Conference Schedule

Tuesday July 27

9:00-9:45 a.m
A 2021 Vision for Effective Marketing and Communications – Speaker: Katie Pesha
Look at your marketing and communications with fresh eyes. Katie will empower you with effective tactics to engage new pilgrims, customers and constituents, while strengthening connections within your current community. These marketing strategies apply to business, shrine, ministry, and also parish marketing outreach.
 
10:00-10:45 a.m
Catholic Writers’ Track Welcome and Meet & Greet – Led by Amy J. Cattapan, DM, Ed.D.
Whether you are a member of the Catholic Writers Guild or someone interested in becoming a writer, join award-winning author and educator Amy J. Cattapan for this opening session to the Catholic Writers’ Track. We’ll have opportunities to meet other writers and brainstorm ideas for how we can all work to bring about a revival of Catholic literature.
 
11:00-11:45 a.m.
Catholic Writers’ Track Panel Discussion #1 - Marketing
Moderator: Rebecca Fleckenstein
Panelists: Leslea Wahl, Amy J. Cattapan, Cathy Knipper, Tony Kolenc
Join a panel of multi-published award-winning authors, including Leslea Wahl and Amy J. Cattapan, for a lively discussion on marketing for authors. Learn techniques for reaching your target audience and building up your fan base.
 
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Business Ministry Luncheon
Luncheon with Special Virtual Guest Speaker from Scotland, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder of the Mary's Meals ministry invites us to explore the art of living generously.
 
1:30-2:15 p.m.
The Power of Platform
This Business and Ministry Seminar Panel Discussion, hosted by Bill Kassel, will provide important information to communicate your message in the age of "cancel culture.” Anyone active in a Catholic in a faith-inspired business, evangelization ministry, devotional apostolate, or faith-enrichment initiative in a parish or a shrine will find value in this discussion. Bill's special guest, Nick De La Torre, with Awaken Catholic, will share his experiences of success and struggle in his journey to establish his amazing platform.
 
2:30-3:15 p.m.
CMN Culture of Life Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy
 
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Catholic Writers’ Track Panel Discussion #2 - Legal Issues for Authors
Moderator: Amanda Lauer
Panelists: Tony Kolenc, Elizabeth Tomlin, Arthur Powers via Zoom
Writers face their own challenges when it comes to legal issues: book contracts, sales tax, and more! If you’ve got a burning legal question related to your work as an author, join moderator Amanda Lauer as she discusses legal issues for authors with authors and lawyers Tony Kolenc, Elizabeth Tomlin, and Arthur Powers.
 
Time TBD
Group Dinner to Moretti’s Restaurant and Pizzeria
Those who are interested may join us for a group dinner at this local Chicagoland tradition! (Meal not included in ticket price.)

Wednesday July 28

8:00 a.m.
Rosary and Mass
 
9:00-10:00 a.m.
Catholic Writers’ Track Panel Discussion #3 - The Path to Publication
Moderator: Tony Kolenc
Panelists: Heidi Hess Saxton, Chris Sparks, Rebecca Martin
Ever wondered what it takes to get published in the Catholic marketplace? How does an author get their work noticed by a Catholic press? Join us for a discussion with a variety of publishing professionals, including Heidi Hess Saxton (Ave Maria Press), Chris Sparks (Marian Press), and Rebecca Martin (OSV).
 
10:00-11:00 a.m.
Catholic Writers’ Track Panel Discussion #4 - Social Media for Authors
Moderator: Barb Szyszkiewicz
Panelists: Leslea Wahl, Cathy Knipper, Allison Gingras
Today’s social media options are numerous. How’s an author supposed to navigate all the choices out there? Find out from authors who are active on social media what is working and what is not!
 
11:00-11:20 a.m.
Pray the Angelus with Michael O'Neil, the Miracle Hunter
 
Lunch on your own
 
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Catholic Writers’ Track Panel Discussion #5 - Self-Publishing
Moderator: Carmela Martino
Panelists: Annie Harton, Leslea Wahl, Sara Harris, Carolyn Astfalk
Interested in publishing your own books? Authors choose self-publishing for a variety of reasons, and it comes with its own sets of joys and challenges. Hear from Catholic authors who have self published their work and find out what has worked for them.
 
3:00-3:30 p.m.
Divine Mercy Chaplet with Fr. Chris Alar
 
3:45-4:45 p.m.
Catholic Writers’ Track First Page Critique Workshop
Facilitated by Carmela Martino
Looking for constructive feedback on the opening of your fiction story or novel? Bring 2-4 copies of the first page of your work in progress (double-spaced, up to 250 words), and join writing instructor Carmela Martino as she guides you and other writers through a critique session in a warm, supportive environment. Open to new and experienced writers.
 
5:30-6:00 p.m.
Cocktail Reception
 
6:00-6:30 p.m.
Author/Artisan Meet and Greet
 
6:30-7:30 p.m.
CMN Celebration of Faith and Film with Danielle Bean & Father Jim Phalan
Be part of a fun, entertaining, and interactive Celebration of Faith and Film hosted by Holy Cross Family Ministries. Watch exclusive film clips and be inspired by the way film can renew culture.

Thursday July 29

7:00-8:00 a.m.
Early Bird Mass & Rosary
 
8:00-9:00 a.m.
Impact Breakfast
The Momentum ’21 Impact Keynote Speaker is Fr. Don Calloway. Father Calloway is a beloved Catholic speaker who will inspire each attendee to look to the example of St. Joseph’s virtues, like humility and steadfastness, to strengthen the impact of their personal and professional ministry.
 
9:00-9:45 a.m.
The Power of Podcasting
Brooke Taylor, will host a special breakout session on the power of podcasting. Brooke will lead an amazing team of top podcasters that includes the Dynamic Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Nick De La Torre, and more, sharing the benefits and blessings, traps and trials of hosting a podcast. Don't miss this candid insider glimpse into how they do what they do. Interested in starting or sponsoring a podcast? Get prepared by learning from these professionals!
 
10:00-11:00 a.m.
Catholic Writers’ Track Closing Session: Envisioning the Future of the Catholic Literature – Led by Amy J. Cattapan, DM, Ed.D.
In this wrap-up session, join Amy J. Cattapan for a hope-filled discussion on what the future of Catholic literature might look like. How can we who are passionate about our faith and writing help to bring about a revival of Catholic arts and letters?
 
11:00-11:45 a.m.
The Power of Film and Live-Streamed Video
Accomplished film professional, Ashley Zahorian, breaks down the complexities of creating and using streaming video content in business and ministry. The power of film is undeniable. Ashley will help you harness it to reach a broad audience, build your brand, communicate your message, or all of the above. Discover the path to success and the pitfalls to avoid.

Lunch on your own

1:00-4:00 p.m.
Book Sale at the Catholic Writers Guild Booth
Authors with books that have the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval or an imprimatur may sell their own books at the CWG booth. Authors are responsible for their own sales and sales taxes.
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