• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

LDSPMA

Empowering Latter-day Saints to spread light and truth by connecting them at the intersection of faith, creativity, and professional skill

  • Conference
    • 2025 Conference
      • Register
      • Sessions
      • Workshops
      • Awards Gala
      • LDSPMA’s Got (Secret) Talent!
    • FAQs
    • Volunteer
    • Past Conferences
      • 2024 Conference
        • Sessions
        • Workshops
        • ZIFF Networking Dinner
        • Schedule
      • 2023 Conference
        • Sessions
        • Workshops
        • Schedule
        • Sponsors & Vendors
      • 2022 Conference
        • Sessions
        • Workshops
        • Schedule and Maps
        • Photo Gallery
      • 2021 Conference
        • Sessions
        • Workshops
        • Schedule and Maps
      • 2020 Conference
        • Sessions
        • Workshops
        • Schedule
      • 2019 Conference
      • 2018 Conference
      • 2017 Conference
      • 2016 Conference
  • Membership
    • Email Sign Up (Free)
    • Monthly Zoom Discussions (Free)
    • Mentoring Program
    • LDSPMA Next Gen (Youth)
    • University Chapters
    • Facebook Group
  • Podcast
    • Watch
    • Listen
      • Listen on Apple Podcasts
      • Listen on Spotify
      • Listen on Buzzsprout
    • Submit a Creator Highlight
    • Called to Create Conversations
  • Articles
    • All Articles
    • Faith & Mindset
      • Gospel Principles
      • Creativity
      • Productivity
    • Craft Skills
      • Writing
      • Media, Film & Theater
      • Podcasting & Speaking
      • Music
      • Fine Art
    • Professional Skills
      • Editing
      • Publishing
      • Business
      • Cultural Diversity
      • Marketing
  • Awards
    • 2025 Awards Gala
    • Praiseworthy Awards
      • 2024 Winners
      • 2023 Winners
      • 2022 Winners
      • 2021 Winners
      • 2020 Winners
      • 2019 Winners
      • 2018 Winners
      • 2017 Winners
      • 2016 Winners
    • Spark Awards
      • 2024 Winners
      • 2023 Winners
      • 2022 Winners
      • 2021 Winners
      • 2020 Winners
    • Lifetime Achievement Awards
    • Apply to Be an Awards Judge
  • About
    • Mission
      • LDSPMA in the Media
      • Success Stories
      • Viewpoint on LDSPMA
    • Volunteers
      • Volunteer Year-Round
      • Volunteer at the Conference
      • Apply to Be a Presenter
      • Apply to Be an Awards Judge
      • Resources for Current Volunteers
    • Leadership
    • Policies
      • Nurturing a Caring Community
      • Political Neutrality Policy
      • Antiharassment Policy
      • Harassment Reporting Form
      • Children Policy
    • Contact US
  • Support LDSPMA
    • Donate
    • Volunteer
Collage of pictures from past conferences

The 2024 LDSPMA Annual Conference

Welcome to the largest gathering of Latter-day Saint writers, artists, media creators, and publishing professionals!

Session recordings from the 2024 LDSPMA Conference are now available!

Learn from over 60 experts in media, publishing, writing, music, and art

See List of Sessions
Purchase Recordings
Access Recordings (Attendee Portal)

October 17–19
UVU Sorensen Student Center, Orem, Utah

Sessions
Workshops
Gala
Schedule
FAQ’s
Vendor Tables
Internship Fair
Fast Pitch
Speaker Resources

What Is the LDSPMA Conference?

The annual conference for Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media, and the Arts (LDSPMA) is a 3-day event for networking and professional development.

At our conference, over 450 Latter-day Saint authors, publishers, editors, artists, songwriters, and students gather to develop their professional skills, network with each other, and seek inspiration and support in a faith-fostering environment.

The conference has been held annually since 2015.

What Is the Conference Theme?

Magnify His Light

Our theme this year is Magnify His Light.

It is our hope that the skills, values, and principles you will learn this October will enable you to magnify not just your influence, not just your readership, not just your career, but the light and glory of our Savior, Jesus Christ, working through you to bless and transform others.

What’s Included?

4 Keynote Speakers

Ally Condie

Author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Matched series and numerous other books

Friday Morning Session
(Oct 18, 9:00–9:50 am)

Kristin M. Yee

Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency and former production manager at Disney Interactive Studios

Friday Afternoon Session
(Oct 18, 3:30–4:30 pm)

Brigham Taylor

Film producer and executive for Walt Disney Studios

Saturday Morning Session
(Oct 19, 9:00–9:50 am)

Michael McLean

Michael McLean

Songwriter, composer, author, performer, playwright, and filmmaker

Saturday Afternoon Session
(Oct 19, 3:00–4:00 pm)

8 Tracks of Breakout Sessions

Over 53 breakout sessions will feature dozens of leaders in publishing, media, and the arts who will share best practices, life lessons, and industry secrets.

At the conference, you’ll pick and choose which sessions to attend which hours, based on your own unique needs.

  • Fiction Writing

  • Nonfiction Writing

  • Musical Arts

  • Visual Arts

  • Media

  • Editing/Design

  • Marketing

  • Leadership/Entrepreneurship

Fiction Writing

Fiction Writing Track

  • Scenes That Impact: Balancing Action, Dialogue, and Description in Writing – September Fawkes
  • Four Steps for a Fool-Proof Plot – Laura Baumgarten
  • Real-Time Reactions with an Acquisitions Editor – Staci Olsen
  • How to Build a World That Matters – Kaela Rivera
  • Writing Through Different Lenses – Lehua Parker
  • Creating Dynamic Characters Your Readers Will Love – Gale Sears
Nonfiction Writing

Nonfiction Writing Track

  • EMPOWERED: Publishing & Marketing Options for Your Inspired Book – Bridget Cook-Burch
  • Writing About Difficult Topics in Memoir – Allison Hong Merrill
  • Preparing Nonfiction Book Proposals – Rachelle Funk
  • True Stories Make the Best Stories: How to Bring Your Nonfiction to Life – Dennis Gaunt
  • A Big-Picture View of Picture Book Writing: Topics, Formats, Support Communities, and Publishing Options – Kevin Klein
  • Embracing Vulnerability in the Peer Review Process – Leigh Ann Copas
Musical Arts

Musical Arts Track

  • Music Business 101 – Daniel Blomberg
  • Making a Masterful Live Performance: How to Create a Worthy Gift for the Most High – Yahosh Bonner
  • 4 Key Parts to Self-Publish Sheet Music – Angie Killian
  • It’s Not Luck: My Formula for How I Made Over 50 Music Videos Go Viral – Nick Sales
  • Creating Success as an Independent Artist in Today’s Music Business – Becky Willard
  • The Missing Link to Mindset Work: Why Thinking Positively May Not Be Enough – Ann Ferguson
  • Crafting, Collaborating & Releasing Quality Music as a Songwriter – Joelle Einerson
Visual Arts

Visual Arts Track

  • The Creativity of Illustrated Stories: From Rough Draft to Finished Piece – Mark & Caralyn Buehner
  • How Cartoonists Use Comics to Tell Stories – Norman Shurtliff
  • The Meta-Physics of Quilts!: Fabric, Form, Function, and Family – Lynde Mott
  • Revealing God Through Creation: Nurturing a Creative Vision – Eva Koleva Timothy
  • Faithful Brushstrokes: Exploring Artists’ Paths to Church Publication – Jason L. Jones
  • How Art Can Heal – Eugene Tapahe
  • Creating a Creative Studio Space–Physically, Emotionally, and Mentally: Using Your Favorite Object to Set Your Own Radiating Point® – Rob & Sharyl Adamson
Media

Media Track

  • What if Jesus Posted Reels? Creating Authentic Connections With Short-Form Video – Austin Falter
  • Coming Together in Christ: How a Latter-day Saint and an Evangelical Christian Have Worked Together to Build Bridges of Understanding – Pastor Jeff McCullough & Kurt Francom
  • A Manner of Curious Workmanship: Being in Hollywood, but not of Hollywood – Paul Cartwright & Jade Gottfredson
  • Keeping It Real: Sharing Other People’s Story Truthfully – McKay Stevens
  • Men of Faith: How Our Media can Promote God’s Visions for Manhood – Kurt Francom
  • One by One: Leveraging the Power of Media and Technology to Minister in the Savior’s Way – Paul Schwartz
  • Mindful Media Consumption: Navigating Entertainment Choices as a Person of Faith – Marshall and Michelle Moore
Editing/Design

Editing/Design/Production Track

  • 2024 AI Developments for Writers and Publishing Professionals – Christopher Cunningham
  • Freelance Editing: Balancing Business and Life – Laura Baumgarten
  • Using InDesign for Interior Book Formatting – Natalie Brianne
  • How to Analyze Fiction: A Class for Developmental Editors – Jana Miller
  • Microsoft Word Tricks and Shortcuts to Increase Editing Speed and Accuracy – Suzy Bills
  • Podcasting Made Easy with Descript – Maleah Warner
Marketing

Marketing Track

  • Marketing Safety: Five Ways to Both Promote and Protect Yourself – Erika Sargent
  • Funding Your Creative Project with a Kickstarter Campaign – Jeana Atkison
  • How To Derail Your Marketing Campaign in 10 Easy Steps – JoLynne Lyon
  • Building and Marketing an Effective Customer–Centric Business Using the Hero’s Journey as a Model – Michelle Dennis Christensen
  • Advertising: Harness the Power of Social Media and Amazon Ads to Sell Your Books – Julie Matern
  • Overcoming Imposter Syndrome by Embracing Your True Identity: Learning to Genuinely Market Yourself by Understanding and Implementing Your Divine Gifts – Emily Gould
  • More Efficient Marketing: 3 Keys to Increase Impact by Leveraging Speaking, Writing, and Media – Connie Sokol
Leadership/Entrepreneurship

Leadership/Business/Entrepreneurship Track

  • Achieving the 90th Percentile: Becoming an Extraordinary Leader in Publishing, Media, and the Arts – Jack Zenger
  • Legally Protect Your Art Like Taylor Swift: Lessons in Establishing/Defending Artistic Rights from Being Threatened by a Pop Princess – Seth Johnson
  • Keys to Building Strong Business Networks, and Why You Should Care! – Barry Rellaford
  • Entrepreneurial Lessons We Learn from Trees and Other Cool Stuff – Steven and Ginger Hitz
  • Your Vision As a Leader Holds Great Potential! Create a Massive Social and Spiritual Ripple to Inspire the World – Bridget Cook-Burch
  • The 86400 Concept: Moving from Employee to Entrepreneur – Steve Goveia
  • Enlightened Business Systems That Support Your Creative Ministry – Daniel Blomberg & Doug Pew
Browse All Session Details

8 Interactive Sessions

Interactive sessions are among the most popular features of the conference each year. These sessions provide fun, engaging ways to learn, network, and receive instant feedback on your work:

Fast Pitch: Pitch your book project to agents and publishing company representatives. (Available both in-person and online.) See details.

Quick Critiques: Receive free feedback on your manuscript from the professional editors at Eschler Editing. (Available both in-person and online.)

Networking Hour

Networking Hour: Make friends, find potential collaborators, and lay the groundwork for later conversations in a series of three structured networking blocks.

Internship Fair: Where students can connect with potential employers, and employers can recruit talented students. FREE and open to non-conference-participants. Sign-up here.

Real-Time Reactions: Get instant feedback from a panel of professionals about your fiction query letter, nonfiction back-cover blurb, or book cover design.

Online Presence Audit: Get a professional evaluation of where you land in a Google search and how to improve the visibility and clarity of your branding.

Mass Book and Media Signing: Meet many conference speakers as well as other authors and artists; view their books, audios, videos, and other works; purchase any you are interested in; and get them signed.

Professional Headshots: Get a professional headshot for only $55. (Normal photo shoots are $150–$300.)

17 Virtual Preconference Classes

Our conference starts long before we gather in-person. For two months leading up to the event, meet other attendees and learn from top-notch speakers with our preconference class series (with recordings available to watch later!):

  • Marketing As Ministry: The Most Effective Way for Creatives to Build Impact, Influence, and Income – Doug Pew & Daniel Blomberg
    • Thursday, August 22, 6:00–7:20 pm Mountain Time
    • Get a taste of the conference! Watch the recording for free.
  • I Don’t Do Numbers, I’m a Creative! How to Navigate Business Finances and Avoid IRS Sharks While Staying True to Your Craft – Sandi Dawn Rytting-Bradford
    • Thursday, August 29, 6:00–7:20 pm Mountain Time
  • Discover Your Word Effect: Unlock Your Inner Leadership with Three Simple Words – Becky Kemp 
    • Saturday, August 31, 10:00–11:20 am Mountain Time
  • The Art and Science of Intellectual Property Law for Creatives – Britten Sessions, Esq
    • Tuesday, September 3, 6:00–7:20 pm Mountain Time
  • Navigating the World of Children’s Books – Kiri Jorgensen
    • Saturday, September 7, 10-11:20 am MST 
  • Make ‘em Laugh: The Mechanics of Written Humor – Whitney Hemsath Owens
    • Tuesday, September 10, 6 – 7:20 pm Mountain Time
  • Amplify Your Impact: Turning Live Performances into Profitable Keynotes – Ashley Ludlow
    • Saturday, September 14, 10-11:20 am Mountain Time
  • 10 Million Subscribers Later: How to Succeed on YouTube – Sarah Skye
    • Tuesday, September 17, 6-7:20 pm Mountain Time
  • Leadership 101: How to Be the Leader God Wants You to Be – Kiri Jorgensen
    • Wednesday, September 18, 6:00–7:20 pm Mountain Time
  • Sharing Christ Through Chinese Art – Julie Yuen Yim
    • Thursday, September 19, 6:00–7:20 pm Mountain Time
  • Three Facets of Managing a Private Music Teaching Studio – Stacey Leybas
    • Saturday, September 21, 10-11:20 am Mountain Time
  • Ten Mistakes to Avoid as a New Author (What I Wish I’d Known) – Julie Matern
    • Tuesday, September 24, 6:00–7:20 pm Mountain Time
  • Crafting a Creative Business Strategy – Ted Finch
    • Thursday, September 26, 6:00–7:20 pm Mountain Time 
  • Writing Latter-day Saint Stories that Resonate With a Wider General Audience –  Abel Keogh
    • Saturday, September 28, 10-11:20 am Mountain Time 
  • The Artist as a Conduit for the Spirit – Nnamdi Okonkwo
    • Tuesday, October 1, 6-7:20 p.m. MST
  • Marketing Your Freelance Business like the Boss You Are – Suzy Bills
    • Thursday, October 3, 6-7:20 pm Mountain Time
  • Publishing in Church Magazines – Norman Hill 
    • Tuesday, October 8, 6-7:20 pm Mountain Time

4 Months of Session Recordings

You can only catch so much at an in-person event. That’s why we record every keynote session, preconference class, and breakout session and make them available to you through the end of February 2025—so that you don’t miss a thing!

Is there a virtual option?

Yes! You can register at half the price of in-person registration and get access to all the preconference classes and recordings of all the keynote sessions, in-person breakout sessions, and preconference classes.

Comparison between in-person and online-only updated

What if I come from out of state?

We got you covered!

Get a discounted rate (with free cancellations until the day of) at the Hampton Inn & Suites across the street from UVU campus. Book a discounted room here. Only 25 available.

Do you offer intensive workshops?

Most certainly! The day before the main conference, we over a dozen hands-on, half-day workshops as optional add-ons.

These deep-dive workshops are consistently reviewed as one of the most impactful parts of our conference. The four-hour format and small classroom setting (capped at 30 people) allow for thorough learning, hands-on application, and real-time feedback from the instructor.

Morning Deep-Dive Workshops
Thursday, October 17, 8 am – 12 noon

Cracking the Code of Great Writing: Powerful Techniques to Master Your Writing on a Line Level
Kathryn Purdie

Getting Published: How to Find the Right Agent, Attract the Right Publisher, or Cost-Effectively Self-Publish Your Book
Sabine Berlin & Lindsay Flanagan

How to Thrive as a Freelance Editor: Strategies for Efficiency, Project Management, and Attracting Clients
Liz Kazandzhy

Watch the Pros Produce a Song in Real Time! (Includes a field trip to Noisebox Studios)
Daniel Blomberg & Dave Zimmerman

KaRyn Lay

Buzzworthy Podcasts: How to Develop, Produce, and Market Your Podcast for Success
KaRyn Lay

Use Short-Form Videos to Attract Loyal Fans!
Austin Falter

Afternoon Deep-Dive Workshops
Thursday, October 17, 1:30–5:30 pm

[SOLD OUT!] Crafting Commercial Fiction: How to Create and Sell Impactful Stories
Brandon Mull

Self-Publishing Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Your Manuscript for Physical and Digital Publication Like a Pro
Debbie Rasmussen

Don’t Tell Me About Paris . . . Take Me With You: Hooking Your Nonfiction Readers With Sensory & Emotional Depth
Krista M. Isaacson

Praises We Sing: Infuse Your Vocal and Instrumental Performances with Greater Confidence, Musicality, Stage Presence, and Soul
Dave Kimball & Bret Bryce

How to Stand Out Online in a Noisy World: Creating Your Subscriber-Getting Machine from Start to Finish
Doug Pew & Daniel Blomberg

Unleash the Video Potential of Your Smartphone: How to Plan, Film, and Edit Book Trailers, Short Films, and More with Only Your Phone
Brian Howard

If you register for BOTH a morning AND an afternoon workshop, you will receive a catered lunch and a lunchtime keynote from 12:00 to 1:20 pm.

Our lunchtime keynote speaker is Aaron Sherinian, managing director of communications for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Explore Workshop Details

What If I Need to Cancel?

Life happens to the best of us. That’s why we offer a 100% refund for cancellations received by September 3 and a 50% refund for cancellations received between September 4 and October 10.

And if something comes up right at the eve of the conference? You can transfer your ticket to someone else at no charge.

What Past Attendees Are Saying:

“I took so many notes and know what I need to focus on next in building my brand and marketing my design.”

“I have gained way more knowledge than I imagined possible.”

“What sets this conference apart from the rest is the spiritual component, which I really appreciate. I also love the camaraderie and genuine feeling of rooting for each other.”

“I liked the smaller nature of LDSPMA. Other conferences I’ve attended have been overwhelming in attendance and class sizes.”

“It’s a great conference—a hidden gem of the industry.”

“I didn’t know what to expect coming here, but it was fantastic. A bit of sensory overload for a novice like myself, but it made me put myself and my work out there a little more, and that is incredibly valuable to me.”

“This conference really helped me get a foothold of understanding the writing and publishing world, meet people who could help me, and feel a little less alone on my writing journey.”

“I hoped to gain information about getting published and I got SO MUCH MORE!”

“I wanted to feel the Spirit and be uplifted. I came to enjoy the people and the ambiance. And I did.”

“What I love about this conference that I don’t get out of most other writing conferences is the publishing and marketing tracks. I love coming and getting to learn how I can better promote my fiction novels to my audience and think of what a publisher is looking for.”

“I wanted to gain contacts and instruction for my editing career and inspiration for my writing hobby. All of my expectations were exceeded.”

“This was probably the best conference I’ve ever been to in Utah, and I’ve been to a LOT of them.”

“The sessions I attended strengthened my spirit and invited me to elevate my vision and personalize it for reaching hearts.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to attend?

Definitely not! LDSPMA is an international organization for members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who work in media, the arts, and publishing, or seek to do so. Please come and enjoy!

Can children and youth attend the conference?

We welcome youth ages 12–18! They get a steep discount—two-thirds off!

Babies in arms (approximately 12 months or younger) are allowed for free as long as they do not overly disrupt the conference experience of other attendees.

To preserve the conference learning environment, we ask that you not bring children between 1 and 11.

Do you offer a student discount?

Yes! We offer a two-thirds-off discount to anyone who will be a part-time or full-time college student at the time of the conference.

Do you offer bulk registration discounts?

Yes! If you order 5 or more registrations at one time, you get 10% off the current discount rate. Email us at [email protected] to arrange a bulk registration. This option is ideal for publishing companies, universities, or other organizations who want to send several of their employees or students to our conference.

See All Frequently Asked Questions

One-Day Only Options Are Now Available!

Full Package: $300
Friday Only or Saturday Only: $150
Online-Only Ticket: $135

Register Now

Thank you to our sponsors for
making this conference possible!

Venue Sponsor

Thursday Night Sponsor

Snack Table Sponsor

Swag Bag Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Partners and Supporters

Footer

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2025 LDSPMA. All Rights Reserved. LDSPMA is not endorsed by nor affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.