Explore the Conference

Explore sessions on writing true stories, personal essays, and informational content with clarity, purpose, and impact.

Research That Resonates: Turning Research into Powerful Storytelling
Heather Hoyt
Learn how to gather, organize, and incorporate research to enrich your writing and create more meaningful, well-informed stories.
Heather Hoyt is a philosophy student and writer who has published essays and poetry while teaching and leading writing initiatives in her community.

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Harmonizing Science and Religion
Trent Stephens
Explore how to thoughtfully address the relationship between science and faith in your writing, helping bridge gaps and foster understanding.
Trent Stephens is a professor of anatomy and embryology and a prolific author who has written extensively on science, religion, and education.

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From Idea to Bookshelf: Navigating the Path to Publication
Devan Jensen, Kenneth L. Alford, Leigh Ann Copas
Learn how to refine your ideas, identify your audience, and navigate the process of preparing and positioning your work for publication.
Leigh Ann Copas works in academic publishing at BYU Studies and brings extensive experience in writing, editing, and publication support, alongside co-presenters with deep expertise in publishing and scholarship.

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Beyond the Formula: Elevating Latter-day Saint Storytelling
JoLyn Brown
Learn how to work within familiar storytelling frameworks while avoiding clichés to create more meaningful and impactful nonfiction.
JoLyn Brown is an editor at Deseret Book and an accomplished writer who specializes in crafting sincere and relatable content for religious audiences.

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Using AI to Slow Down Your Process
James Goldberg
Explore how AI tools can support creativity without replacing it, helping you create more thoughtfully and intentionally.
James Goldberg is a writer and speaker known for exploring creativity, faith, and the intersection of technology and storytelling.

Explore sessions that apply to all writers, covering core skills like voice, structure, productivity, and the writing process.

Line Edits: Simple Searches for Stronger Sentences
Whitney Hemsath
Learn how to use simple search techniques to identify and fix common writing issues, helping you strengthen your prose and refine your voice.
Whitney Hemsath is an author and award-winning writer whose work has been featured in LDSLiving and academic settings, with a background in screenwriting.

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Editing: Once More with Feeling (Adding emotional and sensory resonance)
John Olsen
Learn how to enhance your scenes by connecting sensory details with emotional depth, creating stronger immersion and more impactful storytelling.
John Olsen is an award-winning author and editor whose work spans multiple genres, with stories featured in numerous anthologies.

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Why Good Books Don’t Get Agents (And What to Do About It)
Heidi Gordon
Discover why strong manuscripts often fail to secure representation and learn practical strategies to improve positioning, clarity, and marketability.
Heidi Gordon is a literary agent and founder of Tsunami Literary Ink with over 20 years of experience guiding authors through revision and publication.

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Digging Up Your Roots for Killer Historical Fiction
Jared Quan
Learn how to turn family history and real-life stories into engaging historical fiction through research, storytelling, and creative development.
Jared Quan is an award-winning author and educator with extensive experience in writing, teaching, and storytelling across multiple platforms.

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The Power of Audiobooks: Continuing the Oral Tradition
Emma Faye
Explore how audiobooks bring stories to life and learn practical tips for writing, producing, and distributing audio content.
Emma Faye is an award-winning, Audie-nominated audiobook narrator and producer who has completed over 200 audiobooks.

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Become a Better Author in Any Genre by Studying and Writing Poetry
Kevin Klein
Learn how principles of poetry—such as rhythm, imagery, and concise language—can strengthen your writing across any genre.
Kevin Klein is an author, educator, and poet with published books, articles, and a full-length poetry collection, as well as years of teaching experience.

Explore sessions designed specifically for professional editors, focusing on advanced editing skills, workflows, and building a successful editing career.

Preserving Authorial Voice in Line Editing
Brittany Passmore
Learn how to maintain an author’s unique voice while performing detailed line edits, ensuring clarity without losing style.
Brittany Passmore is a freelance editor with a degree in editing and publishing from BYU who specializes in helping authors refine and strengthen their work.

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Reaching Your Clients as a Developmental Editor: How to Craft an Edit Letter Your Client Will Use
Laura Baumgarten
Learn how to write effective edit letters that clients can understand and apply, improving both communication and results.
Laura Baumgarten is a developmental editor who helps authors create cohesive, meaningful stories by aligning plot, character, and theme.

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Freelance Editing 101: How to be a Freelancer Editor
KaTrina Jackson
Learn how to build a freelance editing career, including finding clients, managing workload, and developing a sustainable business.
KaTrina Jackson is a freelance editor and project manager who specializes in helping writers strengthen their stories and build successful editing practices.

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Session Title Coming Soon
Lisa Mangum
Details for this session will be announced soon.
Lisa Mangum is a publishing professional and editor with extensive experience working with authors and bringing books to market.

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How to Give Authors Feedback They’ll Appreciate, Implement, and Learn From
Rachelle Funke
Learn how to give clear, actionable feedback that helps authors improve their writing while building a strong collaborative relationship.
Rachelle Funke is an editor who specializes in helping authors strengthen their craft through effective feedback and communication.

Explore sessions on visual storytelling, artistic techniques, and developing your skills in illustration, design, and fine art.

Articulate, Beautify and Change: The ABCs of Being a Tool in God’s Hands to Create Powerful Art

Heidi Prigmore
Explore how principles of truth, beauty, and growth can shape meaningful art that inspires and uplifts others.
Heidi Prigmore is a professional artist and instructor with over 30 years of experience, specializing in cut paper art and teaching creatives of all ages.

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Building an Art Marketing Team

Melanie Evans
Learn how to grow your art business by building a team that supports marketing, operations, and expansion.
Melanie Evans is a ceramic artist with an MFA from BYU whose work is featured in major venues and supported by a growing production team.

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Creating for Your Creator: How to Use Your Own Unique Art to Testify of Christ

Jessica Michaelson
Learn how to use your artistic gifts and personal experiences to create meaningful work that reflects your faith and connects with others.
Jessica Michaelson is an artist and instructor specializing in oil painting and religious art, with a passion for helping others develop their creative abilities.

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Connect with Christ: A Watercolor Workshop with Kate Lee

Join watercolor artist Kate Lee as she guides you through painting a pre-sketched image of Jesus Christ, sharing techniques for color mixing, water control, and layering while inviting you to experience art as a form of worship and connection with the Savior.
Kate Lee is a Deseret Book watercolor artist known for her minimalistic paintings of the Savior. She is passionate about helping others grow creatively and spiritually through art, drawing inspiration from her faith, her family, and time spent in nature.

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Children’s Book Illustration for Beginners

Jayne Ann Osborne
Learn the fundamentals of illustrating children’s books, including character development, composition, and preparing artwork for publication.
Jayne Ann Osborne is the co-owner and creative director of Merry Robin Publishing and an experienced author and illustrator of children’s books.

Explore sessions on songwriting, composition, performance, and developing your musical craft and creative voice.

Brainstorming with Suno: Supercharge Your Songwriting

Michael Young
Learn how to use AI as a creative tool to generate ideas, break through blocks, and expand your songwriting process without losing your unique voice.
Michael Young is an educator, musician, and member of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square who combines his background in music, teaching, and storytelling.

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Mindset for Musicians: Kicking Limiting Beliefs Out of Your Head, One Day at a Time

Daniel Blomberg
Learn how to overcome limiting beliefs and develop a mindset that supports growth, creativity, and long-term success in music.
Daniel Blomberg is a music producer and entrepreneur who built a successful production company and helps artists create and share meaningful music.

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Failing Forward: Gaining Confidence Through Self-Compassion to Share Your Music

Rachael Hallam
Learn how to overcome fear and perfectionism, using self-compassion and small steps to confidently begin sharing your music.
Rachael Hallam is a singer-songwriter and licensed clinical social worker who blends music and mental health to inspire healing and connection.

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If I Want Fish, I Can Get Fish: Christ-Centered Principles of Fundraising

CJ Madsen
Learn practical and faith-based principles for funding your music projects, including albums, performances, and creative productions.
CJ Madsen is a composer and adjunct music faculty at BYU who has written over 1,000 compositions and teaches principles of creative development.

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Chords That Give the Feels: No Music Theory Required

Becky Willard
Learn how to create emotional chord progressions using simple techniques and train your ear to write music with confidence.
Becky Willard is a music producer, songwriter, and founder of Vox Fox Studios who has worked with artists worldwide and had music featured in television.

Explore sessions on performance, stage presence, and developing confidence and skill in live presentation and audience engagement.

The Covenant Artist’s Path: Becoming an Instrument in the Lord’s Hands

Jenny Oaks Baker
Explore how to align your artistic work with your faith, seeking inspiration and guidance to create meaningful and impactful performances.
Jenny Oaks Baker is a Grammy-nominated, Billboard No. 1 violinist and recording artist who has performed worldwide and founded the SoulFill Music Foundation.

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Putting on a Performance or Concert That People Will Pay to See

McKay Crockett
Learn how to design and deliver performances that connect with audiences and create meaningful, professional-level experiences.
McKay Crockett is an Emmy Award–winning producer, songwriter, and performance coach who has worked with major artists and led large-scale productions.

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Overcoming Mental Obstacles to Deliver Powerful Performances

Dr. Jon Skidmore
Learn how to overcome internal barriers and develop the mindset needed to perform with confidence and clarity.
Dr. Jon Skidmore is a performance and mindset expert who helps individuals improve focus, confidence, and execution under pressure.

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Panel: Taking Your Act on the Road: The Hows and Whys of Freelance Performing Arts

Panelist: Randel McGee (Moderator- Storyteller and ventriloquist), Jason Carling (aka Jason Fun, the Magician), Kerry Summers (Cruise ship Entertainer, Elvis impersonator, and ventriloquist), and Matthew Love (Juggler and Stilt-walker).
Learn how to build, promote, and sustain a career as a live performer through insights from experienced entertainers across multiple disciplines.

Explore sessions on content creation, video production, storytelling through media, and creating engaging digital experiences.

Better Videos, Less Dread: Look, Sound, and Feel Confident in Your Social Media Content

Mya Fullmer
Learn simple techniques for lighting, audio, and camera positioning to help you look and feel more confident when creating video content.
Mya Fullmer is a filmmaker and video content marketer who works in film, television, and commercials while helping individuals feel confident on camera.

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Come Follow Up: Reflections on Podcasting About the Scriptures

James Goldberg
Explore how to create meaningful media content that helps audiences connect with scripture through thoughtful discussion and storytelling.
James Goldberg is a writer, historian, and five-time Association for Mormon Letters Award winner who has contributed to BYUtv’s Come Follow Up.

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Finding Purpose: My Path from Tears and Fears to Strength and Love

Sam Matangi
Discover how personal storytelling and media can be used to share powerful messages of resilience, faith, and purpose.
Sam Matangi is a burn survivor, YouTuber, and speaker who shares his journey of resilience and adaptation through media and public speaking.

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Letting the Spirit Guide Artistic Creation: The Making of the Film “Truth & Treason”

Matt Whitaker
Go behind the scenes of a decades-long filmmaking journey and learn how inspiration and persistence shape meaningful creative work.
Matt Whitaker is an experienced writer and director whose films include Saints and Soldiers and Truth & Treason, with decades of work in film and television.

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Session Title Coming Soon
TC Christensen
Details for this session will be announced soon.
TC Christensen is an award-winning filmmaker known for directing and producing faith-based films including 17 Miracles, The Cokeville Miracle, and The Fighting Preacher, with a career dedicated to meaningful storytelling.

Explore sessions on marketing strategies, audience growth, and promotion techniques that apply to creators and professionals in any field.

The Art and Science of Audience Retention on Social Media

Jasmin Rappleye
Learn how to create engaging short-form content that keeps viewers watching and improves your performance across social media platforms.
Jasmin Rappleye is a content creator and communications leader who specializes in sharing faith-centered content and engaging online audiences.

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Forget Followers: How to Cultivate Super Fans Through Your Newsletter

Elaine Canyon
Learn how to turn your email list into a powerful marketing asset by building meaningful connections and creating loyal, long-term supporters.
Elaine Canyon is an author and newsletter strategist who helps creators build engaged audiences and lasting reader relationships.

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Amazon A+ Content: The What, the Why, and the How

Casey Cline
Learn how to use Amazon A+ Content to enhance your product pages, strengthen your brand, and convert browsers into buyers.
Casey Cline is an author and entrepreneur with experience in business, law, and branding, helping creatives better position their work.

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From Release to Revenue: Designing a Successful Sales Funnel for Creative Professionals

Bonnie Wiscombe
Learn how to build a simple, effective sales funnel that guides your audience from discovery to purchase and increases long-term revenue.
Bonnie Wiscombe is an author, educator, and coach who specializes in simplifying marketing systems and creating effective customer journeys.

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Websites 101: Creating the Hub of Your Online Presence

Jeremy P. Madsen
Learn how to build and improve a functional website that supports your brand, content, and overall marketing strategy.
Jeremy P. Madsen is a web developer and publishing professional who has built and managed websites for organizations, authors, and businesses.

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How to Create a System That Brings You a Constant Stream of Clients

Nick Sales
Learn how to build automated marketing systems that generate consistent leads and convert them into clients or customers.
Nick Sales is a video marketer and entrepreneur who has built multiple six-figure businesses using scalable marketing systems.

Explore sessions on building and sustaining a creative career, including pricing, positioning, and long-term growth strategies—relevant across industries.

Using Contracts to Clarify Expectations, Get Paid, and Protect Yourself

Suzy Bills
Learn how to use contracts to set clear expectations, ensure payment, and protect yourself in freelance and professional work.
Suzy Bills is an editor, author, and longtime business owner who has helped clients publish a wide range of professional and creative work.

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Building a Profitable Freelance Business in the Digital Marketplace

Liz Kazandzhy
Learn how to attract quality clients, price your work confidently, and build a sustainable freelance career in a competitive online marketplace.
Liz Kazandzhy is a top-ranked freelance editor who works with major publishers and helps creatives build successful, values-driven careers.

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From Overwhelmed to In Control: Completing Projects Without Losing Your Mind

Heather Randall
Learn a practical framework for managing creative projects efficiently while balancing deadlines, quality work, and everyday life.
Heather Randall is an editor and business owner with over a decade of experience helping individuals and organizations communicate clearly and effectively.

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Brand Development: Unconventional Strategies with Big Results

Jared Quan
Learn creative and practical strategies for building a memorable brand, even with limited resources, to support long-term success.
Jared Quan is an award-winning author and educator with extensive experience in storytelling, branding, and creative development.

Explore a variety of sessions that span multiple disciplines, offering insights, inspiration, and practical takeaways for all attendees.

Unblock Your Creativity: How Small Daily Practices Restore Joy, Focus, and Creative Energy

Megan Palmer
Learn simple, practical techniques to overcome creative blocks and restore energy, focus, and joy in your creative work.
Megan Palmer is a writer, educator, and creator whose work explores creativity, storytelling, and personal growth.

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Copyright and Intellectual Property for Creators
Zach Zalar
Learn the basics of copyright law and how to protect your creative work, understand your rights, and avoid common legal pitfalls.
Zach Zalar is an attorney who specializes in intellectual property and helps creators navigate copyright, ownership, and legal protection.

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Creative Contagion: Using the 8 Creative Power Habits to Generate Ideas and Influence Others

Shannon Christensen
Learn practical habits that help generate ideas, overcome creative blocks, and inspire creativity in yourself and others.
Shannon Christensen is an award-winning artist, author, and creativity coach who helps individuals build consistent creative momentum.

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Sharing Faith Online: Research-Backed Tips for Writing and Sharing Spiritual Stories on Social Media

Maggie Vail
Learn how to write and share meaningful spiritual stories online using research-backed strategies that inspire hope and connection.
Maggie Vail is a communication researcher and educator specializing in faith-based storytelling, meaning-making, and digital narratives.

Learn from experienced editors as they share insight into the editing process, industry expectations, and how writers and editors can work together effectively. This panel is designed specifically for those pursuing or working within professional editing roles.

Panelists:
• Lisa Mangum – Managing Editor, Shadow Mountain Publishing

Additional panelists to be announced.

Explore the evolving world of media creation, storytelling, and distribution. Industry professionals will discuss current trends, audience engagement, and opportunities within film, digital media, and content creation.

Panelists:
• Hayden Paul – Creator, The Stick of Joseph
• Jackson Paul – Creator, The Stick of Joseph

Additional panelists to be announced.

Gain insight into the musical arts industry, including songwriting, production, performance, and career development. Panelists will discuss how to grow creatively while navigating the professional side of music.

Panelists:
• Daniel Blomberg – Music Producer & Composer

Additional panelists to be announced.

Hear from experienced performers and industry professionals about building confidence, refining your craft, and navigating opportunities in the performing arts. Topics may include live performance, audience connection, and sustaining a creative career.

Panelists:
• McKay Crockett – Emmy Award–Winning Producer & Performance Coach
• Jenny Oaks Baker – Violinist & Performer

Additional panelists to be announced.

Discover insights from visual artists as they discuss creative development, building a portfolio, and navigating the art industry. This panel will explore both the artistic and business sides of a career in visual arts.

Panelists:
• Kate Lee – Visual Artist

Additional panelists to be announced.