FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2026

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
presscenter@nrb.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. (NRB) – The NRB 2026 International Christian Media Convention will kick off with its signature main-stage Opening Session on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 7–9 p.m. at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn., featuring a program designed to equip, encourage, and challenge Christian communicators.

The Opening Session will include musical contributions from Michael W. Smith, Nicole C. Mullen, and Lipscomb University’s Gospel Choir, directed by Aaron Howard, along with a call for courage to Christian communicators from H.B. Charles Jr., pastor and teacher of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville and Orange Park, Fla. The session will also feature a State of the Association address from NRB President & CEO Troy A. Miller, offering an overview of NRB’s mission, progress, and vision for the year ahead.

Michael W. Smith has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for more than 40 years. During his storied career, he’s written and recorded over 36 No. 1 songs, been bestowed with three Grammy Awards, more than 45 Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards, one American Music Award, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and has sold more than 15 million albums. More than just an outstanding songwriter and performer, Smith has given back to the global community throughout his career. He has raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa, started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Tennessee to meet and find hope, and has helped more than 70,000 children through Compassion International.

Nicole C. Mullen has long been known as an undeniably talented artist who is unafraid to be vulnerable and transparent with her audience. She continues a legacy of sincerity and artistic integrity that in the past has been recognized with two Grammy Award nominations and nine GMA Dove Awards, including two Female Vocalist of the Year honors, Song of Year for “Redeemer, and On My Knees,” the Urban Album of the Year for “Everyday People,” Contemporary Song of the Year (“Call on Jesus”), and the first African American female to win Songwriter of the Year for “Redeemer.” Mullen was featured in the 2025 film “The American Miracle” and just released a new book. She can now be seen speaking and singing on platforms that include governors, heads of state, business professionals, prisoners, women’s conferences, churches, and nonprofits.

The Lipscomb University Gospel Choir is a student ensemble of approximately 40 singers that launched in the fall of 2021. Beginning with 17 students, the choir has more than doubled in size and has performed more than 20 times. The choir is led by Dr. Aaron Howard, assistant professor of ethics and reconciliation. Across multiple performances and online platforms, the choir’s videos have received millions of view, helping to promote Christian education at Lipscomb University and share the Gospel message of good news, hope, and joy.

HB Charles Jr. is the pastor and teacher at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville and Orange Park, Fla., where he has served since 2008. He is primarily responsible for preaching-teaching, vision casting, and leadership development. Outside of his ministry with his congregation, he regularly speaks and teaches at churches, conferences, and conventions around the country. He has authored several books and has contributed to many journals.

The NRB 2026 Opening Session is sponsored by CBN News and Christians Engaged / America Reads the Bible.

For more information or to register, visit NRBConvention.org. Full Registration or Tuesday-Only registration is required to attend the Opening Session.

To interview Troy A. Miller, please contact presscenter@nrb.org.

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About NRB
NRB is a nonpartisan, international association of Christian communicators whose member organizations represent millions of listeners, viewers, and readers. NRB’s mission is two-fold: To protect the free speech rights of our members to speak Biblical truth by advocating those rights in governmental, corporate, and media sectors; and to foster excellence, integrity, and accountability in our membership by providing networking, educational, ministry, and relational opportunities. Learn more at www.nrb.org.

About the NRB Convention
The annual NRB International Christian Media Convention is the largest nationally and internationally recognized event dedicated solely to assisting those in the field of Christian communications. The dynamic and award-winning Exposition consists of hundreds of organizations and is an active marketplace for those seeking products and services to enhance their organization. The 2026 Convention will be held February 17–20, 2026, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tenn. For more information, go to www.nrbconvention.org.