The 2023 United Methodist Association of Communicators (UMAC) annual meeting, was held October 22 to October 25 in the historic city of Charleston, South Carolina. The event brought together communicators from across The United Methodist Church connection for fellowship, learning and celebration.
UMCom played a prominent role in this year's event.
The presentations kicked off with Dan Krause’s update from UMCom. He touched on engaging new technology for ministry, embracing what we have now and looking to the future, partnerships, pitfalls to avoid and storytelling. After his speech the staff took advantage of the opportunity for a team photo.
Tim Tanton led a series of panel discussions on General Conference throughout the event. The panels included annual conference communicators, agency partners and Secretary of the Commission on General Conference, Gary Graves. (Watch this video from start to 1:19:00 to get an overview of what to expect at General Conference.)
UMCom only panels included:
- Legislative Overview: The Connectional Church included Tim Tanton and UM News writer Sam Hodges. (Watch the video starting at 1:22:00 forward for that panel.) Aileen Delgado was also involved as a speaker wearing her GCSRW marketing hat.
- Shop Talk with United Methodist Communications: Several team members also participated in a panel where they shared about the services and campaigns we offer. Staff included Poonam Patodia, Joe Iovino, Julie Dwyer and an assist by Kelly Tracy. (To view the panel start this video at 2:30 and go until 1:00:42.)
- Tim Tanton, Brenda Smotherman and Jennifer Rodia presented the last panel at the conference to discuss the General Conference press room, press center and our agencies overall communications approach and focus. Teresa Faust also assisted with some research insights. (Watch the panel video from 3:17:42 to 4:11:00.)
During the trip, the team took time to connect during the down times. They enjoyed big group dinner, being joined by a few friends, at a waterside restaurant the first night.
The team also joined together at the UMAC Awards Gala the last night of the conference to celebrate communications ministry. The United Methodist Communications team secured the following recognition:
Best in Class - #BeUMC denominational brand-identity campaign Staff United Methodist Communications
Best in Class 9: The Leonard M. Perryman Award of Excellence
Best in Class - United Methodist Ministry with Ukraine
United Methodist News / United Methodist Communications
Best in Class 3, The Donn Doten Award of Excellence
First Place - United Methodist Communications 2022 Annual Report
United Methodist Communications
Electronic Special Publication, Section or Supplement Category, General/Agency
First Place United Methodist Ministry with Ukraine
United Methodist News / United Methodist Communication
Article Series Category General/Agency Division
First Place - Forging a World of Peace series
UMCOM production and content teams
United Methodist Communications
Video Production Category: Costing $500-2,000 General/Agency Division
First Place - The Recap: What United Methodists need to know
United Methodist Communications
Video News Story Category General/Agency Division
First Place - Compass Podcast: Faith in Action and the Moral Monday Protest
Ryan Dunn, Michelle Maldonaldo
United Methodist Communications
Podcast or Internet Stream Category General/Agency Division
Third Place - “Get Your Spirit in Shape” with Juanita Rasmus
Crystal Caviness, Joe Iovino United Methodist Communications
Podcast or Internet Stream Category General/Agency Division
First Place - 2022 #BeUMC United Women in Faith event display
Troy Dorsett, Greg Petree, Patty DelliBovi, Bridget Sloane
United Methodist Communications
Logos/Branding Development Category General/Agency Division
First Place - #BeUMC denominational brand-identity campaign
United Methodist Communications
Campaign/Strategic Planning Category General/Agency Division
Second Place - “This Christmas Let’s Connect with Hope and Joy”
United Methodist Communications
Campaign/Strategic Planning Category General/Agency Division
View a full list of winners online.
Then before heading to the airport on the last day, a group went out and explored Charleston’s downtown including visits to the Market Hall area, the waterfront and saw the famous pineapple fountain.
Overall, the event was a great time that allowed attending staff to share our communications expertise and connect with fellow communicators.
Photos courtesy of Brenda Smotherman and Jennifer Rodia.