Perception: It's way too early to be thinking about the 2008 BCA Workshop, set for April 16-19, 2008, at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos in Chandler, Arizona.

Reality: With the plans being made by the local steering committee, this is a workshop you won't want to miss. Mark the dates in red on your calendar, set aside some budget funds and make your plans now to head out West next spring! It'll be the perfect time of year to be in the Valley of the Sun.

Sarah Raymond Cunningham, author of Dear Church: Letters from a Disillusioned Generation, will be one of the keynote speakers. As a 20-something herself, she'll give insight into the "Perceptions and Reality" of communicating with this younger generation and with those disappointed with the traditional, institutional church. You can learn more about Sarah from her website: http://www.dearchurch.com

Plans are also underway for a special four-session track on New Media Trends during the breakout times. These cutting-edge sessions will address the technology that allows us to communicate in new ways, story gathering techniques in this new age, aligning your organization's communication strategy, and more.

Keep checking the BCA newsletter and website as we post more details about the workshop in the coming weeks. We're even making plans to open registration in December for you fiscally-prudent types who have budget money you need to spend before year's end!