mo-bi-lize (mo´-be-liz)
- to put into movement or circulation
- to organize people or resources to be ready for action
- to converge on the beautiful, historic, bayside city of Mobile, Alabama, for an incredible time of enrichment and encouragement
Okay, we made the third definition up, but they’re all three true. At the 2007 BCA Workshop in Mobile, we’ll focus on how we can more effectively marshal our communications resources and put the gospel message into circulation. We’ll hear from some communicators whose stories will inspire us. We’ll participate in sessions which will give us insight into a variety of topics. And we’ll mix, mingle, fellowship, eat, network and do all those other things which will help us recharge our creative batteries. But you won’t enjoy any of this if you don’t register. Simply return the registration card included in this brochure with your payment, or go to our website and register online. Here’s everything you need to know about the big event …
GENERAL SCHEDULE
| Wednesday, April 11 |
| 1 p.m. |
Registration opens
Dinner on own |
| 7-10 |
An exclusive reception at the Gulf Coast Exploreum,
featuring “A Day in Pompeii” and the IMAX film, “Greece: Secrets of
the Past” |
 |
| Thursday, April 12 |
| 7:30 |
Registration continues |
| 7:45-8:45 |
Breakfast |
| 9-11:45 |
Workshops – sessions 1 and 2 |
| 12-1:30 |
Lunch/keynote address – Mark Foley |
| 1:45-3 |
Workshops – session 3 |
| 3:30-4:45 |
Professional development groups |
| 5-7 |
Dinner – your choice in downtown Mobile |
| 7:30-9:30 |
Evening cruise on Mobile Bay |
 |
| Friday, April 13 |
| 7:45-9 |
Breakfast/business meeting |
| 9:15-12 |
Workshops – sessions 4 and 5 |
| 12:15-1:30 |
Lunch/keynote address – TBA |
| 2-5 |
Free time for sightseeing |
| 6 |
Wilmer C. Fields Awards Dinner, featuring the RamTonz quartet
from the University of Mobile |
 |
| 8:30 |
View awards entries |
| Saturday, April 14 |
| 7:45 |
Breakfast |
| 8:30-9:45 |
Topical Presentations
"How I wrote an investigative story questioning a denominational agency
and kept my job" -- Joe Westbury, Managing Editor, The Christian Index
Technology Roundtable -- a look at trends affecting our work and
ministry
|
| 10-11 |
Closing session – final keynote address - Joe McKeever |
| Adjourn and check-out |
OVERVIEW OF WORKSHOPS
A variety of breakout sessions have been planned, all based on suggestions by BCA members. While some relate directly to specific areas of professional development, many will appeal to members in all categories.
- Using Blogs in Ministry
- How to Build Rockin’ Cool Web Sites
- iPods and YouTube and Blogs, Oh, My! (how technology impacts our work)
- Marketing Research 101
- When Your CEO Makes Headlines
- Internet Marketing Made Simple: Secrets, Tips and Tactics
- Big Results, Little Budgets: Campaigns on a Budget
- Preventing the Time Bomb from Exploding (crisis management)
- The One-Person Shop (surviving and thriving!)
- Copyright and Other Mysteries of Life
- Eureka! Finding Just What You’re Looking for on the Web
- Maintaining Your Spiritual Focus
- Time Management for Creative People
- Where Is That Photo? (digital resource management)
- Pit Stop for Acrobat (PDF editing)
- Photoshop Tips and Tricks
- How to Conduct Great Interviews
- Writing for Non-Writers
- Writing for the Eyes and Ears
- Photography for Non-Photographers
- Getting the Shot You Want
- Plus a practical opportunity to apply your skills in a missions setting at the International Ministries Center (especially for writers and photographers)
KEYNOTE ADDRESSES
Our keynote speakers will help us focus on our theme by sharing both practical information and inspiring stories from their years of experience as leaders and communicators.
“Communicating the Vision: From a CEO’s Perspective” – Mark Foley
In 1998, the University of Mobile was facing severe financial difficulties and even the threat of losing its accreditation. Newly elected president Mark Foley made the reestablishment of integrity his number one priority. Today the university is both healthy and thriving. Under his leadership, the University of Mobile is fulfilling its goal of “Changing Lives to Change the World.” Mark has a lot to say from a CEO’s perspective about the role that public relations and communications play in restoring an institution’s positive image, as well as the importance of integrity in all that we do.
“Words That Stand People on Their Feet” – Joe McKeever
Joe McKeever is director of missions for the 135 churches and missions that make up the Baptist Association of Greater New Orleans. Since Hurricane Katrina, the association has lost – either temporarily or permanently – almost half its churches. Joe’s message of how the gospel continues to be mobilized in the New Orleans area will inspire you.
Throughout his 42 years as a pastor and communicator, Joe has written hundreds of magazine articles and has been a blogger for many years, but he may be best known for his cartoons – eight volumes of them which have sold a total of 300,000 copies. Joe's life verse, Job 4:4, ("Your words have stood men on their feet") serves as the goal for his ministry.
FREE TIME OPTIONS
Nearby attractions
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
Tour two National Historic Landmarks – Battleship USS Alabama and Submarine USS Drum – and see over 20 rare historic aircraft. (www.ussalabama.com)
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Experience 65 acres of floral splendor and tour the Bellingrath House, complete with its original furnishings. (www.bellingrath.org)
Museum of Mobile, Fort Conde Museum and Phoenix Fire Museum
Discover 300 years of Mobile area history, tour a partial replica of an 18th century French fort, and visit a
restored 1855 firehouse, home to the Phoenix Volunteer Fire Company No. 6 with a unique collection of 19th
century fire engines, steamers and equipment. (www.museumofmobile.com)
Mobile Museum of Art
View photography exhibits featuring the works of Ansel Adams and Linda McCartney.
(www.MobileMuseumofArt.com)
For those coming early or staying late
- The Magnolia Grove golf course, part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, is only 15 minutes away (www.rtjgolf.com).
- The Mobile BayBears (AA affiliates of the Arizona Diamondbacks) will be in town and you can catch their game against Birmingham (Chicago White Sox affiliate) at Hank Aaron Stadium on Wednesday, April 11, at 11:35 a.m. or Saturday, April 14, at 7:05 p.m. (www.mobilebaybears.com).
The University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts will present
"StarLight at the University of Mobile," on Tuesday, April 12 at 6:30
p.m. This free, family event is an outdoor music festival featuring
performances by students in the UM Center for Performing Arts and
headlining Little Big Town, nominated for best country album in the 49th
Grammy Awards. Spread a blanket on the lawn and enjoy the music, food
and a special tribute to our local heroes - the fire fighters and
police force who are the first to respond in a crisis. The UM campus is
located just 10 minutes from downtown Mobile. For more information on
StarLight or the University of Mobile, visit www.umobile.edu.
GETTING THERE AND GETTING AROUND
Mobile Bay is located in the center of the Gulf Coast making it easily accessible from practically anywhere. Make your travel plans to arrive in Mobile sometime Wednesday afternoon and depart Saturday afternoon. Don’t leave early – you won’t want to miss the Saturday morning session!
By air: You can reach Mobile via direct flights from Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Memphis, Orlando, Cincinnati and Charlotte. The Mobile Regional Airport is served by Continental, Delta, Northwest and U.S. Airways. The Mobile Regional Airport is about a 20-minute drive to the downtown Mobile area. Shuttles are available, if you aren’t planning to rent a car.
By car: Two of the nation's most traveled interstate highways, I-10 and I-65, intersect in Mobile. From that intersection, you're just a few minutes west of the Riverview Renaissance Plaza Hotel.
While downtown: The Moda, a free electric trolley, makes getting around downtown fast and easy with 22 stops, including businesses, Government Plaza, the courthouse, restaurants, shopping, parks and more.
About the hotel: The Riverview Renaissance Plaza Hotel is located along the scenic Mobile Bay waterfront,
with picturesque views of the river. This beautiful hotel, in the heart of downtown Mobile, has just been renovated and will
serve as our home base. Our room rate is only $94. Make your reservation by calling 1-866-749-6069. Be sure to mention
“BCA Workshop” when you make your reservation. Availability and rates are guaranteed through March 12.
Hotel Directions
REGISTRATION OPTIONS
- Full registration: $225
(includes all workshop fees, Exploreum, boat cruise, three breakfasts, two lunches, awards dinner)
- Spouse registration: $125
- Child registration: $75
(includes meals, Exploreum, boat cruise, awards dinner)
- Single-day registration (Thursday or Friday): $125
(includes meals and events for that day)
- Non-member registration: $275
- Late registration (after March 23): add $25
