The 15 Best Church Technology Conferences for 2026 Leaders and Teams
The right church technology conferences can sharpen your team and stretch your ministry. But with so many options, knowing which events are worth your time is hard. This roundup covers the best conferences for church tech, production, IT, and leadership—so you can show up prepared, connected, and ready to grow.
Best Church Technology Conferences in 2026 Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best church technology conferences I think are worth attending in 2026:
- Global Leadership Summit - South Barrington, Illinois, USA (August 6–7, 2026)
- Church Facilities Expo (CFX) - Birmingham, Alabama, USA (September 14–16, 2026)
- Capture Summit - Birmingham, Alabama, USA (September 14–16, 2026)
- Church Sound & Media Summit - Nottingham, England (September 25–26, 2026)
- Church IT Network National Conference - Anderson, South Carolina (October 4–6, 2026)
- Shepherds 360 Church Leaders Conference - Cary, North Carolina (October 12–14, 2026)
- SALT Conference - Nashville, Tennessee (October 14–16, 2026)
- Acts 29 Global Conference - Athens, Greece (October 28–30, 2026)
- Churchfront Conference - Melbourne, Florida (November 3–4, 2026)
- Sovereign Grace Pastors & Leaders Conference - Orlando, Florida (November 11–13, 2026)
- C3 Conference - Grapevine, Texas (February 17–18, 2027)
- Church For The Rest Of Us Conference 2027 - West Palm Beach, Florida (March 4, 2027)
- Exponential 2027 Global Conference - Orlando, Florida (Multiple dates)
- Church-Leaders-Conference - Dallas, Texas (April 26-27, 2027)
- FILO Conference - South Barrington, Illinois (May 4–5, 2027)
Best Church Technology Conferences of 2026
Below are my summaries of the best church technology conferences that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each event’s dates, location, pricing, and unique offering.
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1.Global Leadership Summit - South Barrington, Illinois (August 6–7, 2026)
- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: Studio Audience – Willow Creek Community Church
- Pricing: $199 (super early bird rate)
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube
The Global Leadership Summit is organized by the Global Leadership Network and has run for 30+ years. It draws 350,000+ attendees across 100+ countries. The 2026 lineup includes Craig Groeschel, Andy Stanley, Priscilla Shirer, Jim Collins, and Candace Cameron Bure.
Why attend? The Summit brings together faith leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs under one roof for two days of leadership-focused keynotes, artistic elements, and global community. It's one of the few events that bridges church and marketplace leadership at scale, with sessions designed to be put into practice immediately.ct.
2.Church Facilities Expo (CFX) - Birmingham, Alabama (September 14-16, 2026)
Sound University (CSU) session via an SQ Series console.
- Dates: September 14-16, 2026
- Location: Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex
- Pricing: From $139
- Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn
Church Facilities Expo (CFX) is a three-day event uniting church tech, creative, facility, and safety teams under one roof. It's organized around two conferences—the Church Production Conference and the Worship Facility Conference—and is hosted at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center.
Why attend? CFX is the only church event that brings together both production and facility teams at once. You'll get expert-led sessions, hands-on masterclasses, a full expo floor, and a networking reception—all tailored to the real operational and technical challenges churches face..
3. Capture Summit - Birmingham, Alabama (September 14-16, 2026)
- Dates: September 14-16, 2026
- Location: Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center
- Pricing: From $139
A conference for church filmmakers, video production teams, creatives, and media directors focused on using storytelling to share the Gospel. Past presenters include Phil Cooke, Katie Allred, and Patrick Clark.
Why attend? Capture is hands-on and ministry-specific. Sessions cover video production, live streaming, digital strategy, and leadership—with gear demos, production tours, and a Church Filmcraft Festival. It's one of the few events where your whole creative and tech team can grow together in both craft and calling.
4. Church Sound & Media Summit - Nottingham, England (September 25–26, 2026)
- Dates: September 25-26, 2026
- Location: Trent Vineyard Conference Centre
- Pricing: From £42
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
The Church Sound & Media Summit is the UK's leading event for church sound, media, and production, running since 2019. Organized by Dan Bowater, it serves church leaders and volunteer tech teams of all experience levels with practical training and community.
Why attend? TCSMS is built around community, not just content. You'll get hands-on workshops, keynotes from industry pros, manufacturer demos from brands like Yamaha and Sennheiser, and the famously fun annual pub quiz—all designed for the unique realities of UK church tech teams.actical guidance, fresh vision, and tools to help their church grow in healthy, multiplying ways.
5. Church IT Network National Conference - Anderson, South Carolina (October 4-6, 2026)
The Church IT Network National Conference 2025
- Dates: October 4-6, 2026
- Location: Southeast Christian Church
- Pricing: $99 (early bird rate)
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
The Church IT Network National Conference is the annual gathering for church IT leaders, organized by the Church IT Network. Running since at least 2020, it brings together hundreds of church technology professionals for three days of learning, workshops, and peer networking.
Why attend? At just $99, it's one of the most affordable church tech gatherings out there. The focus is squarely on IT ministry—think infrastructure, strategy, and leadership, not production or media. You'll spend three days in hands-on workshops and real conversations with peers who share your exact challenges.ty on how to serve your community more effectively — all while staying grounded in faith and service.
6. Shepherds 360 Church Leaders Conference - Cary, North Carolina, (October 12-14, 2026)
- Dates: October 12-14, 2026
- Location: The Shepherd's Church
- Pricing: From $249
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
A three-day annual conference hosted by Shepherds Theological Seminary at The Shepherd's Church in Raleigh, NC. Now in its 13th year, the 2026 theme is "Church Matters!" with speakers including Erwin Lutzer, H.B. Charles Jr., and Stephen Davey.
Why attend? Shepherds 360 is built around warm hospitality, sound Bible teaching, and real pastor-to-pastor connection. You'll leave with practical tools, a stack of discounted books, and meals included. Sessions are led by trusted preachers and seminary faculty, making it a genuine spiritual retreat for ministry leaders.y.
7. SALT Conference - Nashville, Tennessee (October 14-16, 2026)
- Dates: October 14-16, 2026
- Location: Irving Bible Church
- Pricing: From $447
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
The SALT Conference is an annual gathering for church creatives and tech teams—sound, video, lighting, design, and production—organized by SALT Community. It focuses on creativity, worship, and practical ministry skills for those who make Sunday services happen.
Why attend? SALT blends spiritual renewal with hands-on skill-building. You'll get five main sessions, five workshop slots, and optional 4-hour Masterclass intensives, plus art installations and partner showcases—all designed around the realities of creative and technical church ministry.ing sessions. It's a chance for you and your team to learn from experts and connect with other leaders, enriching your ministry's impact.
8. Acts 29 Global Conference - Athens, Greece (October 28-30, 2026)
- Dates: October 28-30, 2026
- Location: Wyndham Grand Athens
- Pricing: €225
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
A conference organized by Acts 29 for church planters and pastors across Europe and beyond. The 2026 edition gathers in Athens, Greece. Speakers include Dan Strange and Acts 29 President Brian Howard.
Why attend? Set in Athens—where Paul preached on Mars Hill—this conference ties theology directly to place. It's built for church planters, with sessions on gospel proclamation in post-Christian Europe, plus optional post-conference vision trips to partner church plants in France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Italy, and more.
9. Churchfront Conference - Melbourne, Florida (November 3-4, 2026
- Dates: November 3-4, 2026
- Location: Rock Harbor Church
- Pricing:
- (In-person) $252.99
- (Virtual) $101.49
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
The Churchfront Conference is a 2-day event for church leaders run by Churchfront, focused on AVL (audio, video, and lighting) strategy and production excellence. It features keynotes, breakout workshops, and networking for worship and tech teams.
Why attend? This one is squarely built for church AVL teams. You'll get practical, systems-focused training—not theory—on audio, live streaming, lighting, and worship leadership, delivered by working practitioners. The small, focused format means real conversations and takeaways you can actually use the following Sunday.
10. Sovereign Grace Pastors & Leaders Conference - Orlando, Florida (November 11-13, 2026)
- Dates: November 11-13, 2026
- Location: Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area
- Pricing: From $184.80
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
A three-day conference organized by Sovereign Grace Churches for pastors and local church leaders. The 2026 theme is "Together in Christ," with keynote speaker John Piper and worship led by Sovereign Grace Music.
Why attend? This conference goes deep on the local church, covering everything from biblical counseling and children's ministry to worship leading and church finance. With over a dozen breakout sessions, you can tailor your experience to your specific role. Sessions led by speakers like Bob Kauflin and Jeff Purswell make this one of the more theologically grounded gatherings for church leaders.
11. C3 Conference - Grapevine, Texas (February 17-18, 2027)
- Dates: February 17-18, 2027
- Location: Fellowship Church
- Pricing: From $249
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
A two-day conference hosted by Fellowship Church's Ed Young, designed for pastors, staff, and church leaders. Past and upcoming speakers include Josh Howerton, Erwin McManus, Jonathan Pokluda, and John Acuff.
Why attend? C3 is built around creative, culture-shaping ministry. Breakout sessions cover student ministry, children's ministry, worship, production, leadership, and more—so your whole team can attend and grow in their specific roles. It's a high-energy, practically focused gathering with some of the most well-known voices in the church world.
12. Church For The Rest Of Us Conference 2027 - West Palm Beach, Florida (March 4, 2027)
- Dates: March 4, 2027
- Location: Family Church Downtown
- Pricing: From $50
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
A one-day event hosted by Family Church and led by Pastor Jimmy Scroggins, built for churches of all sizes navigating real ministry challenges. It blends practical training with genuine encouragement for the whole church team.
Why attend? CFTROU is designed for churches that don't have big budgets or megachurch resources. Breakout sessions cover leadership, ministry operations, and team culture in an approachable, no-fluff format. It's especially well-suited for pastors and staff who want grounded, practical takeaways they can actually use the following week.
13. Exponential 2027 Global Conference - Orlando, Florida (March 15-17, 2027)
- Dates: March 15-17, 2027 and March 18–20, 2027
- Location: First Baptist Orlando
- Pricing: See table below
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
A church multiplication conference organized by Exponential and led by Dave Ferguson. It draws 5,000+ leaders around a central theme—2026's focus is "Multiplier: How Healthy Leaders Create Lasting Impact." Speakers include J.D. Greear, Carey Nieuwhof, Danielle Strickland, and Pete Greig.
Why attend? With 250+ workshop options, pre-conference intensives, and networking lunches, Exponential goes deep on church planting, discipleship, multiethnic ministry, and leadership development. It's one of the largest church multiplication gatherings in the world—and the mix of global practitioners and hands-on sessions makes it genuinely worth the trip
14. Church Leaders Conference - Watermark Community Church - Dallas (April 26-27, 2027)
- Dates: April 26-27 or April 28-29, 2027
- Location: Watermark Community Church
- Pricing: From $229
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
A two-day conference hosted by Watermark Community Church in Dallas, TX. It's designed for all ministry roles—pastors, small group leaders, tech directors, operations staff, and volunteers. Sessions are led entirely by Watermark's own staff, offering behind-the-scenes access to real ministry.
Why attend? CLC stands out for its radical transparency. You're not just hearing keynote speakers—you're getting direct access to the people who run Watermark day-to-day. With 50+ breakouts, live ministry showcases, staff consulting appointments, and meals included, it's one of the most practical and personal church leadership conferences available.
15. FILO Conference - South Barrington, Illinois (May 4-5, 2027)
- Dates: May 4-5, 2027
- Location: Willow Creek Community Church
- Pricing: $79 (live stream) - $169 (in-person)
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
FILO (First In, Last Out) is a nonprofit conference founded in 2014 by Todd Elliott for church technical artists—audio, lighting, video, and production staff and volunteers. It draws 2,500+ attendees at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, IL.
Why attend? FILO is built specifically for the people who show up before everyone else and leave after everyone else. You get to actually participate in worship instead of producing it. Breakouts, main sessions, gear demos, production tours, and VIP parties make it one of the most niche and genuinely restorative gatherings in church tech.
Let Us Know How You Get On
We've hand-picked each of these conferences in order to provide you with the knowledge and opportunity you need to network with other church leaders. Let us know how you get on and if there are any we missed off the list that you think are worthwhile to attend.
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