Registration is now open!
2025 Virtual Speak Up Conference
Join us online from anywhere in the world on July 10 – 12, 2025, to learn how to spread the gospel and build up the body of Christ effectively through speaking and writing.
Learn From Dynamic Keynote Speakers
Attend six powerful keynote sessions and six breakout sessions to take your ministry to the next level.
Join the live-streaming event from anywhere in the world
Virtual attendees have the flexibility to attend from the comfort of their own environment, save money on travel and housing costs, and enjoy the breakout sessions at any time!
You’ll also have the opportunity to hear from faculty from behind-the-scenes interviews with our virtual director.
Learn, Grow & Connect
- Enjoy the live-streamed keynote sessions with dynamic speakers.
- Watch your purchased breakout session videos from industry professionals at any time with access for a full year.
- Embrace personal connection and inspiration with other speakers, writers, and leaders through virtual coffee breakrooms.
- Experience God in our staff-led virtual prayer rooms.
As Christ’s Followers, We Have The Opportunity Of A Lifetime…
We get to use our gifts to share stories and experiences that can transform the lives of others all for God’s glory. If God has called you to write, speak or lead, the SpeakUp Conference is for you!
ONLINE Experience
Get Your Virtual Ticket
Select a ticket option below to save your seat for the Virtual Speak Up Conference on July 11 – 13, 2024, from anywhere in the world. Use Shop Pay at checkout for no-interest monthly payments!
Speakers
$150
Speaking Track Only
- 6 Live Virtual Keynote Sessions
- 12 Pre-Recorded Breakout Sessions Designed For Speakers
- Digital Notebook for Speakers Sessions (Fillable PDF)
- Virtual Coffee Chat and Prayer Rooms
BEST Value
All Access
$300
Includes Speaking, Writing & Ministry Development Tracks
- 6 Live Virtual Keynote Sessions
- 42 Precorded Breakout Sessions
- Full Digital Notebook For All Sessions (Fillable PDF)
- Virtual Coffee Chat and Prayer Rooms
Writers
$150
Writing Track Only
- 6 Live Virtual Keynote Sessions
- 12 Pre-Recorded Breakout Sessions Designed For Writers
- Digital Notebook For Writers Sessions (Fillable PDF)
- Virtual Coffee Chat and Prayer Rooms
From The SpeakUp Community
This conference can be life-changing, but don’t just take our word for it!
Virtual Breakout Sessions
Click one of the session titles to learn more about what each session will cover!
Speakers
Speak Like a Pro
Speakers
Presented By: Carol Kent
The fear of public speaking is the #1 fear of people in the U.S. today. But people who learn to communicate their message have the opportunity to give hope, courage, truth, and inspiration to others.
This session will give you a start-to-finish overview of how to prepare a talk on any topic. You will learn how to analyze your audience, select a topic, write out a specific, measurable aim, and conclude with appropriate applications.
Get Booked and Get Paid
Speakers
Presented By: RobyN Dykstra
When an event planner contacts you about speaking, how do you assure her you’re the right speaker for her event and then negotiate the terms of the agreement to create a win for you and a win for her? If you’re like most speakers, you just want to talk about Jesus, not money, right? Take the angst out of booking conversations with some simple strategies and non-salesy language to close the deal and get paid for your speaking.
Story it Up!
Speakers
Presented By: Karen porter
Storytelling is vital to your speaking and writing. There isn’t a stronger connection between you and your audience or you and your reader than storytelling. Stories help us remember, tell us how to live, and set our moral compasses. A story well told will reach through the ears of your audience and through the eyes of your readers straight to their heart. Inside each of us is a natural born storyteller, waiting to be released. In this workshop with Karen Porter, you will learn how to craft and tell a story. And discover what makes good storytelling. Story structure is critical to fiction, even more important in non-fiction, and crucial to your speaking success. Learn where to find good stories, and how to build your personal storytellers list. They may never remember your bio, but they’ll never forget your stories.
The Art of the Recovery
Speakers
Presented By: Cherie Nettles
Every speaker has forgotten a point. Every speaker has left out that favorite verse, and most of us have apologized and made the audience uncomfortable in their error. The Art of the Recovery workshop will help speakers learn how to turn those missteps into opportunities to keep the flow of the message moving with the audience.
In this workshop, Cherie will walk through the common missteps and show how to overcome them by using the power of your voice, your words, your body language, and a bit of humor. Cherie will deliver a workshop that equips speakers with the tools so they never say, “Oh wait, I forgot something.” Cherie believes that even our missteps can be redirected by God and He uses this pause for His message to impact the world.
Making the Bible Come Alive
Speakers
Presented By: Carol Kent
If ever there was a time when people needed to be taught the Word of God, it’s now. What is the difference between a Speaker and a Bible Teacher, and how can your disciplined study of Scripture ignite others to study for themselves? Join Lee as she explores the wonders and warnings God gives to those who diligently teach His word. Learn new methods, discover new tools, and take home a new vision for the Word at work in your ministry.
Retreat Speaking that Rocks!
Speakers
Presented By: Cindy Bultema
Retreats are an amazing way to engage with your audience, share powerful messages, and create opportunities for transformation that are hard to replicate in any other form. However, speaking multiple times and connecting with a large group of new people within a couple of days is not easy. In this practical workshop, you’ll learn simple steps to enhance the effectiveness as a retreat keynote speaker so your audience will remember your time together for years to come. Join Cindy as you learn to:
- Recognize the difference between a keynote message and retreat message planning
- Communicate your needs effectively with the retreat planning committee or organizer
- Create memorable and engaging retreat messages
- Consider the energy level of the audience throughout the weekend
- Identify potential pitfalls and navigate around them successfully
- Leave a lasting impression that encourages people to recommend you to other events
Outlining with Pizzazz
Speakers
Presented By: Bonnie Emmorey
Eeeeek! Outlining? Many people get a headache just thinking about it, but this session will make outlining FUN! Learn to put your messages together so they are creative and memorable. Learn the secrets of outlining, and take home the tools to make it happen without breaking a sweat.
Props to You
Speakers
Presented By: Lisa Saruga
Each year people ask, “How do I spice up my speaking?” Using visual metaphors can not only make your presentation more interesting and memorable, props can also lead audiences to your back table. This session will include:
Preparing Your Personal Testimony
Speakers
Presented By: Carol Kent
Have you ever wondered what to include in the story of your life? Every Christian has a personal testimony, and God can use your journey to offer hope to someone else. Come to this session to learn how to concisely share your testimony in a way that will positively impact listeners.
Whether you’re sharing your story from a public platform or in an informal setting, you can communicate your faith journey with confidence, authenticity, and conviction. This session will help you decide what to delete and what to include as you point people to everlasting hope.
Turn Your Talk Into a Podcast Interview
Speakers
Presented By: Linda Goldfarb
No matter your speaking topic, you have a podcast-worthy message. During this hands-on workshop, Linda will walk you through her fail proof L.I.S.T. method of preparation for podcast interviews to help you create one to two interview topics you can offer podcasters immediately. Come prepared with the following written down:
- A two sentence summary of your signature talk.
- What makes you an expert in this field?
- Who your ideal audience is.
That’s it! Linda is excited to help your next interviews be your best.
Aim for Results
Speakers
Presented By: Bonnie Emmorey
Are you interested in taking your speaking to the next level? Do you want to go from Inspirational to Transformational? This session will give you the tools to make that happen. Discover the secret to having your audience actually remember and apply your message to their own lives. Learn to work within an aim frame, and you will never be long-winded again. This technique will give your audience take-home value.
Creating a Message that Sparkles
Speakers
Presented By: Mary R. Snyder
What makes some messages stand out above others? It’s the sparkle that captivates the audience. In this workshop Mary will deliver techniques that can help you create the wow factor when presenting. You’ll learn:
- The foundation of a message
- How to craft a captivating message
- Lock in your anchor dates/ locations
- Techniques for getting your audience involved
- Making an impact with or without visuals
- Developing confidence with Q&A sessions
You will walk away with a Book Launch plan that you can set in motion immediately, whether your book came out last year or is coming out next week.
You’ll walk away from this workshop feeling more energized and empowered in your communication skills.
Writers
How to Craft a Winning Non-Fiction Book Proposal
Writers
Presented By: Cindy Lambert
A book proposal that catches the attention—positive attention—of an acquiring editor and other publishing professionals needs more than just the inclusion of the right items. It needs to be based on a unique and winning idea; it needs the right tone; it needs the right ingredients, and it needs to be the best possible example of your writing ability. Learn how to create a compelling proposal from an editor responsible for discovering and publishing some of the most admired Christian authors writing today.
Get Ready for Your 15-Minute Appointments with Agents and Editors
Writers
Presented By: Bethany Jett
Your 15-minute pitch session with agents and editors could be your ticket to a successful writing career. But how do you make the most of those precious minutes?
In this workshop, Bethany Jett will teach you everything you need to know to create a captivating pitch that will leave agents and editors eager to represent you. You’ll learn how to:
- Research agents and publishing houses ahead of time to tailor your pitch to their interests.
- Craft a one-line pitch that hooks your audience and highlights the unique selling points of your book.
- Compare your book to two or three comparable titles that have been successful in recent years.
- Prepare for questions about your book, your writing process, and your publishing goals.
- Present yourself professionally and confidently.
- Have a backup idea in case they’re not interested in your first pitch.
Whether you’re a new writer or a seasoned pro, this workshop is essential for anyone who wants to land a literary agent or publishing deal.
Opportunities in the Children’s Market
Writers
Presented By: Crystal Bowman
Writing for children is fun, but fun does not mean easy—and the more you learn about writing for children, the harder it gets. There are many opportunities to write for children, but writers need to learn what publishers are looking for and how to write for specific markets.
In this session, writers will learn:
- The variety of subgenres within children’s literature
- Identifying your target audience
- How to use literary devices and language to engage children
- What types of children’s books publishers are looking for
- Why picture books are a difficult to get published and challenging to market
- The pros and cons of independent publishing and traditional publishing
How to Launch Your Book without Burnout
Writers
Presented By: Katie M. Reid
Launching a book is demanding, there is always more you could do. Discover how to prepare for the raising of your “book baby”, not just for its delivery. Through organizational tips, interview pitches, gathering a team, and plotting out a doable timeline, you will walk away with a plan of action to launch your book in life-giving ways!
Act Like a Writer, Think Like a Business
Writers
Presented By: Kia Stephens
Many writers dream of earning a great income solely as a professional writer. Let’s face it, the reality is, many writers don’t make a lot of money doing their craft. If a writer is going to make writing a profession instead of a hobby he/she will need to create multiple streams of income, but how? In this workshop Kia will tackle business basics she began to implement in order to generate additional streams of income that any writer can follow.
Building Your Author Platform from the Ground Up
Writers
Presented By: Dan Balow
This single session will outline the process of building an author marketing platform from beginning stages to a long-term effective tool. Moving quickly through the process of determining your message to implementing all the pieces, this single session will be information overload, but a necessary start.
Writing with Power & Grace
Writers
Presented By: Ann Swindell
In this practical session, author, speaker, (and former college writing professor) Ann Swindell will cover key elements of the writing craft to help propel your writing from mediocre to distinctive. Through writing prompts paired with craft insights, Ann will help you learn:
- How to harness language for maximum impact on the page
- How to shape the overall flow of your piece so that it doesn’t drag
- How to offer spiritual on-ramps for your reader with winsomeness and honesty
The truth is that writing is hard and holy work, and for you to be able to do what you’re called to do, you need to be equipped in that calling—that’s why you’re here at Speak Up in the first place! Join us in this breakout for spiritual encouragement paired with practical writing tools to help you move forward in pursuing your calling as a writer.
Outsmart AI: Write from the HEART
Writers
Presented By: Darlene Larson
To do this requires you to sit and write. You crave to write and publish and to make a difference with your story. But the negative backlash from your thoughts cause many stop-and-gos as it is hard! As you learn to bleed on the page, you touch the heart of your troubled, traumatized, and tired reader, by offering your heartfelt words, an exchange of love. Let your human heart guide your writing.
Join this workshop and learn the HEART ingredients to bare your heart on the page and succeed in writing for blogs, magazines, and or books, while you outsmart AI.
Using the Pyramid Method to Write Winning Articles
Writers
Presented By: Cheri Cowell
How do writers turn out one winning article after another? They have a formula. Learn how to use the article pyramid to turn out publisher-approved articles like the pros.
The Joy of Writing and Publishing Devotions
Writers
Presented By: Sandi Banks
Your stories can impact the world, one heart at a time! Join Sandi Banks for this interactive, inspiring, informative workshop. Here, you will learn key elements for effectively writing devotions, then get them into the publishers’ hands and the readers’ hearts.
What’s so intriguing and rewarding about devotional writing? It communicates truth, heart-to-heart, and points the reader upward for encouragement and connection with God—all in a five-minute-or-less read. Sandi defines devotional writing as a “nugget of truth, wrapped in a story, immersed in insight, served with grace.” Come discover what that means and how God can use your gifts and experiences to honor Him and offer hope to a hurting world.
More than Just Writing Your Memoir
Writers
Presented By: Susan Call & Lisa Saruga
You’re ready to share your story. What things should you consider if you’re thinking about writing your memoir? And, what are effective ways to use your story and increase your reach? We’ll explore a variety of options for you to maximize your impact, from memes, blogs, articles, and podcasts to legislation and more.
Ministry Development
Overcoming the Imposter Syndrome
Ministry Development
Presented By: Christina Custodio
Are you attending this conference with a sense of calling but feeling unworthy or unprepared? Have you struggled to accept the place the Lord has prepared for you? It’s time to break free from the labels imposed by the world and discover who God says you are.
In this transformative breakout session, we’ll dive into the challenges that hold us back from saying ‘yes’ to God’s call on our life. We’ll confront our fears, failures, and feelings of unworthiness head-on. Together, we will overcome the Imposter Syndrome.
Breakout Highlights:
- Understanding Your Calling: Explore the concept of calling and gain clarity on where God has called you.
- Confronting Fears and Failures: Discover effective strategies to overcome the fear of failure that often holds us back.
- Embracing Your Identity in Christ: Uncover the truth about who God says you are and break free from external labels.
- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Learn practical techniques to silence self-doubt and imposter feelings.
- Building Confidence and Resilience: Develop the inner strength and resilience needed to fully embrace your calling.
Together, we will overcome the Imposter Syndrome and step boldly into the calling that God has placed upon our lives.
Investing in Futures
Ministry Development
Presented By: Bruce Martin
This session is based on Jesus’ teaching in Luke 19 the Parable of the Minas. Attendees will learn how all of life is a stewardship, an entrustment, and we’re invited to invest our life in what matters most. Our life is awarded by God, and when we steward it for His glory, we are rewarded with greater opportunities. We’re stewarding our time, talent and treasure by investing in the lives of others. And we’re not only making a difference in the future of a few, we’re making a difference in the future of our world and culture. On top of all that, we’re investing in our own future as we look forward to the Judgment Seat of Christ. And in God’s economy, the reward is radically disproportionate to the investment! You will leave this session with a renewed sense of purpose and mission in your writing and speaking.
10 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Website
Ministry Development
Presented By: AAron conrad
Is your website working for you even when you’re not working? A good website should attract, nurture, and convert passive visitors into paying customers. If your website is underperforming, or you don’t yet have one, don’t miss this session! You’ll learn the top 10 mistakes to avoid on your website so you can make the impact and income you deserve in your ministry or business!
Healthy Boundaries for the Writer and Speaker
Ministry development
Presented By: Brenda Yoder
Putting yourself in the public arena through speaking, writing, or social media creates a new dynamic of vulnerability and privacy for you and your family. In this workshop, speaker, author, counselor, and healthy boundaries trainer Brenda L. Yoder provides practical tools for creating healthy boundaries as a professional in the public eye while still building relationships with your audience and followers.
Pinterest Power
Ministry Development
Presented By: Ginny Davidson
Learn Pinterest as the power tool it is, connecting you to future readers and ministry connections. Learn the importance of a branded page, organized pins, pin creation, and SEO to advance views. Leave the session with a clear understanding of what Pinterest is, how to set it up, and how to stand out in the application.
Ministry Shift: How to Adjust Your Plans to God’s Purpose
Ministry Development
Presented By: Bruce Martin
Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” We often get discouraged when what we planned doesn’t come together in our ministry or career. But sometimes it’s because God’s purpose is prevailing and He’s moving us in a different direction, or adding a new component to our existing ministry. This session will help attendees adapt to and embrace the risks of change when it’s essential for the advancement of God’s greater purposes.
Maximizing Your Ministry Budget on a Dime
Ministry Development
Presented By: Rachel Wojo
Is your ministry budget limiting your vision? It doesn’t have to! In this breakout session, you’ll learn how to create funding that follows God’s call on your life. You’ll appreciate Rachel’s practical advice on remaining debt-free while building and scaling a ministry.
- Embrace simple accounting and budgeting methods.
- Freshen the way you use your ministry dollars.
- Expand your budget with out-of-the-box thinking.
- Learn how to find free and low-dollar methods to deliver your services and resources to those who need them.
Collaboration Multiplies Ministry
Ministry Development
Presented By: Rachael adams
Rachael loves collaborating with other writers and speakers. She’s hosting her sixth season of The Love Offering podcast and has interviewed over 250 men and women. She also invites women to contribute to her blog and submit devotions to include in lead magnets hosted on her website. She has collaborated with over 200 writers through her blog series and free devotional downloads. In this session, writers and speakers can learn about the spiritual and practical mutual benefits of working together through:
- Podcast interviews
- Lead magnet creation
- Course creation
- Social media lives
- Guest blog posts
- Co-hosting conferences
Build Your Brand
Ministry Development
Presented By: Suzanne Kuhn
Your brand is your promise of what your audience should expect to receive from interaction with you and your product(s). In this session, we explore means for discovering, defining, embracing, and promoting your personal brand. We will discuss key components to successful branding, do’s and don’ts of branding, and the benefits of taking the time to create and build a unique brand.
Logos Bible Software Training
Ministry Development
Presented By: scott lindsey
Communication that produces change happens when we apply the truth of God’s word to people’s lives. Today in ministry, we must be prepared to share the truth of Scripture to a culture that has gone digital.
This interactive workshop will demonstrate the use of Logos Bible Software for effective speaking preparation, writing research, and personal Bible study. What usually takes five to 10 hours of flipping through paper books for speaking prep and Bible study can be done in seconds – and the depth of study is unparalleled!
Logos 10 gives you access to your entire biblical library wherever you are because it is compatible with Mac®, PC, iPad®, iPhone®, and Android™ – this ease of use and power of Logos will be clearly taught and demonstrated.
Facing Criticism with Confidence
Ministry Development
Presented By: Jeri Howe
Whose words are allowed the power to ruin your day? What criticism could make you abandon your dream? I believe criticism should never be allowed to destroy your dreams or your day. I am convinced that the purpose of criticism is to help us to do the work God has called us to do… better! This workshop offers a set of filters and practices that help us react positively to criticism from many sources, so we can benefit and grow as communicators and face criticism with confidence.
The Importance of Story in Speaking & Writing
Ministry Development
Presented By: Debbie Alsdorf
Everybody loves a good story. Stories paint pictures, engage, stimulate and open dialogue and thought. As Christian communicators it’s important to learn to harness the power and craft of telling stories in our writing and speaking. Jesus taught in stories and parables to drive a point home to his listeners, so it makes sense that we too learn to use the power of story to enhance our ministries. This workshop will help you define the stories that match your calling and craft your stories so you are prepared to use them. We will also be looking at the fine tuning of telling our hard stories in a way that honors God and respects others.
Instagramming Your Message, Shining Your Light
Ministry Development
Presented By: Shannon Popkin
What photos should you snap? What words should you share? What captions should you include? What mood should you create? Come get perspective and guidance for curating an Instagram presence that fits your personality, and shines your light.
In this hands-on workshop, I’m sharing ten practical tips for Instagramming your message in a way that both serves your purpose and your audience.
Mastering the Podcast Interview
Ministry Development
Presented By: Amber Cullum
You’ve heard a good way to MARKET your book and message is by APPEARING on podcasts, but you want to strengthen your interview skills before you begin accepting interviews. If that describes you, don’t miss these session details:
- Gain valuable insights on how to prepare for the interview.
- Explore the importance of bringing your genuine self to the podcast interview.
- Curate 2-3 stories that align with the podcast’s theme, engage the listeners, and spread your message.
- Learn techniques for listening actively, responding thoughtfully to the host’s questions, and seamlessly integrating your key messages.
Overcoming the Lies Hindering Your Ministry
Ministry Development
Presented By: Shellie Arnold
Being obedient to God can make you appear brave even when you’re not. How do you move forward when you’re afraid? Does sensing God’s call invoke fear of faith? Sometimes when God calls, we allow our fear to be an obstacle to obedience. Instead of hesitating, learn to find the courage to respond with “send me.”
Our Virtual Team
The virtual conference would not be possible without our incredible virtual team!
Carol Tetzlaff
Virtual Producer
Ginny Davidson
Assistant Virtual Producer
Becky Antkowiak
Virtual Hostess
Micah Juntunen
Assistant Virtual Hostess
Andrew Hamlet
VIDEOGRAPHER
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions that have not been answered, please get in touch with us.
You will find it on our Virtual Conference Schedule page.
All attendees will find daily links in our private Facebook group.
Attendees will receive an access link to all their breakout sessions on July 13th. You will be able to watch them whenever you want.
Yes, you can upgrade to access all 42 sessions by registering here. The cost is an extra $199. If you know you’ll want access to all 42 sessions, you can save $49 by registering for the All Access package now!
Attendees registered for pre-recorded pre-cons during registration. You will receive an email on July 12th with information on how to join your sessions.
It is an opportunity for you to connect with faculty members and attendees in a small group setting. They will be available during each of the breakout sessions. You will find the link on the private Facebook page.