NRB Conference to Focus on Issues, Concerns for Christian Media

By Alex Murashko, CP Contributor Thursday, July 25, 2013

The National Religious Broadcasters association plans to host a conference focused on the issues, concerns, and opportunities facing media professionals involved in Christian ministry, broadcasting, and electronic media that is planned for next month in Plano, Texas.

The Summer Innovation Exchange (SIE) to be held Aug. 6-7 offers "like-minded communicators the opportunity to glean from each other the best ideas and practices for more effective ministry and business," say NRB organizers of the event.

Station managers, CEOs, consultants, Internet/social media administrators, marketing/PR representatives, media producers, and development directors are scheduled to come together for breakout sessions moderated by notable leaders in each field.

"The Summer Innovation Exchange is an opportunity for Christian media professionals to charge their creativity and create life-impacting connections," says Melissa Sturgis, NRB's Director of Membership. "I encourage Christian communicators in all areas to join us, to bring their issues and ideas, and to let their peers and counterparts speak inspiring and encouraging words over them and their work."

Hope for the Heart Ministries, a ministry of June Hunt, is co-hosting the event with NRB. Hunt is one of the world's leading biblical counselors as an author and speaker. In addition to connecting with like-minded communicators, SIE participants will have the opportunity to tour the Hope Center, which is home to more than 40 organizations, including the Association of Christian Schools International (South-Central Region), e3 Partners Ministry, the Global Aid Network (a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ), I Am Second, Josh McDowell Ministry, and Liberty Institute.

Hunt is one of the scheduled speakers at the conference along with Kerby Anderson, president of Probe Ministries International, and Kelly Shackelford, president and CEO of Liberty Institute.

Doug Price, director of Broadcast and Media at Hope for the Heart, and moderator of this year's SIE breakout session on Fundraising/Marketing/PR, adds: "Last year, as a breakout facilitator, I was impressed by the wide-ranging benefits of the Summer Innovation Exchange to Christian communicators. In fact, I'm so convinced of its benefits that I'm facilitating again this year, and my organization, Hope for the Heart, is sponsoring the event."

This year, the leadership team that will moderate the various breakout sessions include: Tom McCabe, president, Pursuant KMA; Roger Kemp, president, Roger Kemp and Company; Ronald L. Harris, president, MEDIAlliance International; Douglas E. Price, director of Broadcast and Media, Hope For The Heart; Donna Jones, vice president, Living Bridge Media; and Christopher Gould, vice president, National Program Development, Salem Communications Corporation.

For more information for the Summer Innovation Exchange, go to www.nrb.org/events/innovation-exchange.