Convention Hightlights: Relational Connections, Technological Advances

By Carla Foote

Attendees at the 2026 EPA convention in Franklin, Tennessee, demonstrated enthusiasm for learning together in community, while they embraced technological advances.

Two pre-conference workshops kicked off the time together. Luke Thomas, a first-time attendee, was motivated to grow in his skills through the Visual Storytelling workshop by Jim Veneman. “He talked about getting to the heart of the story, and then finding the moments and in-between details to pull it all together,” said Luke.

Jen Taggart, freelance writer, attended the pre-conference editing intensive with Diane McDougall. She shared, “The benefit of the day-long workshop was interactivity, group work, practice editing, and hearing other people’s perspectives.” Jen’s day job is for a secular organization, and she freelances on the side. Her employer paid for the pre-conference workshop since it related to skills she uses on the job.

AI panels and workshops were well-attended and widely discussed. Attendees benefitted from expert presenters who are pioneers in the field and share a Christian worldview with an appreciation for our God-given human creative process. There was something for everyone, including those previously fearful of AI.

Ron Hunter, Jr. noted that AI can generate more creative bandwidth as it performs menial tasks to free people up for higher level work. AI can function like a ghostwriter, needing human discernment to sign off on content, according to Dustin Stout. And Katie Allred reminded participants that the Holy Spirit lives in us, not in the computer.

Micah Voraritskul provided a practical framework illustrating the range of AI applications to communications work and exhorted attendees to clearly discern where to draw their own line with AI usage. He reminded people that AI can fake fluency, but it cannot fake formation.

Professional Development

The convention included keynotes, panels and workshops that honestly acknowledged the divisions present in our world and offered direction in how to share stories that embrace truth and love. Presenters repeatedly pointed participants back to God’s Word for direction on topics such as immigration or calling out patterns of sinful behavior with journalistic clarity.

The combination of professional excellence and faith foundation is a hallmark of EPA, and both were bright spots at this convention.

Sam Harris, a copywriter with Seed Company, reflected, “I appreciated the encouragement for us as Christian writers to use our words well and thoughtfully. Emily Belz from Christianity Today talked about ‘solutions journalism.’ She encouraged us to work toward hope and unity with our reporting by valuing individuals and their complex perspectives on what other media might portray as black-and-white issues. Freelancer Andy Butcher reminded us from Scripture that we’d have to answer for ‘every careless word’ we write, exhorting us to use our reporting skills for God’s glory and others’ edification.”

For some, a highlight was worshipping with Keith and Kristyn Getty at the hymn sing on the opening evening. Suitcases on the way home included a thick new hymnal and worship resource produced by the Gettys, in addition to many other book and resource giveaways. Other inspiring music included singer-songwriter Jason Gray, and Chris Blue, an American soul and gospel singer who was a winner on The Voice. All the musical guests invited participation rather than just performance.

Keynotes offered biblical encouragement, ranging from Tony Suárez who referenced the varying reports of the 12 spies in Numbers 13, to Trillia Newbell who reminded attendees that nothing can separate them from God’s love (Romans 8). Myal Greene focused on God’s heart for the refugees, and presented clear data illustrating how the increase in global displacement offers opportunities for the church to welcome the stranger.

Tyndale Foundation generously provides funds to bring international Christian publishers from less-resourced areas to the EPA Convention. This year Tess Libanze from Kenya and Nicodem Nzahoyankuye from Rwanda were able to attend the convention to network and grow in their skills.

The Value of In-Person Experiences

EPA provides multiple training opportunities, including a digital media online conference and online training through the Magazine Training International platform. Many convention attendees take advantage of online learning; however, they underscored the value of in-person experiences.

Marianne Stewart, freelance graphic designer, reflected, “As a freelance designer I work by myself all the time, so it’s nice to be face-to-face and get feedback. It’s great to have focused time for working on my craft, as opposed to working in my craft. I’ve done the digital conference a few times and learned great skills, but nothing beats in person.”

First-time attendee, Hannah Braly, with Mission Aviation Fellowship, shared, “It was fun to meet people who are likeminded and who share similar challenges in their jobs. It’s great networking and I want to come every year and connect again.”

Danielle Nettleton, Voice of the Martyrs, appreciated the human aspect of the convention. “There is value in coming in person and setting aside the time to focus. I find camaraderie and shared purpose with other people who care about their work.”

Learning Posture

Even seasoned communicators have opportunities to keep learning at EPA, as the platforms and delivery methods continue to change. Phil Cooke, Cooke Media Group, talked about adjusting his approach to content with the rise of short videos. One client told him that his videos were too polished. He encouraged workshop attendees to focus on an immediate hook, to catch attention in the first few seconds, and favor authenticity over perfection.

Seana Scott, freelancer and EPA board member, encouraged participants to dive into new platforms and learn as they go. Her “scrappy not crappy” approach to Substack emphasized that we need to be present on all the platforms where conversations are happening so we can share the Good News everywhere.

The EPA Convention has something for everyone. People just starting their careers and those with decades of experience all found practical and inspirational takeaways to apply to their current work.

Carla Foote is a freelance writer and editor based in Denver.

Posted June 5, 2026