BCA 2026 - Mobile, AL

April 13-17, 2026

This year's BCA workshop will be April 13-17 in Mobile, Alabama.

First and 71st: BCA making history one year at a time

How can the Baptist Communicators Association 2026 workshop be the 71st annual workshop as well as the first workshop — all in the same year?

No, it's not a typo, confused thinking, or even AI "slop" (the 2025 Merriam-Webster word of the year!).

The 2026 BCA workshop is the 71st gathering for Baptist communicators to come together to learn, build relationships, network, grow in their professional skills and more! That's 71 years of a storied history for denominational storytellers.

At the same time, the 2026 BCA workshop is the first gathering for state publication editors to link hearts and arms with their fellow Baptist communicators. In 2025 members from BCA as well as from Association of State Baptist Publications voted unanimously to merge the two organizations. Together, we are better. The 2026 BCA workshop will be the first official event to affirm and strengthen relationships between state publication editors and BCA members.

In the 2026 BCA workshop, all communicators are invited to participate Monday evening through Thursday morning, April 13-16, in all facets of the annual event. Then, beginning on Thursday midday through Friday midday, April 16-17, state publication editors are invited to participate in editor-only type learning sessions. On the registration form, you will have various options for BCA workshop participation. Everyone loves options — and you will have many to consider as you register for the 2026 "first and 71st" BCA workshop.

First and 71st — we are making history!

Full Steam Ahead!

After World War II, Mobile, Alabama, needed an innovative jumpstart. The war had brought a population growth, a boom in shipbuilding and a swell in income, but the years following saw economic challenges and the closure of the once-thriving Brookley Air Force Base.

But rather than looking back, the city set its sights on the future, committing to move "full steam ahead." Today the former base has been transformed into Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, attracting multiple aerospace firms including an Airbus assembly plant. In addition, Mobile has positioned itself as a leading cruise port, and the new Mobile International Airport at Brookley is scheduled to open in 2026.

What could have been a devastating setback has become a huge asset, through innovation and collaboration. The city has even embraced innovation itself, launching an Innovation Portal in 2020 to encourage startups and existing tech companies to grow.

From the steam-powered ships that filled Mobile's harbors in the 1800s to the battleships of the 1900s to the technology of today, we can learn a lesson from their journey. Like big cities, we have the option when faced with challenges to long for the past, flounder in the present, or move full steam ahead into the future.

Paul's words in Philippians 3:13-14 help provide a spiritual perspective to this truth: "But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (ESV). You can almost picture Paul exclaiming, "Full steam ahead!" In other words, let's move forward with maximum energy and enthusiasm!

Our annual workshop in Mobile will provide us wonderful opportunities as communicators to focus on ways we can do just that. Through engaging breakout sessions and keynote addresses, we'll explore creative and innovative methods of communicating and storytelling along with approaches for maximizing the power of collaboration.

Free time will provide moments to explore a city rich in both history and innovation (not to mention great food options!) while building and strengthening relationships with fellow Baptist communicators.

Our goal for the week? Not just improvement for the sake of improvement but significant Kingdom impact, as we apply what we learn to faithfully communicating God's story in ever-changing times.

Register today for our 71st Baptist Communicators Association Workshop and together let's move full steam ahead for God's glory!

Registration

BCA Workshop — Monday evening (April 13) through Thursday morning (April 16)

Members: $350 each (includes workshop fees, awards banquet, and meals)
New Members: $430 each (includes workshop fees, awards banquet, meals, and 2026-27 membership)
Students: $175 each (includes workshop fees, awards banquet, and meals)
Guests: $200 each (includes awards banquet and meals)
Tuesday Only: $200 each (includes Awards Banquet)
Wednesday Only: $125 each
Awards Banquet Only: $100 each

ASBP Add-on Workshop — Thursday midday (April 16) through Friday morning (April 17)

Editors: $125 each (includes workshop fees and meals)
Editor Guests: $50 each (includes meals)

Accommodations

Our hotel for the workshop will be The Admiral Hotel (251 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602). The BCA Rate is $149/night for King Room or $169/night for Double Room. To make reservations, call (251) 355-0496 or email res@theadmiral.com and reference the "Baptist Communicators Association Annual Workshop." The reservations deadline for the group rate is March 14, 2026.