Participating Association partners

    About the conference

    DigitalMediaCon 6.0 is a two-day online conference focusing exclusively on digital media and marketing for Christian communicators. The live virtual conference will take place October 21-22, 2025. All sessions will be available for on-demand viewing through January 21, 2026.

    The event is produced by the Evangelical Press Association (EPA) with the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) as the co-presenting organization. An additional eight Christian media associations are participating partners.

    A virtual conference platform provides a single login space where registered attendees can conveniently access recorded sessions, interact through networking with community discussion boards, and browse the virtual exhibit floor. The platform will provide access to all sessions for 90 days through January 21, 2026.

    A Conference all about Digital Communications and E-Marketing!

    SESSION speakers

    There are 11 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. This is where you will be challenged, trained, and equipped to take your skills to a higher level.

    Assistant Creative Producer | OMS Outreach

    Lora Campbell

    Lora Campbell | Assistant Creative Producer
    OMS Outreach | One Mission Society

    Founder & Senior Strategist | Word Revolution

    Barbara Carneiro

    Barbara Carneiro | Founder/Senior Strategist
    Word Revolution

    Digital Consultant | Artos Digital

    Rick Edwards

    Rick Edwards | Digital Publishing Consultant
    Artos Digital

    Founder | Hybrid & Remote Work Insights

    Lisa Harris

    Lisa Harris | Founder
    Hybrid & Remote Work Insights

    Assoc Professor of Communication Arts | College of the Ozarks

    Kalah Kemp

    Kalah Kemp | Assoc Professor of Communication Arts
    College of the Ozarks

    Editor | THe Lion, Herzog Foundation

    Joshua Mann

    Joshua Mann | Editor
    The Lion | The Herzog Foundation

    Editor-in-Chief | SAconnects

    Warren L. Maye

    Warren L. Maye | Editor-in-Chief
    SAconnects | The Salvation Army Eastern Division

    Digital Campaign Specialist | Infinity Concepts

    Dave Offord

    Dave Offord | Digital Campaign Specialist
    Infinity Concepts

    Director | Center for Hybrid and Virtual Organizations

    Melody Rawlings

    Melody Rawlings | Director
    Center for the Advancement of Virtual Organizations

    Video Editor | FULLER Studio, Fuller Seminary

    Lindsey Sheets

    Lindsey Sheets | Video Editor
    FULLER Studio | Fuller Seminary

    Executive Pastor | Zarephath Christian Church

    Ben Stapley

    Ben Stapley | Executive Pastor
    Zarephath Christian Church

    Founder & CEO | Magai

    Dustin Stout

    Dustin Stout | Founder & CEO
    Magai

    CEO | Castle Media Group LLC

    Thomas Umstattd, Jr.

    Thomas Umstattdt, Jr. | CEO
    Castle Media Group, LLC

    Founder & Chief Strategist | Threefold Creative Group

    Jacob Walsh

    Jacob Walsh | Founder & Chief Strategist
    Threefold Creative Group

    conference schedule

    day 1 agenda

    Tuesday, October 21, 2025

    12:00 pm (ET)

    From Engagement to Curation: Adapting to Society's Shift

    12:00 pm (ET) - 12:50 pm (ET)

    Barbara Carneiro – Senior Strategist
    Word Revolution

    This presentation is a strategic look at why traditional visibility tactics are falling short. Digital communication has shifted, but most strategies are still built for a different environment. We will offer a new lens for understanding how visibility works now, what’s driving the change and how to start building a visibility plan that matches the current landscape.

    1:15 PM (ET)

    AI-Powered Social Media: Turning Followers into Publication Ambassadors

    1:15 PM (ET) - 2:00 PM (ET)

    Kalah Kemp – Associate Professor of Communication Arts
    College of the Ozarks

    Description TBD

    1:15 PM (ET)

    Canva Secrets: Effortless Design for Publications

    1:15 PM (ET) - 2:00 PM (ET)

    Lora Campbell – Assistant Creative Producer
    OMS Outreach, One Mission Society

    Unlock the power of graphic design with “Canva Secrets: Effortless Design for Publications.” This workshop will guide you through essential graphic design elements to captivate and engage your readers. Discover how to leverage Canva’s intuitive tools to streamline the design process, create on-brand publications, and produce visually stunning materials that resonate with your audience and have your work stand out.

    What you will learn:

    • Master Design Elements: Learn how to effectively use color, typography, and imagery to enhance storytelling and create a deep connection with your audience.
    • Create Cohesive On-Brand Publications: Understand how to craft a brand style guide that ensures consistency with your publication and facilitates collaboration among multiple team members on projects.
    • Enhance Workflow with Bulk Creation: Gain practical skills to design attractive workbooks, magazines, and multi-page publications utilizing Canva’s bulk create features to maximize efficiency and stay on-brand.
    2:30 PM (ET)

    Technical SEO in the Age of AI: Winning Top Spots on Google

    2:30 PM (ET) - 3:15 PM (ET)

    Dave Offord – Digital Campaign Specialist
    Infinity Concepts

    The fundamentals of SEO remain critical, but Google’s AI‑generated search results introduce new opportunities and challenges for visibility. In this session, you’ll learn how to strengthen your technical SEO foundation, enhance content for AI summaries, and future‑proof your strategy to keep your clients ahead of the curve.

    2:30 PM (ET)

    Leading Remote and Hybrid Teams: Strategies for Success

    2:30 PM (ET) - 3:15 PM (ET)

    Melody Rawlings – Director
    Center for the Advancement of Virtual Organizations, National University

    Lisa Harris – Founder
    Hybrid & Remote Work Insights

    In this session, you’ll discover practical strategies to lead remote and hybrid teams with confidence by fostering collaboration, building trust, and maintaining productivity across diverse work environments. We’ll also explore the importance of accountability and how to set clear expectations that keep team members aligned and on track. Designed for leaders who want to strengthen their ability to manage distributed teams, this session offers actionable insights and techniques to help you navigate the complexities of hybrid leadership. Walk away equipped to promote a culture of accountability, enhance team performance, and achieve lasting success in today’s evolving workplace. Don’t miss this opportunity to join us and take your leadership to the next level.

    3:30 PM (ET)

    ON DEMAND — BEST OF 2024 DIGITAL MEDIA CON 5.0

    3:30 PM (ET) - 4:15 PM (ET)

    Click on the ON-DEMAND SESSIONS tab above to see the selection of videos from past conferences. Two of these will be unlocked each day of the conference. Once unlocked, they can be watched on-demand anytime.

    day 2 agenda

    Wednesday, October 22, 2025

    12:00PM (ET)

    Balancing AI Ethics & Innovation - A Publisher's Guide

    12:00PM (ET) - 12:50 PM (ET)

    Jacob Walsh – Founder/Chief Strategist
    Threefold Creative Group

    AI is the most disruptive technology since the advent of the Internet, and many journalists, creatives, and marketers are still struggling to determine its proper place. In this session, we’ll cover some practical tips on how to use AI to immediately improve your day-to-day work, while posing important questions for newsrooms and creative teams to work through in the long term.

    What you will learn:

    • Quick wins for AI in your daily workflows
    • Leveraging “Deep Research” for greater efficiencies
    • Best practices for generative AI and journalistic integrity
    • How to establish boundaries and ethical standards for AI usage
    1:15 PM (ET)

    Checklist for Producing Effective Video Interviews

    1:15 PM (ET) - 2:00 PM (ET)

    Ben Stapley – Executive Pastor
    Zarephath Christian Church

    Organizations use video testimonies to tell powerful stories. These personal stories work best when the interviewer and interviewee know each other well. Because a friend conducting the interview allows for greater vulnerability. But often the friend isn’t experienced in this craft. This talk will present a checklist to train and prepare any unseasoned interviewer.

    This session will be pre-recorded.

    1:15 PM (ET)

    Why a Free Content Model May Be In Your Future

    1:15 PM (ET) - 2:00 PM (ET)

    Rick Edwards – Founder and Chief Strategist
    Artos Digital

    We want to believe our content is life-changing and earth-shattering and, hopefully, it is! But we live in a world where a LOT of content is free and consumers are increasingly unwilling to pay for content. So, how can you monetize free content? This session will explore the challenges and opportunities that free, ad-supported content can offer.

    2:30 PM (ET)

    How to Use Video to Expand Your Reach and Influence (panel)

    2:30 PM (ET) - 3:15 PM (ET)

    Ben Stapley – Executive Pastor (moderator)
    Zarephath Christian Church

    Warren L. Maye – Editor-in-Chief
    SAconnects | The Salvation Army Eastern Territory

    Joshua Mann – Editor
    The Lion | The Herzog Foundation

    Lindsey Sheets – Video Editor
    FULLER Studio | Fuller Seminary

     

    Description TBD

    2:30 PM (ET)

    How to Leverage the Power of Podcasts

    2:30 PM (ET) - 3:15 PM (ET)

    Thomas Umstattd, Jr. – CEO
    Castle Media Group LLC

    Podcasting has grown into a powerful tool to help writers and publishers expand their digital platforms. But that is just the beginning! Discover new ways you can use podcasts to build your audience.

    3:30 PM (ET)

    ON DEMAND — BEST OF 2024 DIGITAL MEDIA CON 5.0

    3:30 PM (ET) - 4:15 PM (ET)

    Click on the ON-DEMAND SESSIONS tab above to see the selection of videos from past conferences. Two of these will be unlocked each day of the conference. Once unlocked, they can be watched on-demand anytime.

    BONUS SESSIONS

    Watch any time on-demand

    ON DEMAND

    Connecting AI Ethics to Everyday Work (panel)

    ON DEMAND -

    Jon Hirst – Chief Innovation Officer (moderator)
    Generous Mind

    Paul Hoffman – Lead Pastor
    Evangelical Friends Church

    Micah Voraitskul – Founder
    VerifiedHuman™

    David Bourgeois – Director of AI Lab
    Biola University

    We all know there are significant ethical questions that AI raises for our work, but many times the conversation can remain out of reach. Join our discussion as we bring creatives, pastors, educators and ministry leaders with deep AI expertise together to talk about the practical application of AI ethics.

    ON DEMAND

    Don’t Get Left Behind: How to Craft an Online Brand

    ON DEMAND -

    Jennifer Clark – Social Media Specialist
    Informa Markets

    In this workshop, communicators will learn how to develop a compelling and authentic social media presence that aligns with their personal values and mission. We’ll explore strategies for creating a distinctive personal brand that resonates with your audience while staying true to your core beliefs. Participants will gain practical insights on leveraging various social media platforms to amplify their message, engage with their community, and grow their influence by sharing meaningful parts of themselves online.

     

    What you will learn:

    • Defining your unique voice and message as a values-driven communicator
    • Crafting a cohesive personal brand across different social media platforms
    • Creating content that authentically reflects your beliefs and engages your audience
    • Balancing personal and professional aspects of your online presence
    • Strategies for growing your follower base and increasing engagement
    • Tips for maintaining consistency and authenticity in your social media communications
    ON DEMAND

    7 Best Practices For Using ChatGPT For Superior Results

    ON DEMAND -

    Kenny Jahng – Editor-in-Chief
    ChurchTechToday.com

    ON DEMAND

    Maximizing Story: The Power of Storytelling Through Multiple Platforms

    ON DEMAND -

    Billy Hallowell – Digital Host
    CBN News

    This session will focus on how one piece of content can be used in multiple locations, on various platforms, and to advance the original intent of a singular story. Rather than reinventing the wheel, this session will help busy faith reporters and hosts ponder how they can streamline their stories for maximal impact. Billy Hallowell will share tips and ideas that can help further each interview.

     

    What you will learn:

    • Why it’s important to rethink how stories are collected
    • How streamlined story collection can help fuel content for various platforms
    • How one interview can be used in various places/on numerous platforms
    ON DEMAND

    Leveraging Digital Media to Interrupt Millennials and Gen Z with the Gospel

    ON DEMAND -

    Sean Dunn – Founder/President
    Groundwire

    Young people are not only digital natives, they are also digital addicts. This does create problems, but it also creates significant opportunities. In this workshop we will examine Millennials and Gen Z’s behaviors and spiritual beliefs and we will explore strategies and messaging that is bearing significant fruit for the Kingdom. We will also share practical tips about how you can effectively use an interruptive approach to digital ministry.

     

    What you will learn:

    • Gain understanding of the spiritual beliefs and behaviors of Millennials and Gen Z
    • Be challenged to consider how to share the unchanging message with an audience and culture that shifts quickly
    • Be challenged to think creatively about their approach to social media proclamation
    • Be challenged to get outside the box, do something different and allow the data to help them determine effectiveness
    ON DEMAND

    Navigating the Maze: What to Do When Your Marketing Tactics Aren’t Working

    ON DEMAND -

    Katie Nguyen – Social & Digital Marketing Manager
    FrontGate Media

    Are you feeling stuck, frustrated, or overwhelmed because your marketing efforts seem to be falling flat? You’re not alone. In today’s ever-evolving landscape, it’s easy to feel lost when your tried-and-true strategies no longer deliver the results they once did. Join us for an eye-opening seminar where we’ll dive deep into what to do when it feels like none of your marketing tactics are working. We’ll explore how to reassess your current strategies, pivot to fresh approaches, and, most importantly, understand the diverse range of marketing options available to you. Discover how each tactic—whether it’s content marketing, social media, SEO, email campaigns, or paid ads—bears fruit differently. Learn the keys to identifying the right combination of strategies that align with your business goals and audience needs. Whether you’re looking to tweak your existing efforts or overhaul your entire marketing game plan, this seminar will equip you with the insights and tools to turn frustration into fruitful results. Don’t miss this opportunity to re-energize your marketing approach and unlock the potential for growth and success!

     

    What you will learn:

    • Identify and Diagnose Ineffective Tactics: Learn how to critically evaluate your current marketing strategies to pinpoint what’s not working and why.
    • Understand common pitfalls that could be undermining your efforts, such as targeting the wrong audience, misaligned messaging, or poor timing, and how to address them effectively.
    • Explore a Spectrum of Marketing Options: Gain a comprehensive understanding of various marketing channels and tactics—like content marketing, social media, SEO, email marketing, and paid advertising—and how each can serve different business objectives.
    • Discover how to choose and mix these options to create a balanced, multi-channel strategy that maximizes your reach and impact.
    • Build a Dynamic, Results-Driven Strategy: Walk away with actionable steps to create a flexible and adaptive marketing plan. Learn how to measure the performance of each tactic, make data-driven adjustments, and ensure your marketing efforts are always aligned with your evolving business goals and market conditions.

    These takeaways will empower you to turn your marketing frustrations into a well-informed, results-oriented strategy that drives growth and success.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    If you are a current member of one of the following partner associations, you qualify for the discounted member rate:

    ACP, BCA, CBN, CCCA, CNA, ECPA, EPA, MAI, MTI, NAE

    All times listed are Eastern Daylight Time (GMT-0400, New York USA).

    A few days before the start of the event, you will receive an email with the URL and login information for the Whova event platform. If you do not receive it by Oct. 20, please send an inquiry or call 480-868-2466. Login will require you to use the same email address entered on your registration form.

    The Whova event platform can be accessed on desktop and laptop computers as well as with an app for mobile devices. While computers may provide a more pleasant viewing experience on a larger screen, some networking and interactive experiences are optimized for the mobile app. It is possible to use both a computer and mobile device simultaneously.

    All the sessions will be recorded and available a few days following the event for viewing for 90 days after the live event ends. Registered attendees may sign in to the Whova platform anytime during that window to view the sessions.

    Most sessions will include live Q&A with the speakers as well as a chat feature to interact with other attendees. Virtual meet ups will be available for anyone to schedule.

    DigitalMediaCon 5.0