Regional conference schedule of events

Montreat • April 30 – May 2, 2008

Join us at Montreat Conference Center to listen, learn and dialogue with communication experts from inside and outside the Presbyterian Communicators Network. Here are some event highlights currently available along with the complete conference schedule.

Wednesday, April 30

Opening session 1–2 p.m.

Communicating Faith in a Web 2.0 World — The Rev. Shawn Coons, associate pastor in Houston, Texas, and founder and contributor to the online faith community Decently and in Order.

What does it mean to communicate about our faith and our church in a Web 2.0 world.  What are the ups and downs, where do ethics enter in, and how might this instantaneous, global environment affect our communications and the future of the church?  Come hear experts converse on this subject.

Workshops  2:30–4 p.m.

The Ins and Outs of Podcasting – Rob Allen, Director of Communications, Grace Presbytery

Podcasting, online video and blogging — what works best for which audience?  And how exactly do you do it?  Allen will give us an overview, and some practical step-by-step “how-tos.” 

Is MySpace also ChurchSpace? – Dana McMahan, Web content developer, and Bryce Hudson, Web designer for the General Assembly Council

MySpace is only one of the many social networking sites that you can be using to build online community within the church. Now there’s Facebook — and don’t forget Second Life.  Bring your laptop and follow along as McMahan and Hudson walk us through the one, two, threes of setting up a social network of your own for communication, fellowship and outreach.

Dinner 5:30–6:30 P.M.

Thursday, May 1

Breakfast 7:30–8:30 A.M.

Plenary  9:30–10:30 a.m.

Preview of the 218th General Assembly — Mindy Marchal, associate for creative services, General Assembly Council

With the PC(USA) holding their General Assemblies every two years the event is chock full of worship, business and celebrations. Ms. Marchal will give us a behind the scenes look at what to expect and some suggestions on how to interpret the event for your audience.

Workshop session 10:45–noon 

Evaluating your communications – Duane Sweep, director of communication, Synod of Lakes and Prairies

Do you ever get the feeling that you’re talking but no one is listening? During this session, Sweep will walk us through some very practical tips on how to look objectively at your communications, figure out what’s working and what’s not.  He’ll also give us some suggestions on how to improve our current strategies.

Communication Networks: A Step by Step Approach — Janet Tuck, director of communications for Synod of Living Waters

In our world of telecommuting this session is an opportunity to learn directly from Ms. Tuck, a network member and grassroots practitioner, how to easily and effectively set up an online network of communicators within your presbytery or synod and still not lose your sense of community. 

Lunch Noon-1 P.M.

Plenary  1-2 P.M.

How the Presbyterian Foundation is ramping up their marketing to reach a broader audience, and what can we learn from their example — Ryan Little, director of marketing, Presbyterian Foundation

Workshop 2:30–4 p.m.

Responding to a Crisis: What to Say and Not Say — Barry Creech, executive office communications coordinator, General Assembly Council

The phone rings and you freeze when the caller says, "This is Tom Brown with News Channel 6....", but it doesn’t have to be that way.  This session will give you practical guidelines for what to say, what not to say and to whom you respond in order to help get your message out in a clear and concise manner.

Spring Clean Your Writing — Toya Hill, reporter, Presbyterian News Service

If your communications aren’t getting the kind of results you want maybe it’s time to dust off your writing skills.  Hill, an accomplished reporter, will review some basics we may have forgotten and share up-to-date tips for effective Web writing.  She’ll also refresh our skills for writing to different audiences.

Friday, May 2

Breakfast 8–9 A.M.

Worship 9–9:30 A.M.
 
Plenary 9:30-10:30 A.M.

Effective communication for reaching the unchurched/dechurched — The Rev. Dr. Mark Giuliano, pastor at Montgomery Presbyterian Church and professor of Public Speaking and Leadership Communication at the Savannah College of Art and Design

We all have people in our communities that could benefit from developing a relationship with Jesus Christ, something our local churches can provide.  And we know that one of the best ways to introduce someone to a Christian life it to be invited by a friend.  But what are other ways we can reach out to the unchurched and dechurched?  How can we break down boundaries and reach over fences to welcome them into our communities of faith. The Rev. Dr. Guiliano shares his practices in this area that helped turn around a declining church, in both membership and stewardship.  Come learn from this successful practitioner.

Plenary 10:30-11:30 A.M.

Where we go from here — Mindy Marchal, associate for creative services, General Assembly Council, PC(USA), Louisville, Ky.