The 2026 LDSPMA Annual Conference
Instruments in God’s Hands
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October 15–17, 2026 • UVU Sorenson Center, Orem, Utah
Welcome to the LDSPMA Annual Conference
Welcome to the largest gathering of Latter-day Saint creators—writers, artists, filmmakers, musicians, and publishing professionals—all in one place.
Whether you’re just beginning or building a career, this conference is designed to help you grow your craft and expand your opportunities.
You’ll also connect with others who understand your goals and your purpose.
Come learn, create, and connect through inspiring keynotes, hands-on workshops, and meaningful conversations with people who are passionate about making a difference through their work.
Registration is now open!
Save with early registration—prices increase as the conference approaches.
2026 Conference at a Glance
What’s Included
Your main conference registration includes:
4 Keynote Speakers
Hear from industry leaders across film, publishing, and music who are shaping their fields and sharing real-world insight.
This year’s keynote speakers include Heidi Jo Gilbert, DreamWorks Co-Director & Head of Story; Jennifer Nielsen, #1 New York Times bestselling author; and Steve Schank, chair of the Church’s new global hymnbook committee.
56 Breakout Sessions
Choose from a wide range of sessions designed to help you grow your skills, expand your network, and move forward in your creative work.
Build your schedule around what matters most to you.
Networking Opportunities
Build meaningful connections with others who share your interests, goals, and creative path.
Opportunities include both planned and organic connections:
Networking happens both through planned experiences and naturally throughout the conference—from structured events to conversations between sessions and shared meals.
Meet the Creators
We close the conference on Saturday with this signature event—giving you the chance to meet, talk with, and learn directly from creators, professionals, and industry voices.
Whether you’re asking questions, making connections, or simply enjoying the conversations, this is a favorite part of the conference for many attendees.
Inside Your Industry Panels
Gain insight directly from professionals working in the industries you are a part of.
New to the conference this year, these panels open the conference on Thursday afternoon and feature focused conversations with professionals across six key industries. Each panel is designed to give you real-world perspective, practical advice, and a clearer understanding of your path forward.
Panels include:
Launch Party
Join us Thursday evening for a high-energy event designed to bring everyone together.
While the events may look familiar, this year the Launch Party is included at no additional cost. Enjoy dinner, LDSPMA’s Got Secret Talent Show, and a live auction—all in one fun, engaging evening with the LDSPMA community.
Be part of the night—share your talent or contribute an item to the live auction.
Add-ons & Extras
Take your conference experience even further with these optional add-ons:
Deep-Dive Workshops
Take your learning further with focused, in-depth workshops led by experienced professionals.
Extended, hands-on sessions designed for deeper learning and real progress.
Includes Thursday lunch and keynote. 3- and 4-hour options available.
Choose one workshop per time block:
Thursday Keynote & Lunch
Enjoy lunch during a powerful keynote experience with Adassa—bringing inspiration, insight, and connection together in one setting.
Included with Deep-Dive Workshops, or available as a separate add-on if you’re not attending a workshop.
Interactive Sessions
Participate in hands-on, real-time experiences designed to help you grow and receive direct feedback.
These sessions give you the opportunity to actively engage, receive feedback, and learn by doing—through focused, interactive experiences:
Each experience offers a different way to receive insight, refine your work, and connect with industry professionals.
Professional Headshots
Update your professional image with high-quality headshots taken during the conference.
Book a short session with a professional photographer and leave with polished images you can use for your website, social media, speaking profiles, and marketing materials.
After booking, you’ll select your session time closer to the conference.
Awards Gala
Dinner • Awards • Live Entertainment
Join us Friday evening for a special event celebrating creativity, achievement, and community.
Enjoy dinner, live entertainment, and the LDSPMA Awards as we celebrate outstanding work and connect as a creative community.
Friday Evening
Entertainment headlined by Jenny Oaks Baker
Presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards:
Kieth Merrill, Gerald Lund, and The Osmond Family
Presentation of the Spark Awards and Praiseworthy Awards
Get Involved
Want to go beyond attending? Here are ways to get involved and be part of what makes the conference happen.
Be part of what makes the conference happen. Help create a meaningful experience while connecting with other attendees.
Showcase your work, products, or services.
Connect with a creative audience and build meaningful visibility.
Support the conference while gaining visibility. Connect with a targeted audience and strengthen your brand presence.
Theme Contests
Share your work, showcase your talent, and be recognized at the 2026 LDSPMA Conference—centered on this year’s theme, Instruments in God’s Hands.
Open to youth and adults. Cash prizes awarded, with winners recognized at the conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Here are a few quick answers to help you plan your conference experience.
Yes. We have partnered with the Hampton Inn & Suites Orem to offer a discounted rate for conference attendees.
A limited block of rooms (25 total) is available at this rate and must be reserved using the provided booking link: Available Rooms – Hampton Inn & Suites Orem
We recommend booking early, as discounted rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes. While we do not offer live-streaming of the in-person conference, virtual attendees can participate in select virtual sessions leading up to the conference and will receive access to session recordings after the event.
Attendees must be at least 12 years old to participate in the conference.
- Youth ages 12–18 are welcome and qualify for discounted registration
- Youth ages 12–15 must be accompanied by an adult
- Babies in arms (approximately 12 months or younger) may attend without a ticket as long as they do not disrupt sessions
Dinner is included on Thursday and lunch is included on Friday and Saturday. There are options available for a variety of dietary needs.
Additional meals—such as the Thursday lunch keynote and the Awards Gala dinner—are available as add-ons.
Conference attendees will receive access to an online portal where recordings of keynote sessions and breakout classes will be available after the event.
Instructions for accessing the portal will be sent by email following the conference.