Communications, Media & Technology
Improving visitor experience through identification & directional signage
Sessions B & C
Presented by: Al Ross
This presentation will educate attendees on the critical role signage plays in improving visitor experience through Identification and Directional Signage. We will explore the fundamentals of effective signage—from design principles and material selection to placement strategies. Signage examples will highlight how signage impacts visibility, foot traffic, and brand perception. Attendees gain insights into current trends, including digital signage and sustainability, as well as practical guidance on planning, budgeting, and execution. This session will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed signage decisions that drive results for your church or nonprofit organization.
Cybersecurity checklist for churches
Sessions C & D
Presented By: Travis Phipps
Every church leader is worried about protecting their church from the threats faced in our hyper-connected world. Every day we hear of new attacks causing harm and loss to organizations of all types, including churches. But how do you know where to start? How do you know what protections to implement? How do you know if you’re overpaying—or not paying enough—for the important protections you need?
By the end of this workshop, attendees will be able to:
1. Walk away with a physical checklist of cybersecurity protections explained in church-specific language.
2. Have informed conversations with the IT teams and their church leadership about the risks they face and how to practically protect against them.
3. Understand what they can do immediately, at no cost, to dramatically improve their cybersecurity posture.
4. Know what solutions they should explore that will cost additional money but are well worth the smart stewardship investment.
cyber ride along: Real incidents, emerging threats (including AI), and what churches can do
Session A
Presented By: Austin Bryan
Ministries are being targeted more than ever before. By walking through real incidents, we will provide an understanding of how cyberattacks begin, how to prevent them, and what their impact is. We will also explore new and emerging threats, discuss how AI and other developments are changing the threat landscape, and provide practical, ministry-appropriate solutions to participants.
Ministry and IT in sync: aligning people, process, and technology
Session B
Presented By: Austin Bryan
When church administration and IT work in silos, frustration grows and ministry slows down. This workshop discusses how to bridge that gap through better communication, clearer processes, and a shared understanding of goals. Inspired by The Phoenix Project and real church challenges, we’ll explore how to reduce friction and turn IT into a strategic ministry partner.
By the end of this workshop, attendees will be able to:
1. Spot and reduce common process bottlenecks.
2. Communicate across technical and non-technical roles.
3. Collaborate effectively to define goals and ministry outcomes.
4. Reframe IT as a partner that’s a force multiplier rather than a source of frustration.
AI for everyday ministry: a live demo for beginners on saving time
Session C
Presented By: Austin Bryan
Whether you’re brand new to AI or have used it before and want to start utilizing it fully, this session will give you hands-on ways to use AI tools like ChatGPT to boost productivity, brainstorm faster, and serve your ministry more effectively.
By the end of this workshop, attendees will be able to:
1. Understand the way LLMs operate, effective prompting, and time-saving techniques.
2. Explore example prompts, workflows, and custom GPTs to begin automating everyday tasks.
3. Identify meaningful use cases and articulate what ethical AI use looks like in a ministry setting.