Schedule
Click on a speaker’s name to view a photo and bio. View maps of the venue to see room locations. Detailed descriptions of the Friday workshops and other additional information can be found in our convention app.
Thursday, October 17
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Boxed Lunch Pickup (tour attendees only)
Ballroom Foyer
9 AM - 1 PM
Media Tours: Edelman, Intervarsity Press, Shiloh church, WBBM-CBS affiliate, WLS-ABC affiliate
Sign-ups open until noon on Oct. 14
Student attendees have priority
Sign up at bottom of registration page
Meet at bus area at least 45-60 minutes before tour starts
An email with details will go out Wednesday evening
9 AM - 11 AM
Union Publication Editors’ Meeting (self-led)
Heron
9 AM - 11 AM
Conference Comm Director Meet & Greet (self-led)
Cardinal Room
10 AM - 7 PM
Registration
South East Foyer
1 PM - 1:40 PM
Student Orientation
Cardinal/Heron Rooms
1:45 PM - 5:30 PM
General Session and Activities
Featured speakers
“Stories that Hurt, Stories That Heal in a Divided America” - Presented by Bekah McNeel
Based on her new book, This is Going to Hurt: Following Jesus in a Divided America, award-winning journalist Bekah McNeel explains how the gospels model a style of story telling that keeps wholeness and oneness at the center as it addresses the suffering of our day, and leads us away from "us vs. them" thinking.
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“Decoding the AI Communication Puzzle: A Pragmatic Guide to Pros, Pitfalls & Possibilities” - Presented by Dewey Murdick
This talk offers a practical roadmap for communicators navigating the AI landscape. We'll peel back the curtain on how AI actually works, then explore its transformative impact on communication – highlighting both the benefits and pitfalls. Discover real-world examples, learn key strategies for implementation, and gain insights to stay ahead in this fast-paced field.
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Crisis Communication group activity
Kevin Lampe and Greg Dunn
Ballroom F - J
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Opening Reception & Exhibits
Sponsored by AdventSource
South East Foyer
Friday, October 18
7 AM - 8 AM
Breakfast
Sponsored by Adventist HealthCare
The Marquis
8 AM - 4 PM
Registration
South East Foyer
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Keynote Address
“Leveraging Data to Drive a More Effective Communication Strategy”
Presented by Lynn Hanessian
Chief Strategist for Edelman worldwide
Creative and impactful communications are guided by analytics: informed by stakeholder priorities, refined by audience testing and assessed by measurable results. We'll explore why and how data is central to communications strategy and success.
Ballroom F - J
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Workshops: Session 1 - Breakout Rooms
Design
“Graphic Design as a Mission”
Presented by Emily Harding
With 27 years of creative ministry experience, Emily has contributed her design skills to healthcare, evangelism, fundraising, publishing, and more. Passionate about empowering graphic designers to enhance church ministries, she specializes in print design, design principles, and information hierarchy. Emily advocates for curiosity, research, collaboration, and efficiency to create lasting impact.
Conference Dining Room
Written Word
“Developing the Written Word”
Presented by Nicole Dominguez
Words have power, but how do they exist in other formats? This seminar is designed to take a closer look at the practical aspects of writing for digital media, print publication, and scriptwriting.
Cardinal
Communication and AI
“10x Your Skills With AI”
Presented by Ernesto Hernandez
DuPage Amphitheater
Photography
"Elevating Your How by Deepening Your Why: Using Your Images To Create Relevant Stories"
Presented by Ronald Pollard
Discover how deepening your creative rationale and spiritual sensitivities can elevate the quality of your craft. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this workshop will help you create powerful, relevant stories through your photography.
Mallard
Smart Communication
"Fierce Self-Compassion for Communication Specialists"
Presented by Dr. Tanya Cochran
Self-compassion is the skill of treating oneself in the same way one would treat a beloved family member or friend when they are suffering: with kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. In this presentation (a follow-up to past SAC sessions), we move beyond that traditional notion of self-compassion--which focuses on kindness and understanding towards oneself during difficult times-- to include a more assertive and proactive stance. Key aspects of fierce self-compassion include practicing assertiveness, courage, self- protection, empowerment, and taking action. Both the tender and fierce sides of self-compassion are necessary for us to thrive at home, at church, and at work.
Heron
12:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Lunch
Sponsored by Adventist Connect
The Marquis
12:45 PM - 1:30 PM
SAC Business Meeting (during lunch)
The Marquis
2 PM - 3:30 PM
Workshops: Session 2 - Breakout Rooms
Podcasting
Presented by Kirk Nugent
Cardinal
Photography:
"Deeper Dive"
Presented by Ronald Pollard
Bring your cameras! This deeper dive will allow those in attendance the opportunity to fine-tune directly on their instrument. Settings, tips, and much more will take your photography to the next level.
Mallard
Communication Law & Copyright
“The Intersection of Communication Law, AI, and Intellectual Property”
Presented by Donald E. Martin
Heron
Integrated Communication & Reputation Management
“Build a Strong Reputation Management Program” Presented by Carolina Anthony
Join AdventHealth's Reputation Management leaders as they share how to build a strong reputation management program. From community engagement to crisis and issues management and nurturing social sentiment, learn how AdventHealth built one of the top reputation management programs in the country.
Conference Dining Room
PR and Crisis Communication
Panel Discussion moderated by Greg Dunn
DuPage Amphitheater
3:30 PM - 4 PM
Break
Ballroom Foyer
4 PM - 5:30 PM
Workshops: Session 3 - Breakout Rooms
Social Media
"Onyx Family and Social Media"
Presented by The Onyx Family
Mallard
Media Production
"The Craft of Production and Storytelling"
Presented by Paulette Gates
Cardinal
Communication Education
“Mock Interviews or Resume Reviews for Students”
Facilitated by Matt Webster
DuPage Amphitheater
Professional Development
“Fueling Your Career Growth and Maximizing Your Organizational Impact: A Practical Framework”
Presented by Costin Jordache
Conference Dining Room
Digital Media
“TechTalk Break Down: How Do These Things Really Work?”
Presented by Bryant Taylor
Heron
6 PM - 7 PM
Dinner
The Marquis
7 PM - 8:30 PM
Evening Program with Featured Speaker:
Jo Ann Davidson, “Sabbath Is a Gift, not a Chore”
Ballroom F - J
8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
S’mores Afterglow
Sponsored by Adventist Learning Community
Sabbath, October 19
8:30 AM - 10 AM
Breakfast
Sponsored by Adventist Health
The Marquis
12:00 PM
Group Photo
As instructed
12:30 PM
Box Lunch Pickup
South East Foyer
1:15 PM - 5 PM
Sabbath Afternoon Excursions:
1. “Unshackled” radio program/Pacific Garden Mission Tour (limited number)
2. Photo tour of “Iconic Chicago” (limited number) with Daniel Weber
Meet at bus area
7 PM - 9:30 PM
Awards Banquet
Ballroom F - J