees will apply).

Will there be a mobile app?

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

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 morning between sessions.

Will breakfast be provided?

Breakfast has not traditionally been included at EPA conventions. At EPA 2019 we had two sponsored breakfasts. Breakfast may be provided for EPA 2020 if we can find sponsors for them.

Are Person-to-Person Peer Evaluations still 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.

When will the awards be presented?

The Higher Goals awards will be split between two days, with most writing awards following Thursday lunch and most design awards on Friday after the annual business meeting. 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.

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 Friday, April 10, and no later than Tuesday, April 14.

Ship to:
Cheyenne Mountain Resort
HOLD FOR: Lamar Keener/EPA Conv
3225 Broadmoor Valley Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80906

EPA Colorado Springs Convention | April 15-17, 2020