The NRB Christian Media Convention is the world’s largest gathering of Christian communicators and ministry professionals. NRB 2021 will be held in Grapevine, Texas June 21-24. Attendees will learn hands-on skills through a variety of keynotes, workshops, and panel discussions, get access to key insights and strategies from the largest Christian media companies in the world, and network with thousands of fellow Christian communicators.
NRB 2021 is designed to equip you to grow your ministry, church, or organization, reach more people with your message, and engage your audience effectively.
For over 75 years, NRB Christian Media Convention has been the premier conference for Christian communicators. NRB is grateful for the opportunity to once again host this event. Whether you are a broadcaster, producer, publisher, church media specialist, or work in any other area of Christian communications, the NRB Convention is the place to go to learn about your industry and connect with fellow Christian communicators.
What happens at NRB Convention?
Over the past year, our world has experienced change and uncertainty. One result of COVID-19 has been that many people haven’t had the opportunity to gather in person to network and fellowship over the past year. As we look forward to meeting in person once again, we’re finally seeing some good news. New cases of COVID-19 are decreasing, while the pace of vaccinations is increasing.
Our team is working hard to make sure that this event is safe, rewarding, and encouraging for everyone who attends. We’re committed to taking the necessary precautions to make this possible.
Even with social distancing and other precautions in place, NRB 2021 will give you the opportunity to see old friends and colleagues, form lasting personal friendships, and expand professional partnerships with thousands of fellow Christian communicators. This is still the place where everyone gathers under one roof to talk about advancing the gospel.
At NRB 2021, you should expect four jam-packed days of sessions where you will learn things like how to build and monetize your podcast, optimize your fundraising, prepare for the next era of digital ministry, navigate censorship and free speech issues, and much more.
In addition to talks and workshops with over 80 speakers, NRB 2021 will include an awards luncheon, worship, exhibits, press center, and other opportunities for networking. A full schedule of the event is available here.
“Every year we come here because this is where we connect with radio stations, television stations, and publishers because they all gather at this time once a year so that you can prepare for the next year,” said Tony Evans, president of the Urban Alternative.
It is our hope that this convention will equip you to advance the gospel through the learning opportunities and the many relationships and partnerships you will build at NRB 2021.
Who’s going to be there?
Throughout the week at NRB 2021, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from over 80 speakers including Mark Jobe, Paula Faris, Tony Evans, Allie Stuckey, David French, Tara-Leigh Cobble, and more.
Mark Jobe, president of Moody Bible Institute, and Paula Faris, Emmy-Award winning journalist, podcaster, speaker, and best-selling author, will speak at the opening session of the convention on Monday evening.
Jobe is the author of “Unstuck: Out of Your Cave and Into Your Call,” and the host of Bold Steps, a weekday program heard across Moody Radio’s nation-wide network of stations. For more than 30 years, Dr. Jobe has served as senior pastor of New Life Community Church in Chicago.
Faris is currently the host of “The Paula Faris Podcast.” Most recently, she spent 9 years at ABC News, during which she was a co-anchor of “Good Morning America’s” weekend edition, co-host of “The View,” and host of the “Journeys of Faith” podcast. While at the network, Faris reported on everything from politics, news, and entertainment to sports and faith.
Tony Evans, founder and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas and founder and president of The Urban Alternative, will be speaking at Tuesday night’s worship service. Evans is also a chaplain for the Dallas Mavericks and author of over 100 books, booklets, and Bible studies.
NRB is thankful for these Christian leaders and the many others joining them who are eager to equip and encourage their fellow Christian communicators.
The NRB Exposition
The NRB Exposition will be open Tuesday through Thursday at the convention. This is the largest marketplace dedicated to Christian media professionals. This exposition is alive with resources to help expand and enhance your media efforts. From innovative ideas and endeavors to must-have tools and equipment, the expo has it all.
When you attend the NRB Exhibit Hall, you will find over 100 exhibitors showcasing their products and services and have the opportunity to engage in face-to-face contact with industry professionals.
NRB 2021 Pitch-a-thon and Christian TV Showcase
If you have a completed film or video project, a screenplay you’d like to see made into a movie, a book you think would make a great movie, or a manuscript for a book you’d like to publish, the NRB 2021 Pitch-a-thon is for you.
If you sign up for NRB 2021 with a Full Convention Registration, Expo-Plus Registration, or a Thursday-Only Registration, you can pitch to at least two different distributors face-to-face at the NRB 2021 Pitch-a-thon at no extra cost.
The 2021 Pitch-a-thon will take place Thursday, June 24 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. In its seven years, the NRB Pitch-a-thon has resulted in deals, and a number of participants have received offers for distribution for their films, documentaries, short films, and other projects and screenplays.
The TV Showcase will take place on Monday, June 21 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and is designed to showcase programs for producers who are looking for exposure to network program directors and station managers. The showcase is also an opportunity for those in need of programs to see what is available, get contact information, and talk with producers and directors. Station managers and program directors find the event a convenient opportunity to check out new products and see current work that may not yet be owned by networks or affiliates.
Anyone can enter a showcase submission, but you must be registered for NRB 2021 in order to actually attend the event and speak about your project. Stay tuned for more information if you are interested in submitting a project or attending the showcase.
International Christian Visual Media Association Crown Awards
The International Christian Visual Media Association (ICVM) will host its annual awards show on Wednesday night at NRB 2021. Spanning everything from short films to feature length, documentary, acting, and everything in between, the awards highlight the best content from faith filmmakers around the globe. With over sixty nominees including films from Holland, Japan, Kosovo, Lebanon, and Brazil, the Crown Awards this year are more diverse than ever. With more nominees than at any time in the past, the films highlighted also cover a wide range of topics. From archaeology to history and conflicts in the Middle East, this year’s nominees showcase a wide range of talents in not only storytelling, but work that has the potential to change the world.
We are grateful for the opportunity to come alongside you and your ministry to advance the gospel. We hope you’ll join us this summer in Grapevine, Texas!
For more information and to register before our early bird deadline on March 12, visit our website www.nrbconvention.org.
Be sure to make your reservation at the Gaylord Texan, the location of all NRB 2021 events. Bring your family, explore Grapevine, and enjoy all this property has to offer!