The Society of Adventist Communicators, commonly referred to as SAC, traditionally organizes an annual conference that serves as a nexus for communicators, journalists, media professionals, and individuals involved in the realm of communication. This gathering facilitates the exchange of ideas, learning from experts, and discussions on topics pertinent to the Adventist Church and the broader field of communication. 

This year, the conference unfolded in Springfield, Massachusetts, from October 19 to 21. The event featured an array of program workshops, panel discussions, general sessions, and award ceremonies.

Communication student Anna Ramos had the opportunity to attend the conference for the first time. “I approached it with an open mind, free of any preconceived expectations,” shared Anna. “It was a very welcoming environment with communicators of different age groups. I was able to gain new insights into the work done by different communication departments.”

What were some of the conference highlights for you?

The workshops during the convention were definitely a highlight for me, with my favorite being PR and Crisis Communication: “How to Handle the Media During Crises” by Greg Dunn and Kevin Lampe. But overall, the opportunity to connect with fellow communicators and reunite with old friends added a layer of satisfaction to the event.

In what ways did you participate? 

As a first-time participant, I actively engaged in various workshops during the event, discussing subjects like crisis communication, PR and marketing, and social media management. Unfortunately, neither my classmate nor I had the opportunity to partake in any of the student awards. We remain hopeful that either we or another representative from PUC will secure recognition and bring home an award in the future.

What stood out the most during the conference?

After hearing from the panelists and speakers at the conference, I realized how much Adventist communicators can do and how much work is still ahead of us. It was really inspiring to see all the possibilities we have as communicators.

Can you share a favorite moment during the conference?

Unfortunately, I missed the media tours provided by the conference as part of the program- otherwise, it would have been my favorite moment at the conference. However, being able to get to know more communicators and see old friends became a source of enjoyment for me throughout the event.