MAIN SESSIONS
*Subject to change & still being tweaked
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Why Your Ministry Matters with Kristen Welch
Have you ever been tempted to give up on your dream, idea, or ministry? This session is all about lighting the fire burning inside you for the passion God has given you. Your unique calling and gifts are more than whimsical musings. They are necessary to change the world. It’s not going to be easy, but when you are clear on why it’s important, you’ll find the strength, joy, and conviction you need to press on with the mission of your heart boldly.
Intentional Worshippers, Powerful Warriors with Holley Gerth
This world tells us we need to do more, try harder and get it all done faster. Isn’t this the way to win? But God extends a very different invitation—to come to Him. If you’re weary, overwhelmed or on the edge of burn out then it’s time to embrace a different way of living, working and doing battle. Holley will share a transformational message drawn from her own journey, Scripture and what she’s learned from connecting with thousands of women. We are worshipers. We are warriors. We are a force to be reckoned with in this generation.
Navigating Social Media/Best Practices and Online Etiquette with Anna LeBaron
Anna brings a fresh perspective on a unique marketing philosophy to help you grow an audience-focused social media platform rather than one that is all about you. You will learn best practices for Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; to “play nicely” with the algorithms; and to harness the power of social media for good in order to broadcast your message and connect with your target audience.
The Power of Well-Written Words with Tricia Goyer
We’ve all heard that content is king but how do we turn that into actionable intel? It begins with your warrior stance. In this session, we’ll cover where your best material comes from, when to break the rules, and what you should be ignoring. God’s words have power, and with God in you, your words do, too. Throw the box away and explore new ideas for sharing your story, your passion, and your gifts with the world around you.
Speaking in Public (Everyone Has to Do It) with a Panel
Some women make speaking in public look as natural as breathing, but some women will deny their callings just to get out of being on stage. Either way, every woman wrestles with being fearless and effective when it’s her turn in the spotlight. In this session, you’ll get insider secrets from industry professionals who have been in your shoes. Open the door to compelling speaking when you use these tactics and tips to make your message memorable.
Hands-on Graphics with Michelle Acker
Who’s ready to have some fun? Engaging graphics are the front line of any mission or ministry. Your ability to grab the attention of your audience is what causes them to click on your link, engage with your content, and be moved by your message. Creating stunning graphics is easy when you use a blueprint and then color outside the lines. Join Declare’s own creative guru as she shares everything you need to know about digital design, overcoming your fears, and how much fun you can have when you let yourself play for a purpose.
Content Strategy is Key with Kat Lee
Creating content that captures your message and your audience is what it’s all about, but if you don’t have a plan in place to propel your work forward, you’ll miss the mark. Don’t let content creation become an exhausting, endless hamster wheel. Learn simple strategies and systems that will increase your effectiveness and decrease your effort. This session is all about creating a plan, getting organized, and reaching the people God created you to encourage and equip.
Engaging Your Community with Emily Thomas
Authenticity, vulnerability, and bravery are the hallmarks of attracting the people you want to serve, but how do you interact with them in a way that builds trust, friendship, and your tribe? In this session, you’ll learn the great content secret, how to trigger a response, and what you need to do to keep the conversation growing. You’re about to access a best-friend community that is more than just a one-way street. The real magic of engagement is what it does for you.
Building & Nurturing an Email List for Your Unique Brand with Jeni B
This isn’t your typical “give ’em a free download and watch the magic happen” onslaught of ideas. Instead, it’s a 100% practical session for helping you develop your email strategy—from determining IF a lead magnet is appropriate for your ministry/business, and then walking you through not just what to offer, but how to nurture your relationship with your email list to create engagement and get your beloved subscribers to take action. We’ll talk about what you can stop doing right away so you can focus on the true goals of email marketing: building trust, connecting with the women who follow you, and getting them to take action: whether that’s reading the latest blog post you’ve crafted, clicking through to check out an affiliate offer, or buying the book or course you’ve created to help them at a deeper level. When you implement this strategy, you’ll start getting love notes from True Fans of your work…and who knows? You might just fall in love with them a little yourself.
Purposeful Not Paralyzed with Jen Weaver & Kristin Lemus
Ok, so now what do you do? Now that the conference is ending and you’ve learned a ton, what are the steps that you take for your unique ministry? Let’s identify the things that have tripped you up in the past and give you the permission you need to take the next steps. Build an actionable plan as you learn how to posture your heart and your dreams for success.
Real Talk with Jan Greenwood
It’s about to get real, Y’all. In this session, we talk about the things we don’t talk about as Christian communicators. We talk about the expectations we never expected and the reality of our realities. We’ll cover our place in this place and ultimately find revelation in the reveal. We are going to come out from under the veil into the light. Before you leave this session, you’ll feel the freedom, inspiration and powerful motivation to pursue your next assignment from the Lord boldly.
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BREAKOUTS
Podcasting
Get Your Podcast Started with Heather MacFadyen
Whether you want to start a podcast, or you’ve recently begun one, some best practices will simplify your process, expand your reach, and keep you focused on your goals. Forget every overwhelming article you’ve read and join in this session for practical and inspirational advice from someone who has made every mistake, learned from them, and shaped her podcast into one of the most successful shows available to Christian moms today.
Podcasting Hacks for Hosts (Panel)
Podcasts are a growing phenomenon with undeniable potential for reaching your audience, networking and earning an income. But if you’ve hosted one for any length of time, you know that it can be time-consuming and confusing. In this session, you’ll hear from a panel of podcasters who are ready and willing to not only share their favorite podcasting hacks but to answer your questions as well. Join the conversation in this session that will help you get some answers and a few new ideas for streamlining the process.
Speaking
Social Media Live with Rachael Gilbert
It’s no secret that live videos are the future of connecting with your audience. So how do you approach it in a way that helps you be fearless, deliver great content, and effectively grow your mission or ministry? In this session, Declare’s favorite introvert, Rachael Gilbert, will lead you through how she got over herself and how you can, too. In this session, you’ll debunk every hesitation and gain the confidence you need to put your best face forward. No lipstick required.
Public Speaking (for Speakers) with Amie Stockstill
Whether you’re on the road to becoming the next Christine Caine, or you are happy to speak at your home church once per year, you can make your messages more memorable by leaning into a few essential principles. Your confidence on stage isn’t about your message in the way you would think. In this session, you’ll learn from someone who learned the hard way what it takes to raise up your voice and have fun while you do it.
Blogging/Writing
Web Development Changes & Challenges in 2018 and Beyond with Susan Ramsey
Did you know that WordPress is fun? Fall in love with your website and get lost in plug-ins and design. In this session, you’ll learn about building a site for your readers, getting the biggest bang for your buck, and how to keep up with all the new trends and functionality even if you are seriously tech-challenged. We’ll also cover the most important things your site needs to have to be GDPR compliant. Understanding this powerful tool has never been more fun. Make your website do the heavy lifting so you can focus on doing what you do best.
Winning the Battle for Balance with Michelle Acker
If you have ever thought there is no such thing as balance, have we got a surprise for you! Balance in your life, work, and soul is possible, and now the secret can be yours. If you want to get rid of striving, if you’re tired of being tired, or if you just want to do what you do without losing your mind, you’ll love this session. It’s about much more than time management and a great planner. Join Declare’s own mountain mover as she walks you through what balance is and how you can achieve it.
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PRECONFERENCE
(for those who purchase pre-conference tickets)
*Choice of 3
Branding & Marketing with Michelle Reising
Loosely speaking, when Jesus told the disciples to go forth and make disciples of all nations, he essentially wanted them to spread out and market his brand of love, grace, and redemption. If your goal is to get your God-given message or ministry out to the people who need it most, branding and marketing need to be part of the strategy. In this session, you’ll learn how to identify your unique brand that will help your target audience recognize and get comfortable with you. Then you’ll learn about some of the best ways to get that message out into the world. Never again will you ‘promote’ your work; instead, you’ll share it powerfully, intentionally, and with purpose.
Photography for Social Media with Megan Weaver
Photographs are the windows to your ministry. They give a visually appealing look at who you are and where your passion lies. But not everyone is a photographer, and even with advancing technology on mobile devices, there are ways to make our pictures tell a story and take your reader on a journey. Learn from an award-winning, professional fashion, lifestyle, and blogger photographer how to take great pictures that move people every time. Bring your SLR or mobile cameras and get ready to have some fun.
Book Writing with a Formula with Anna LeBaron
Eighty-one percent of American’s claim they want to write a book, but most never do, in part to the fact that getting a book from the inside of you to the outside of you is harder than it looks. In this session, you’ll walk through a step-by-step formula that will end in the completed first draft of your book. Now is your chance to get further with your idea than ever before and finally reach your dream of becoming a published author.
Standing Out in a Publishing World with Jevon Bolden
You know you’ve been called to write a book, but where do you start? In this 90-minute lab, Christian publishing professional, Jevon Bolden will help you demystify the inner workings of the publishing industry and discover seven proven strategies for standing out from the pack and getting your manuscript accepted. Helpful tips and insights include:
How to define your publishing goals
Why it’s critical to know your topic and audience well
How to get to know the industry
What a good agent can do for you
And much more!
By unlocking all seven secrets, you will learn how to successfully navigate the world of publishing and get your stamp of “ACCEPTED”!
Monetization Lab: Cover your costs or build a business that changes lives (yours included) with Jeni B
Let’s face it: we’d all love to help our followers for free, simply because we love our work. But if you spend years barely paying your site’s hosting costs and that tech gal you need to “make things work,” you’ll eventually burn out, decide that your family is getting the raw end of this “online platform” you’ve built, and throw in the fancy monogrammed towel. But what if you could make a part-time living doing the work you love and have more (not just money, but also more of yourself) to give back to your family? In this 100% practical monetization lab, we’ll break down the Big 7 ways to make money online: ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, book publishing, coaching/consulting, courses, and membership sites. Try to do them all, and you’ll go bazonkers. But we’ll take an honest look at what it really takes to be successful in each of these areas, chock full of examples of how it’s done well, so you can choose and pursue the best opportunity for you. At the end of this lab, you’ll leave with a game plan to focus your next year.
SEO with Holly Homer
You may have the most excellent content in the world, but if you aren’t in tune to how people search for it or how search engines choose to show it to your audience, your work will never reach its intended audience. This session will cover how to make Search Engine Optimization work for you through the use of keywords and more. You’ll learn how to strengthen your content and how quickly people find you by using a few simple methods you can master in no time. Your message matters, so make sure people can find it online.
You belong here! Our heart is to equip you to be an effective Christian communicator.