Although a cool fall rain streamed outside for most of the event, spirits were bright, minds were eager, and conversations were lively at the 2017 Society of Adventist Communicators convention held in the Portland, Oregon, area on Oct. 19-21. A blend of more than 250 professionals and students attended communication workshops, expert panel discussions, area media tours, special worship services, and an Adventist film screening — all geared toward “Building Bridges” of communication with other Adventists and within the community.
“What I enjoy most about SAC are the opportunities it provides students and the variety of sessions and talks offered,” said Danica Eylenstein, senior communication major with an emphasis in emerging media and a minor in English at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Golden Cords editor-in-chief and The Clocktower news editor. “The convention provides a learning opportunity outside of the typical classroom environment and offers a great time for networking.”
Eylenstein, who attended last year’s convention, also appreciated the Friday breakout session by keynote speaker Kem Meyer and the Sabbath morning sermon from Terry Johnsson. “Both talks were encouraging, informative, and relevant, while maintaining the audience’s full attention,” Eylenstein said.
The three-day event culminated with an awards banquet where almost 90 certificates were distributed to both professionals and students for communication projects in several disciplines: written word/print media; spoken word (radio/podcast); video (broadcast and web); design; and campaign (advertising and promotions).
Kimberly Luste Maran is assistant director of communication for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America.
