Annual Meeting

Join the United Methodist Association of Communicators (UMAC) Tuesday, Oct. 20 through Friday, Oct. 23 in Nashville, Tennessee as we gather for our yearly meeting in Music City! We will be gathering at various locales in Nashville, including the United Methodist Communications offices and the General Board of Discipleship offices. We are looking forward to enjoying the sights and sounds from Nashville, as well as being so close to many United Methodist organizations and agencies.

 

 

What we’ll do
Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson will lead us in opening worship at 11:30 a.m. in the Upper Room Chapel. We then move to Jackson Hall at (GBOD) for lunch with keynote speaker Bishop Sally Dyck, resident bishop of the Minnesota Episcopal Area and president of the United Methodist Communications Commission.

 

On Wednesday morning, we’ll meet with the Rev. Larry Hollon and the staff at United Methodist Communications to learn a bit more about the agency’s  plans and programs for the next four years, and how they can help us in our work and ministries.

On Thursday night, we will celebrate communicators who have made significant contributions to the field of religious communications as we induct one member into the UMAC Hall of Fame and celebrate another as Communicator of the Year. The gala dinner event will feature the music of Celia Whitler. Dr. Fred Allen, Executive Director of Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century, will lead us in closing worship.

Workshops and panels topics include writing for blogs, integrating social media with existing media outlets, developing relationships with the secular media and pitching story ideas, telling your story through photographs, Rethink Church, and more. We will also be voting on some important legislation as well as electing a new Vice President and Treasurer. Read more information and reports to be made at the upcoming business meetings.

 

The photo contest is back, so don’t forget your cameras!

 

Lodging: Where we’ll stay
There is a discount on rooms at the Embassy Suites, which is located within walking distance of the General Board of Discipleship. The cost is $135 a night, single or double occupancy, which includes daily breakfasts and afternoon refreshments between 5:30 - 7 p.m. Each room at includes a living area with a sleeper sofa, a separate bedroom and bath - ideal for sharing. Wireless Internet access is free for UMAC attendees.

 

Reserve your room by Sept. 26  to qualify for the special rate! To make a reservation, click here or call the hotel directly at 615.277.4963 or 800.EMBASSY and tell them you’re from UMAC. We have made a commitment that a set number of rooms will be booked by UMAC members.

People using corporate credit cards to cover their room charges may bring their organization’s tax-exempt form if their organization is covering the room. If more than 1 person is sharing a room, both must bring their organization’s tax exemption forms to qualify.

People using organizational checks to cover their room must send the check to the hotel to be received 14 days in advance. The tax exemption form, if applicable, must accompany the check.

Transportation: Getting around
The General Board of Discipleship office is within walking distance of The Embassy Suites. Transportation to United Methodist Communications and from United Methodist Communications to the General Board of Discipleship on Wednesday morning will be provided by nearby Belmont United Methodist Church. The Embassy Suites also has a 15-person shuttle that transports people to locations within two miles of the hotel.

Amendment to proposed UMAC Bylaws available for download.