She Speaks is a life-changing conference for women of every generation seeking to explore the tug on her heart to reach out to the world for Jesus. Through She Speaks, Proverbs 31 Ministries encourages and equips women who are called by God to share our mission to bring God’s peace, perspective and purpose to today’s busy woman. Sharing God’s truth with love is not only a holy calling but a remarkable responsibility. We believe by equipping women to become more effective at sharing the Word of God, we multiply our efforts to reach a hurting world with the life-transforming hope of Jesus.
Our entire team invites you to be a part of this life-changing conference and look forward to sharing our lives with you. It is our prayer that during this year’s conference, God will validate old dreams and inspire new ones.
I look forward to meeting you at our conference this year!
LeAnn Rice
Conference Director
Executive Director, Proverbs 31 Ministries
LeAnn@Proverbs31.org
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 2012:
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, build your platform, and market your ministry.
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.
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!
Optional Pre-Conference Seminar for Writers, Bloggers, and Women’s Ministry Directors:
This year we are offering one pre-conference seminar instead of two or three separate seminars. But we are offering more session options to choose from. Because we are not breaking these sessions up into specific tracks, you will be able to choose any of the sessions instead of just the session in your track! Additionally, we have made these sessions a little longer to allow time to interact with the session leaders! You will have the opportunity to ask questions of these experts in their specific fields.
Remember that this seminar takes place the morning of the main conference and will be completed before the main conference begins. Please make your travel plans accordingly.
The registration fee for each of this seminar is $150 and includes all materials and lunch (and a few surprises!). You must register if you wish to attend this pre-conference seminar.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Please note that the cancellation policy is as follows:
If your cancellation is received prior to June 20, 2012, you will be refunded all but $50.00 of your registration fee. If your cancellation is received after June 20, 2012, you will be refunded a total of $100.00. Please understand that this cancellation policy is necessary to protect any financial loss incurred by the ministry. If your cancellation is received less than 30 days before She Speaks, based on various vendor contracts, we are still required to pay for your room, materials, and food.
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
- Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings (if staying in conference hotel)
- Internet service (if staying at the conference hotel)
- All General Sessions
- Five breakout sessions and bonus session(s)
- 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
Please note: The optional pre-conference seminar is separate with an additional fee and different items of inclusion.
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 letter that may help you in your fundraising efforts. For a copy of the letter, click here. Click here to read scholarship testimonies! Or, please email Samantha at Samantha@proverbs31.org for more information. Should you decide to raise support, you will need to register for the conference to ensure your spot AND send Samantha@proverbs31.org your mailing address. This is imperative to making sure your funds are allocated to you.
How should I dress for the conference? The basic dress code for the conference is business-casual. We recommend comfortable pants (dress/trouser jeans are ok) 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’ 2011 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.
We do not foresee adding to our speaker team in the near future. However, should an opening become available, someone from the ministry would contact you.
What kind of women are you seeking to be part of your Speaker Team? We have been praying for more diversity on our team. We would love to see 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 desire 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
Travel Information
Conference Hotel:
All sessions, meetings, etc. will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Concord, North Carolina.
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 North:
Take exit 49, Bruton Smith Blvd. Make a right at the top of the exit onto Bruton Smith Blvd. and a left at John Q. Hammons Drive NW to the entrance of the hotel.
From I-85 South:
Take exit 49, Bruton Smith Blvd. Make a left at the top of the exit onto Bruton Smith 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, Bruton Smith Blvd. Turn left at John Q. Hammons Drive NW to entrance of hotel.
Taxi to and from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport is approximately $55.00 each way.
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: Shuttle service will be provided through an area church for $15.00 each way during specific hours (see registration form for hours). Voucher(s) will be sent to you if you select this option on your registration form.
