BCA 2026 - Mobile, AL

Schedule of Events

Monday, April 13

2 p.m. Registration Opens The Admiral Hotel, Mezzanine Level
3:30 p.m. New Member Fellowship Mo' Bay Beignet Co. (451 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36602)
6 p.m. Opening Dinner Debris Po-Boys (276 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36602)
8 p.m. Dessert Truck and Fellowship

Tuesday, April 14

7:30–8:30 a.m. Breakfast Mama's on Dauphin
8:45 a.m. Welcome + Devotional: Amanda Smith, Program Chair The Admiral Hotel, Crystal Ballroom
9:00 a.m. Keynote: Dr. Todd Greer
Executive Director, Innovation Portal
The Admiral Hotel, Crystal Ballroom
9:45 a.m. Break
10–11:15 a.m. Breakout Sessions #1
"AI Without Losing Your Soul"

Presenter: Mitchell Bruce, ALSBOM

How Christian communicators can ethically and creatively use AI for writing, design, video, and workflow — without sacrificing voice, theology, or trust.

11:30 a.m. Lunch + Panel Discussion: Stronger Together: What the BCA–ASBP Alignment Makes Possible
Jennifer Rash + Panel
A candid conversation about shared resources, professional development, and new opportunities created by coming together.
The Admiral Hotel, Crystal Ballroom
1:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions #2
"Moving Beyond the Narrative: Solutions Journalism and Faith-Informed Storytelling"

Presenter: Will Heath, Media & Professional Development Adviser, Communication & Media at Samford University

In a media environment often shaped by crisis, conflict, and cynicism, how can communicators of faith tell the truth while also pointing toward hope? This breakout introduces Solutions Journalism — an innovative reporting approach that holds the powerful accountable not only by exposing problems, but by rigorously examining effective responses. Drawing from experience presenting this model within faith-based academic and professional settings, Will Heath explores how editors, writers, and communicators can move full steam ahead with storytelling that is ethical, collaborative, and rooted in Kingdom values. Participants will gain practical insight into reframing stories to reflect both journalistic integrity and redemptive impact — offering a constructive alternative to incomplete or harmful media narratives.

"Make It Pop: Creative Specialty Printing to Elevate Your Brand"

Presenter: Tina Kilby, Red Paper Plane Specialty Printers

In a world flooded with digital noise, how do you make your message tangible, memorable, and shareable? Join Tina Kilby of Red Paper Plane to explore how specialty printing solutions can help communicators, designers, and marketers bring brands to life in ways that digital alone can’t match. From interactive pop-ups and dimensional mailers to video-enhanced print and standout direct mail pieces, Red Paper Plane’s innovative formats create experiences that stop the scroll and start conversations. In this session, you’ll see how tactile, visually striking print formats can complement your strategy, amplify engagement, and forge deeper connections with your audience — helping you move full steam ahead in capturing attention, fostering loyalty, and driving real-world impact.

"Using AI to Share the Gospel" NAMB
2:45 p.m. Break
3:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions #3
4:15 p.m. Free time
6 p.m. Wilmer C. Fields Awards Dinner + Presentation The Oyster House

Wednesday, April 15

7:30–8:30 a.m. Breakfast Mama's on Dauphin
8:45 a.m. Devotional The Admiral Hotel, Crystal Ballroom
9:00 a.m. Keynote: Nathan Harris
Vice President for Institutional Relations, University of Mobile
The Admiral Hotel, Crystal Ballroom
9:45 a.m. Break
10:00 a.m. Breakout Sessions #4
11:30 a.m. Business Meeting The Admiral Hotel, Crystal Ballroom
12 p.m. Lunch - Table Talk The Admiral Hotel, Crystal Ballroom
1:15 p.m. Affinity Groups
  • Editorial
  • Public Relations + Marketing
  • Electronic Media/Interactive
  • Photography
  • Management
  • Graphic Design
2:45 p.m. Break
3 p.m. Keynote: James Spann
Chief Meteorologist, WBMA-LD (ABC 33/40)
The Admiral Hotel, Crystal Ballroom
6:00 p.m. Dinner On your own

Thursday, April 16

7:30–8:30 a.m. Breakfast Mama's on Dauphin
8:45 a.m. Devotional: Kathleen Sparks, IMB The Admiral Hotel, Crystal Ballroom
9 a.m. Keynote: Lonnie A. Burnett
Vice President, Coastal Alabama Community College; Former President, University of Mobile
Address: "Principles of Leadership: The Top Ten List"
The Admiral Hotel, Crystal Ballroom
9:45 a.m. Break
10 a.m. Missions Project
11 a.m. BCA Dismisses

ASBP Add-on Workshop
11:30 a.m. ASBP Begins: Leave for Lunch Spot
12 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. Return to hotel/break
2:15 p.m. ASBP Session #1
  • Quick-hit journalism from the ground level
3:30 p.m. Break
3:45 p.m. ASBP Session #2
  • Ebb and flow of podcasting: Why should we care?
5:15 p.m. Leave for Dinner Spot
5:30 p.m. Dinner
6:45 p.m. Return to hotel
7 p.m. ASBP Session #3
  • Using A.I. from the editor's chair

Friday, April 17

7:30 a.m. Leave for breakfast spot
7:45 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Return to hotel
9:15 a.m. ASBP Session #4
  • Strategizing ASBP's next steps together
9:45 a.m. Break/check out of rooms
10:15 a.m. Business session/recognitions
11 a.m. ASBP Adjourns