GENERAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION

In June 2001, Proverbs 31 Ministries began a new area of outreach called She Speaks to help women live out the truth of Proverbs 31:26, “She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Since then, we have hosted an annual She Speaks conference to encourage and equip women as they communicate God's Word through writing, sharing their testimony, leading a Bible study and speaking from the podium.

Over the years the conference has grown beyond anything we could ever have imagined. Each year we are overwhelmed by the cards, letters, and emails we receive following the conference. Women from around the globe are equipped, encouraged, and inspired. As one attendee wrote, “I have attended numerous speakers and writers conferences and I can tell you that nothing compares to She Speaks. The sessions were filled with tons of valuable information and resources. I had no idea how much I didn't know! I was able to meet with a publisher that I had previously been unable to even contact. But, what really set this conference apart is that God showed up! I will definitely be back next year!”

Here's what's in store for 2008:

She Speaks : (Speakers Track) Whether you feel led to speak in a large arena or lead Bible studies in your church, you will be equipped with the tools you need to effectively share your message, create a bio sheet, market your ministry, and jazz up your presentation.

She Writes : (Writers Track) Learn everything from basic writing guidelines to preparing an article or manuscript for submission, and everything in between. In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with some of the top editors, publishers, and literary agents in the Christian market.

She Leads : (Women's Ministry Track) This track is specifically designed for women's ministry directors and facilitators. Learn creative ways to reach your community, organize small groups, select a team of volunteers, plan successful events, and network with other directors.

She Influences : (The Next Generation Track) This track provides 12-17 year old young women with the confidence they need to make a difference within their own sphere of influence, and equipping them with skills that will enable them to answer God's call on their lives to speak or write for His Kingdom.

We want this to be a life-changing weekend for each and every woman who attends She Speaks . We have tried to answer the most commonly asked questions about our conference. If you have a question that we have not addressed, please do not hesitate to contact us at shespeaks@proverbs31.org .

We look forward to seeing you at the conference! We are praying for God's direction and leadership in your life!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I attend a Speaker breakout session if I am on the Writers' Track? Absolutely. You may be attending the conference to develop your writing skills but you are also interested in speaking. You may be on the Women's Ministry Leadership Track and have an interest in writing a devotional. Feel free to select the breakout session of your choice in each time slot.

What does the registration fee cover? The registration fee includes:

•  Dinner on Friday evening

•  Lunch on Saturday

•  Dinner on Saturday evening

•  All General Sessions

•  Five breakout sessions and bonus session

•  Comprehensive conference notebook and resources

•  Networking possibilities

•  Application-oriented training

•  Personal interaction with experienced speakers, writers, and leaders in women's ministry

•  Opportunity to meet with publishers and editors

Is there scholarship money available to assist those who wish to attend the conference and cannot afford it? We try very hard to keep the cost of the conference at a minimum, but we do understand sometimes financial circumstances may prevent some who really feel called to attend. Because scholarship information is subject to change, please contact the office to find out if funds are available at a given time. We also encourage you to let your friends, family members, co-workers, and people from your church know about your desire to attend the conference. Many women have been afforded the opportunity to attend in years past just by getting the word out. We have prepared a flyer that may help you in your fundraising efforts. Please email Samantha at Samantha@proverbs31.org for more information.

How should I dress for the conference? The basic dress code for the conference is business-casual. We recommend comfortable pants (not jeans) and a nice top. We want you to be comfortable so we don't recommend high heels or uncomfortable shoes. We also recommend that you bring a sweater or a lightweight blazer, as the meeting rooms can get quite chilly at times. If you will be participating in a speaker evaluation group and/or meeting with a publisher or editor, you should dress professionally during these situations.

As a speaker, what credential will I gain from attending the conference? If you participate in a speaker evaluation group, after attending this year's She Speaks conference you may use “a graduate of the Proverbs 31 Ministries' 2008 She Speaks, speakers and writers conference” as a credential on your bio sheet.

Can I apply to be part of the Proverbs 31 Speaker Team? We evaluate the needs of our speaker team on an annual basis. When the need to add to our team becomes apparent, we first consider applicants who are on our waiting list. If you have prayed about the vision of our ministry and God's calling on your life and feel called, committed and willing to make a commitment to Proverbs 31 Ministries you may apply to be part of the Proverbs 31 Ministries Speaker Team.

Before applying, each applicant will need to have an active speaking schedule for one year. During this year, we also ask that each applicant be involved with Proverbs 31 Ministries in some area of service so that we can get to know her, her gifts and commitment level. There are additional requirements, commitments and expenses for those who sense God calling them to this team. These requirements are designed to build consistency and unity as we go out to speak. The members of our team will be trained to understand and represent the various areas of the ministry. We believe this new level of commitment will form a strong partnership to help women build their speaking platform and equip them to carry God's message of hope and the vision of Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Should openings become available, someone from the ministry would contact you.

What kind of women are you seeking to be part of your Speaker Team? We are looking for women of every generation and of every race who feel called to not only speak, but to teach God's Word and challenge women to apply His truths in every area of their lives. We need speakers who God has clearly called to give their time and talents to develop Proverbs 31 Ministries as we build relationships with churches where we speak and with women to whom we minister.

How can I submit articles for The P31 Woman magazine? Proverbs 31 Ministries is always seeking contributions that support our mission of encouraging and equipping women in the Seven Principles of The Proverbs 31 Woman. We welcome seasonal topics such as back-to-school, summer vacation tips, holidays, etc. We also appreciate articles that address particular needs of women such as single motherhood, raising an adopted child, dealing with adolescence and teenagers, and taking care of parents, just to mention a few ideas. For submission guidelines, send an email with your request to Glynnis Whitwer at editor@proverbs31.org .

How can I serve if I live outside of Charlotte, NC ?

• Become a Prayer Partner with Proverbs 31 Ministries
• Promote Proverbs 31 Ministries in your area by contacting churches to make them aware of our ministry, P31 Woman magazine, daily devotions, etc.
• Contact radio stations in your area to see if they would host our daily radio program
• Contact bookstores in your area to promote Proverbs 31 resources
• Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at: volunteer@proverbs31.org.

Travel Information

Conference Hotel:

All sessions, meetings, etc. will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Concord, North Carolina. (Our block of sleeping rooms is currently full but you may contact the hotel directly to see if rooms are available outside of our block.)

Embassy Suites Hotel Resort & Conference Center
5400 John Q Hammons Drive NW
Concord, NC 28027
Phone: 704-455-8200

http://embassysuitesconcord.com

Flight Information:

Charlotte/Douglas Airport (CLT) - Charlotte , NC

Driving Directions:

From I-85 Northbound:
Take exit 49, Speedway Blvd. Make a right at the top of the exit onto Speedway Blvd. and a left at John Q. Hammons Drive NW to the entrance of the hotel.

From I-85 Southbound:
Take exit 49, Speedway Blvd. Make a left at the top of the exit onto Speedway Blvd. and a left at John Q. Hammons Drive NW to entrance of hotel.

From Charlotte-Douglas International Airport:
Exit the airport and take I-85 to Exit 49, Speedway Blvd. Turn left at John Q. Hammons Drive NW to entrance of hotel.

Taxi to and from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport is $45.00

For more travel information or driving directions from your specific location, visit the travel page of the Embassy Suites website:

http://embassysuitesconcord.com/maps.aspx

NOTE: Proverbs 31 Ministries hopes to provide transporation from the airport to the hotel via a shuttle service. If we are able to make these arrangements, we will post the information and rates once available.