Due to all of the challenges connected to the COVID-19 global pandemic, we are hosting our first virtual Speak Up Conference on July 8-10!

You may already know that our goal at this annual event is to equip the next generation of Christian speakers and writers.  Many of you have indicated an interest in attending, but due to the costs associated with the registration fee, transportation, and lodging, that hasn't been possible--until NOW!

This year, for the first time, you can select one of three conference packages that best fits your needs--and your budget--and you'll be able to attend from your own computer screen.

We offer a writing track and a speaking track.  There will be 4 live keynote sessions that include worship, and messages from powerful presenters, including Liz Curtis Higgs. There are 42 breakout sessions and depending upon which package you choose, you could actually attend both tracks due to the flexibility of a virtual conference.

If you register for the Classic or Premiere package, you'll have opportunities for one-on-one ZOOM meetings with publishers, acquisition editors, author mentors, speaker mentors, platform specialists, speaking and writing coaches, and additional industry experts.

With the Classic or Premier package, in the speakers’ track, you have an opportunity to try out what you are learning in small interactive groups with a trained professional leading the feedback. In the writers’ track, you will meet in small groups and have a 1st Page Peer Critique session with a trained professional giving you valuable feedback.

Our dynamic keynote speaker is Liz Curtis Higgs. She is biblical, encouraging, down-to-earth, and profoundly funny, helping people to embrace the truth of God’s amazing, unchanging grace.

You will have the opportunity to register for one of nine pre-conference options, covering both speaking and writing topics.  With going virtual, you can actually select even more pre-conference sessions, and enjoy them at your own convenience.

This year we have a number of additional ministry-enhancing opportunities. If you need assistance with updating your look, image consultant Shari Braendel will be available for appointments. If you are in the writing track, you’ll have the opportunity of submitting a short story, article, devotional, or poem (300-1,000 word limit) to Cheri Cowell, publisher of EABooks. If your submission is selected, it will be published in a book that you will be able to purchase at a discounted rate for resale, making you a published author. You will also have the opportunity to submit ten pages of a book proposal or manuscript to Blythe Daniel for review before the conference.

We are already anticipating what God will do and realizing that because we're "going virtual," more of you will be able to tap into the training Speak Up offers than ever before.

One of my favorite evaluations from a past participant is: “I thought I was registering for a Christian equipping conference, but beyond the extraordinary training, my heart was revived and encouraged. This conference more than met my expectations and it has revolutionized the way I do ministry.”

Check out the incredible faculty and staff who will be presenting.  We're praying that it will be possible for you to join us on July 8-10.  We look forward to seeing you!