It was 4:30 am when I was jolted awake by the sound of my alarm. Jumping out of bed, I grabbed my phone to double-check my flight time, knowing all too well my tendency to rush when it matters most.
With a quick shower and a much-needed cup of coffee, I prepared to venture out alone, leaving the comfort of home and family behind. I stood at the end of my driveway, nervously checking the location of my Uber driver. “Am I really doing this?!” I whispered to myself. I could hardly believe it. Investing in myself like this felt daunting, but deep down, I knew that God had called me to the Speak Up Conference—and I was going.
Two flights and two (more) cups of coffee later, my plane touched down in Michigan. As I made my way through the quaint airport, I began to spot women just like me—women who glowed for Jesus and moved with purpose. My heart filled with warmth and belonging. “Welcome home,” I whispered to myself. I let out a sigh of relief. This was going to be amazing. And I was right.
What followed was one of the most positive and uplifting experiences I’ve had. It far exceeded my expectations and I believe you will love it too!
Here are 3 reasons why you’ll love the Speak Up Conference:
- It’s about building up. In the competitive realm of publishing and public speaking, it’s easy to succumb to fear and comparison. But, not at Speak Up! There, you’ll discover a supportive community that uplifts and inspires, reminding each attendee that if they’ve been called by God, He will pave the way for their much-needed message. When we move from competition to collaboration, we amplify our impact and reach even more people in need!
- It’s about connecting. As a creator, it’s common to feel isolated in your endeavors. Others may not grasp the depth of your passion or the challenges you face. But at Speak Up, you’ll connect with like-minded women who not only understand your journey but also share your enthusiasm. Here, you’ll forge genuine connections with others who are walking the same path, building relationships that will support and encourage you long after the conference ends.
- It’s about equipping. We live in a world of information overload. You could spend hours researching how to break into public speaking or how to become a published author, only to end up more confused than when you started. When you attend SpeakUp, you’ll hear from the top professionals in the industry through one-on-one appointments, breakout sessions, and keynote presentations, so you can cut through the noise and craft an actionable plan for success.
The Speak Up Conference did all of this for me and more.
Here’s what happened:
Leaving the conference, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and faith, ready to take the next step. But what happened next was far more than I could ask, imagine, or think—doors swung open that I never thought possible.
It was during my one-on-one sessions that I met my now literary agent and publisher! Yep, you can keep an eye out for my book on shelves in 2026– it’s a testament to the power of the Speak Up Conference to propel us toward the dreams the Lord has planted in our hearts.
Now it’s your turn to take a step of faith and see what God can do!
Question: What topic/message is the Holy Spirit nudging you to share in written or spoken words? I look forward to reading your comments.
About Brandice Lardner
Brandice Lardner of Grace Filled Plate, is a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, Amazon #1 Bestselling Author, Homeschool Mom, and Jesus Girl whose mission in life is to help women ditch the diet mentality and find peace with food and their bodies so that they are better equipped to do the great things God has called them to do. Connect with Brandice at https://gracefilledplate.com/.
Wow! Talk about God opening doors in a major way! Brandice, this blog is so encouraging to all of us who have waited on God’s timing in our writing and speaking ministries. Thank you for sharing your amazing journey.
Thank you for creating such a warm and friendly environment for us to grow! 🌱
Thank you, Carol! I so appreciate the opportunity you have created for us 🙂
What a great overview of your Speak Up experience and introduction for others. I loved it! Concise and to the point and I am excited for you about your new book. I hope we’ll see you again this year!
I had to chuckle when you referred to our ever growing Grand Rapids Airport as “quaint” however. LOL. We who use it often think of it as refreshingly easy to manage! Extra nice for all those Speak Up attendees flying in. 🙂
Thank you for the kind words, Jennie!
Quaint is the highest compliment in my book 💞,especially after making a connection in Atlanta 😝